How to Get More 5-Star Reviews on Airbnb and Vrbo

Want more 5-star reviews on Airbnb or Vrbo? Focus on these key areas:

• Set clear expectations: Use up-to-date photos and detailed descriptions to avoid surprises.
• Prioritize cleanliness: Maintain "hotel-level" standards - immaculate rooms leave lasting impressions.
• Offer thoughtful amenities: Stock essentials like coffee, toiletries, and extra towels. Small gestures, like welcome baskets, can make a big difference.
• Communicate effectively: Respond quickly to guest inquiries and send timely instructions.
• Request reviews strategically: Automate follow-ups after checkout to boost review rates.
• Address issues proactively: Check in mid-stay to resolve problems privately before they become public complaints.

These steps can increase your occupancy rates, boost income, and build trust with future guests.

How To Get 90% of Your Airbnb Guests To Leave a 5-star Review

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Set Accurate Guest Expectations

Closing the gap between what guests expect and what they experience is key to avoiding negative reviews. John Fertic from Better Home Photos puts it perfectly:

In the era of the VRBO Premier Host 2026 standards, your photos are essential defenses against mismatched expectations.

When your listing reflects the property as it truly is, guests arrive with realistic expectations. And realistic expectations lead to more understanding and satisfied guests. Two key ways to align expectations are through accurate visuals and detailed descriptions.

Use Clear, High-Quality Photos

Your photos should represent your property as it looks right now, not how it appeared a year or two ago. Using outdated images creates what some call a "Visual Time-Warp Effect." For example, if your photos show pristine furniture or freshly landscaped gardens, but guests arrive to find faded cushions or overgrown greenery, disappointment is inevitable. To avoid this, update your photos every 12 to 18 months or immediately after renovations or changes in décor.

Don't shy away from showing potential limitations either. Highlight features like narrow staircases, tight parking spaces, or small rooms. As STR Cribs explains:

When guests find a property that looks exactly like the photos, you've won half the battle for a 5-star accuracy rating.

By being upfront through your visuals, you attract guests who appreciate your space for what it is, and you build trust that sets the tone for a great stay.

Write Complete Property Descriptions

While photos capture the look, your description fills in the details. A thorough property description should answer all the questions a guest might have before booking. Cover practical details like parking availability, WiFi strength, and the layout of rooms. If you provide amenities like coffee or soap, clarify whether these are just starter supplies or enough for the entire stay.

Also, don’t gloss over potential drawbacks. Be open about things like street noise, wildlife sounds, or restrictions like hot tub hours. As Hostex points out:

There is no need to be clever to hide the shortcomings of the house... undisclosed issues often result in poor reviews.

Regularly reviewing and updating your descriptions ensures they remain accurate and helpful, further reducing the chances of mismatched expectations.

Focus on Cleanliness and Amenities

After setting expectations, the next step to ensuring guest satisfaction is prioritizing cleanliness and offering thoughtful amenities. Cleanliness, in particular, plays a major role in shaping review scores. As AskYourStay puts it:

"Cleanliness is the review category with the biggest impact on your overall score. A spotless property covers a multitude of other minor issues."

A survey by Evolve of over 8,000 travelers revealed that cleanliness is the number one priority when selecting a vacation rental. By excelling in this area and offering well-considered amenities, hosts can create an experience that encourages glowing guest reviews.

Keep the Property Spotless

The gold standard for cleanliness? Think "hotel standard or better." STR Cribs emphasizes this point:

"In short-term rentals, 'clean' means 'immaculately clean' - hotel standard or better. There should be zero evidence of previous guests."

This means paying attention to every detail: no hair in drains, no dust on ceiling fans, and no fingerprints on mirrors. Using detailed, room-by-room checklists during turnovers can help ensure nothing is overlooked. High-touch areas like remote controls, light switches, the spaces under furniture, and inside drawers often go unnoticed but are critical to achieving a flawless clean.

Invest in durable, commercial-quality white linens and towels that can withstand bleaching and sanitizing between stays. Provide at least 1.5 bath towels per guest, and ensure all fixtures and hardware are polished to a streak-free shine. Before guests arrive, do a "smell test" to confirm the property has a neutral scent - free from cooking odors, mustiness, or overpowering cleaning products.

Provide Basics and Thoughtful Extras

A clean property is essential, but offering the right supplies and small extras can elevate the guest experience even further. Stock your rental with essentials so guests never feel the need to ask. This includes items like four rolls of toilet paper per bathroom, plenty of fresh towels, and kitchen basics such as cooking oil, salt, pepper, and coffee.

Take it a step further by adding thoughtful touches. For example, create an "I Forgot" basket in the bathroom with items like new toothbrushes, razors, shaving cream, makeup remover wipes, and pain relievers. In the kitchen, go beyond the basics by providing high-quality coffee beans with a grinder, a sharp chef’s knife, and a sturdy cutting board.

Want to make an even better impression? Consider a small welcome basket with local coffee or snacks, typically costing $15 to $30. These personal touches can make a big difference during what STR Cribs calls the critical "first two hours" of a stay - when guests form their initial impressions and decide if your property deserves five stars.

Communicate Clearly with Guests

Quick and clear communication can make a huge difference in how guests perceive their stay. When guests feel valued and supported, they're much more likely to leave glowing 5-star reviews - even if small hiccups occur during their visit. Pairing this approach with clear expectations and well-thought-out amenities ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Reply Quickly and Offer Clear Instructions

Timing is everything. Studies show that hosts who respond to inquiries within an hour are three times more likely to turn those inquiries into bookings compared to those who take six hours to reply.

"Response speed is one of the strongest predictors of review quality. A guest who sends a question and gets an answer within minutes feels cared for." – AskYourStay

To maintain Superhost status on Airbnb, you need to respond to at least 90% of initial messages within 24 hours. However, guests typically expect a reply much faster - ideally within an hour, or even within 15 minutes during the day. Meeting these expectations can significantly impact how guests feel about your hosting.

One effective strategy is to use a three-part messaging system:

• Send an immediate booking confirmation.
• Share a logistics reminder 72 hours before check-in.
• Provide key details, like check-in instructions, on the day of arrival.

To make this process even smoother, consider using AI tools to handle repetitive questions and streamline communication.

Use AI Tools for Guest Messaging

While fast manual responses are important, AI tools can take efficiency to the next level. A typical Airbnb booking generates 8–12 guest messages, with about 70% of them covering the same topics - like WiFi passwords, check-in codes, or parking details. Typing out the same responses repeatedly can eat up your time.

AI tools like Howard can step in to handle these repetitive queries while keeping the tone personal. Using a "draft and approve" system, AI can generate tailored replies based on your property's details, which you can review before sending. This approach can save up to 80% of the time you'd spend on manual replies and cut errors by as much as 90%. For example, AI can reduce response times from 5 minutes to just 90 seconds.

Howard also customizes messages with property-specific details - like the guest's name, check-in date, and property name - so your communication feels personal, not robotic. You can even set up a 24/7 digital concierge that guests can access via a QR code. This tool provides instant, multi-language support without requiring extra effort from you.

Add Personal Touches and Local Tips

Thoughtful details can leave a big impression on your guests and play a key role in earning glowing reviews. Something as simple as a handwritten note or a chilled bottle of water in the fridge costs very little but creates a lasting memory. These small efforts show your guests that their comfort was top of mind even before they arrived.

"Once inside, a personalized note or welcome gift can make tired travelers feel special and well cared for." – Evolve

These gestures set the tone for a personalized stay, complementing practical tools like a digital guidebook that provides local insights.

Create a Digital Guidebook with Local Recommendations

Guests love insider tips that they can’t find on mainstream review sites. Instead of overwhelming them with every option in town, focus on categories like "date night dinner", "quick bites near the beach", or "rainy day activities". Add specific advice, such as the best time to visit a nearby trail to avoid crowds or a must-try off-menu dish at a local café.

Hosts who offer well-organized guidebooks often see tangible benefits: 42% fewer mid-stay messages, a 0.3-star boost in average review scores, and are 2.5 times more likely to receive comments about their helpfulness. Be sure to also include practical information, like the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and how long it takes to walk to key spots.

Using tools like Howard simplifies this process. It allows you to combine property details, local tips, and emergency contacts into a single, shareable link or QR code. Guests can instantly access WiFi passwords, house rules, and your curated recommendations without needing to reach out. The platform’s AI-powered FAQ feature can even handle common questions around the clock, cutting down your communication workload by as much as 86%.

While digital tools are invaluable, don’t underestimate the power of small, tangible gestures to make your guests feel welcome.

Include Welcome Gifts or Handwritten Notes

Acknowledging special occasions with a handwritten note or offering small local treats adds a personal touch that guests truly appreciate. These gestures often encourage a sense of reciprocity, increasing the chances of a stellar review. For example, leaving locally made biscuits or a small carton of milk for the morning shows thoughtfulness and care.

"A 5-star should be given when it is beyond doubt that the host went above and beyond of what was expected to make the guests entire stay enjoyable and memorable." – Gwen386, Airbnb Host

Keep it simple and practical. A bottle of sparkling water in the fridge or a neighborhood map can go a long way in making guests feel cared for. The goal is to create a warm and welcoming experience without overwhelming them.

Use Technology to Request Reviews

Getting guest reviews takes effort, but the right tools can make it almost effortless. Automated review reminders are a great way to keep guest feedback flowing and boost your property's reputation. For example, one host who started using automated reminders saw their review rate soar from 60% to 99%. Automation ensures reviews are collected without depending on guests to remember on their own.

The secret lies in timing and consistency. Guests are most likely to leave feedback when their stay is still fresh in their minds. Automated tools take care of follow-ups, so you don’t have to manually track every guest.

Send Review Reminders at the Right Time

Automated review reminders build on good guest communication and help secure more positive ratings. A simple two-message sequence is often enough. The first request should go out one day after checkout, while the experience is still top of mind. If the guest hasn’t responded, a second, polite reminder can be sent 12 days after checkout - just before the 14-day review window closes on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

Platforms like Howard make this process seamless. After a guest checks out, Howard sends a thank-you message with a direct link to leave a review. If no response comes in, it automatically follows up with a friendly nudge before the deadline. This hands-off system saves time and ensures no reviews slip through the cracks.

Another effective strategy is reviewing your guest first. When you submit a review for them, they get notified but can’t see your comments until they write their own review. This often sparks curiosity and encourages them to reciprocate.

Once you’ve collected reviews, the next step is to use that feedback to fine-tune your hosting approach.

Review Past Ratings and Make Improvements

Beyond collecting reviews, guest feedback is a goldmine for improving your property. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo break ratings into categories such as cleanliness, communication, and accuracy. If you notice consistent 4-star ratings in a specific area, it’s a clear sign that adjustments are needed.

Take a close look at your last 10–20 reviews to spot recurring themes. For instance, if multiple guests mention unclear check-in instructions, it’s time to update your digital guidebook with clearer directions. If cleanliness ratings fall short, consider revising your cleaning process or adding a quality check.

Howard’s centralized dashboard simplifies this process by compiling feedback from multiple properties in one place. Instead of toggling between separate Airbnb and Vrbo accounts, you can view all your ratings together, making it easier to identify trends and prioritize changes. Acting on guest feedback not only improves your overall ratings but also strengthens your reputation and boosts listing performance. A thoughtful, data-driven approach ensures you focus on areas that make the biggest difference.

Address Problems Before They Become Bad Reviews

Handling issues before they snowball into public complaints is a game-changer when it comes to exceeding guest expectations. Often, a glowing 5-star review isn't about avoiding problems entirely - it's about how quickly and thoughtfully you respond. Whether it's a broken appliance or a missing amenity, guests are much more forgiving if you resolve the issue promptly and show genuine care. The trick? Spotting the problem early and giving guests an easy way to share concerns privately.

Fix Issues Immediately

Timing is everything. When a guest reports a problem, respond right away - acknowledge the issue, offer an apology, and outline how and when you'll fix it.

Better yet, try to catch potential problems before the guest even mentions them. A proactive check-in message 24–36 hours after arrival can make all the difference. A quick note like, "Hope you're settling in well - is everything as you expected?" gives guests a chance to voice concerns privately - and early.

"The proactive mid-stay check-in is the single highest-leverage action a host can take to improve their review score. It turns a potential 4-star into a 5-star by addressing friction before it becomes feedback." - MagicBNB

To stay prepared, maintain a trusted list of local service providers - plumbers, HVAC technicians, electricians - who can tackle emergencies fast. Top hosts often have someone on-call who can arrive within 30 minutes if something urgent comes up. If an immediate fix isn’t possible, small gestures like offering a late checkout, a discount, or even a thoughtful gift can leave a lasting positive impression.

Ask for Private Feedback First

Quick fixes can save an experience, but creating a private feedback loop can help you improve long-term. Encourage guests to share their critiques directly with you instead of airing them in a public review. A private feedback channel, whether through a form, app, or even a handwritten note, shows that you're open to hearing suggestions and value their input.

After checkout, send a thank-you message and invite guests to share any private feedback. This approach not only helps you address issues before they go public but also highlights patterns - like unclear check-in instructions or uncomfortable bedding - that you can fix for future guests.

Tools like Howard's digital guidebook can also help prevent frustration by providing instant answers to common questions about WiFi, thermostats, or appliances. When guests can solve minor problems themselves, they’re more likely to leave with a positive impression and, ultimately, a glowing review.

Conclusion

Getting consistent 5-star reviews isn’t about luck - it’s about having a system. The best hosts approach reviews as part of a structured process, broken into three key phases: pre-arrival (setting clear and accurate expectations), during the stay (staying proactive with communication and resolving issues), and post-checkout (promptly requesting reviews). Each phase demands careful attention to detail and a commitment to making every guest’s experience exceptional.

At its core, the formula for a great stay doesn’t change: spotless cleanliness, honest and detailed listings with high-quality photos, quick and efficient communication, and thoughtful personal touches that make guests feel welcome. Technology can amplify these efforts - tools like Howard’s digital guidebook provide instant answers to common questions, while automated messaging ensures guests never miss a check-in or review request.

Interestingly, most 4-star reviews come from small, avoidable issues rather than major problems. A quick mid-stay check-in can often identify and resolve these minor friction points before they show up in a public review. As AskYourStay wisely puts it:

"Consistency is what separates hosts with occasional 5-star reviews from those who earn them reliably".

Achieving a steady stream of 5-star reviews requires ongoing effort. Regularly audit your listing, make updates based on guest feedback, and stick to systems that deliver a consistently high standard. Building a reputation for excellence takes time - it’s more of a marathon than a sprint. But the rewards are worth it. Research shows that a single glowing review can increase income by up to 70% in the first year, and that momentum only grows over time.

FAQs

What usually causes 4-star reviews?

4-star reviews often stem from small hiccups or unmet expectations. These could include issues like cleanliness not being up to par, missing amenities, or discrepancies between the listing description and what guests actually experience. While guests might still consider their stay enjoyable, these minor flaws can prevent a perfect rating. To minimize this, prioritize keeping your property spotless, double-check that all promised amenities are in place, and ensure your listing accurately reflects the reality of the stay.

How much should I spend on welcome gifts?

There’s no fixed rule for how much you should spend on welcome gifts, but small, thoughtful details can leave a lasting impression. Adding a handwritten note or a meaningful keepsake to your welcome kit can make it feel more personal. The goal is to create an experience that feels special and memorable for your guests, rather than focusing solely on the cost. These little touches can go a long way in improving guest satisfaction and might even help you secure those coveted 5-star reviews.

What’s the best time to ask for a review?

The best time to request a review is right after the guest checks out, preferably within 24 hours of their departure. This timing leverages the recency effect, meaning guests are more likely to recall and share positive details while their experience is still fresh. To increase the likelihood of receiving a review, make sure their checkout process is seamless and leave a warm, personalized note encouraging them to share their feedback before they leave.