1. How the review system works

After checkout, both host and guest have 14 days to leave a review. The system is double-blind: neither party sees the other's review until both submit or the window expires. Once published, reviews cannot be edited.

1.1 What guests rate

Guests score on a 1-5 star scale across: overall experience, cleanliness, accuracy, communication, check-in, location, and value. Your overall rating is most visible and most important for ranking.

1.2 The 2025 algorithm change

Airbnb now weights recent reviews far more heavily than historical ones. A single recent 1-star review can noticeably reduce visibility even with years of perfect ratings. The algorithm also analyses review text sentiment, not just star numbers. Enthusiastic language ("amazing", "spotless", "could not fault it") boosts ranking more than a bland 5-star review.

1.3 Superhost threshold

You need a 4.8+ overall rating to qualify for Superhost. Airbnb reports Superhosts earn 60% more RevPAR. For more on earnings, see our guide to Superhost earnings.

2. Responding to reviews

You have 30 days to post a public response. Responses publish instantly and cannot be edited or deleted.

2.1 For positive reviews

Thank the guest by name and reference their stay. Keep it brief. This shows future guests you are engaged and appreciative.

2.2 For negative reviews

• Lead with empathy. Acknowledge the experience. Apologise where appropriate.
• Explain corrective actions. "We have since replaced the mattress" or "we have added a second heater."
• Keep it professional. Future guests read your response to judge how you handle problems, not to referee the dispute.
• Avoid: emotional language, arguing point by point, sarcasm, disclosing private guest details.

A calm, professional response to a bad review often builds more trust than the review itself damages. For removal options, see our guide to deleting Airbnb reviews. For strategies to prevent bad reviews, see our guide to getting more 5-star reviews.

3. Getting more 5-star reviews

• Accurate listing: match photos and description to reality. Guests who feel misled leave bad reviews.
• Spotless cleaning: the number one review driver. Professional cleaning with a consistent checklist.
• Fast communication: respond within 1 hour. Send proactive check-in instructions and a mid-stay check-in.
• Small touches: welcome note with the guest's name, local recommendations, good coffee. These generate the enthusiastic review language the algorithm rewards.
• Ask politely: a friendly post-checkout message mentioning you would appreciate a review. Most satisfied guests simply forget.

Professional property managers maintain Superhost-level review scores across portfolios because they systematise all of the above. For more on what management includes, see our guide to costs of running a holiday let.