Positive online reviews are the bedrock of any successful short-term rental business on platforms like Airbnb. They don't just build trust with potential guests; they are a critical factor in how your listing ranks in search results. With competition at an all-time high, having a solid strategy for both leaving Airbnb guest reviews and responding to the Airbnb host reviews you receive is essential.
But what happens when you’re stuck for words? Crafting the perfect Airbnb review example for a guest, or the right response to a mixed or negative review, can be tricky. This is your one-stop shop for over 50 host review templates and responses you can use in 2025, carefully categorised for every situation. You’ll find everything from glowing Airbnb reviews for guests to professional responses to criticism.
In this blog we’ll cover:
- Why Airbnb host reviews for guests are important
- What are Airbnb’s guest review guidelines?
- Positive host review templates (for guests)
- Constructive positive host review templates (for guests)
- Responses to negative and positive guest reviews (from a host)
- Frequently asked questions
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Why Airbnb host reviews for guests are important
Leaving prompt, fair and helpful Airbnb host reviews for guests is a crucial part of being a successful host. It's not just a courtesy; it's a powerful tool that impacts your reputation and your bottom line.
Boost your Airbnb search rankings
Airbnb’s algorithm, which determines where your property appears in search results, heavily weights review quantity and quality. The more 5-star reviews you receive, the higher you’ll rank. By consistently leaving high-quality Airbnb guest review examples for your guests, you encourage them to leave a review for you in return. A timely review from the host acts as a prompt, increasing the likelihood of the guest completing their side, which in turn fuels your property’s visibility.
Encourage more positive reviews
The guest-host review process on Airbnb is 'blind', neither party can see the other's review until both have submitted one, or the 14-day window has closed. By submitting your review quickly, you prompt your guest to submit theirs. If you've provided an outstanding experience, a prompt, glowing review from you for the guest greatly increases the chances of them reciprocating with a positive, 5-star review for you. This positive feedback loop is vital for maintaining an excellent overall rating.
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Protect your property and community
Leaving honest Airbnb reviews for guests acts as a signal to other hosts in the community. If you have a guest who was exceptionally clean and communicative, a positive review helps them secure future bookings. Conversely, if a guest was highly problematic, for example, breaking rules, causing damage, or leaving the property a mess, then a professional, factual and honest review warns other hosts, helping to protect the integrity of the platform and other properties.
Reduce guest enquiries and free up time to focus on writing great reviews.
A digital guidebook from Touch Stay gives your guests all the information they need, before they even ask!
What are Airbnb’s guest review guidelines?
Airbnb has established clear guidelines for the review system to ensure all feedback is helpful, relevant and unbiased. The key things every host needs to know about writing Airbnb guest reviews are:
- Timeliness: Hosts and guests have 14 days after checkout to submit a review. Reviews are only posted publicly after both parties submit one or the 14-day window ends.
- Relevance: Reviews should be based on a genuine stay and relate to the host or guest's experience, such as the guest's communication, cleanliness and adherence to house rules.
- Objectivity: Reviews must be honest and unbiased. It is against the rules to threaten or coerce someone into leaving a positive review, or to exchange a review for an incentive (like a refund).
- Discrimination: Reviews cannot contain discriminatory or abusive language, personal attacks, or violate Airbnb's Content Policy.
- Host star ratings for guests: Hosts rate guests on three key categories: Cleanliness, Communication and Adherence to House Rules. These ratings contribute to a guest's overall score.
Positive host review templates (for guests)
Let's start with the ideal scenario. Leaving glowing Airbnb guest review templates quickly and efficiently is key to encouraging a positive reciprocal review.
General excellence:
"[Guest Name] was an absolute pleasure to host! Communication was prompt and they treated our place with respect. We highly recommend them and would love to host them again anytime.”
Top communicator:
"A faultless guest. [Guest Name] was a super communicator, friendly and kept us updated throughout their stay. A true credit to the Airbnb community."
Impeccable cleanliness:
"We are so grateful to [Guest Name]! They left the property in pristine condition, requiring minimal cleanup. A host's dream. Five stars!"
Respectful of rules:
"Fantastic guests who respected our house rules completely. They were quiet, considerate of the neighbours and a delight to have. Highly recommended."
Short and sweet:
"[Guest Name] was a wonderful guest. Easy communication, clean and respectful. We'd welcome them back without a moment's hesitation."
Repeat guest prompt:
"It was an absolute pleasure hosting [Guest Name] again. Consistently brilliant guests who we hope to see return in the future!"
Early/smooth check-out:
"[Guest Name] was very considerate and followed all our checkout instructions perfectly. They were communicative and respectful of the property. Thank you!
First-time guest:
"For a first-time guest, [Guest Name] was exceptional! Polite, responsive and very respectful of our home. We highly recommend them to all hosts."
Family stay:
"It was a joy to host [Guest Name] and their family. They were tidy, communicative and very respectful of our space. They are welcome back anytime."
Business travel:
"[Guest Name] was the ideal guest for a business trip. Quiet, independent and clear in all communications. A perfect stay."
Constructive positive host review templates (for guests)
Sometimes a guest is great but has a minor slip-up. Maybe they forgot to take out the rubbish, or they checked out a few minutes late. These Airbnb review examples strike a diplomatic balance, helping other hosts while remaining fair.
Minor cleanliness issue:
"[Guest Name] was a lovely guest with excellent communication. We were thrilled with their stay, although we would kindly ask future guests to remember to take out the main rubbish bin upon departure."
Slightly late check-out:
"Friendly and responsive guests who were a pleasure to host. They were just a little late for the agreed check-out time, which impacted our cleaning schedule. Still, highly recommended."
Missed a house rule:
"[Guest Name] was respectful of the property and a good communicator. They were excellent overall, but a minor house rule regarding [specific rule, e.g., using the linen provided for makeup removal] was overlooked. We would still host them again."
Communication during issue:
"[Guest Name] was responsive when a minor maintenance issue arose during their stay. They are great guests, though we would encourage future guests to read the guidebook thoroughly before arrival."
Noisy guest (gentle):
"We enjoyed hosting [Guest Name] and communication was excellent. We received a minor comment about noise levels from a neighbour one evening, so we would gently advise being mindful in a residential area. Highly recommended otherwise."
Too many enquiries:
"[Guest Name] was a pleasant guest who treated our home well. We had a high number of messages for information already covered in the guidebook. We'd recommend them, but suggest hosts encourage reading the welcome materials."
Unreported minor damage:
"Great communication and cleanliness. We did, however, notice a [e.g., small chip on a glass, scuff on the wall] after check-out that wasn't reported. We appreciate transparency, but they are still recommended as guests."
Parking misunderstanding:
"[Guest Name] was a good guest. We had a minor issue with parking that was quickly resolved with a call. We'd host again and recommend a closer read of the parking instructions in the guidebook."
Tidiness compromise:
"Friendly, responsive guest who was easy to host. The kitchen area was left a little untidy, but all major rules were followed. We'd recommend them."
Balancing critique:
"A lovely person and a very responsive guest. They left the home in very good order, but unfortunately, [minor issue, e.g., dirty dishes were left in the sink]. Overall, a recommended guest."
💡 Pro tip: discover more tips for 5-star reviews with our webinar on maximising guest experience!
Responses to negative and positive guest reviews (from a host)
When a guest leaves a review for you, a thoughtful and professional public response is crucial. It shows potential bookers that you value feedback and are an engaged host. Remember to focus on solutions and thank them for their time.
Responding to a Positive Guest Review (5-Stars)
General positive:
"Thank you so much, [Guest Name], for your fantastic Airbnb review example! We are thrilled you enjoyed your stay at [Property Name]. We hope to host you again the next time you are in [City/Area]!"
Highlighting cleanliness:
"We're delighted you mentioned the cleanliness, [Guest Name]! We work hard to ensure the space is spotless and comfortable. Your kind words mean a lot to our team. Thank you for staying with us!"
Highlighting communication:
"We appreciate you acknowledging our communication, [Guest Name]! We believe in being readily available to our guests. We're glad our efforts were helpful. Please come back soon!"
Specific amenity mention:
"We're so pleased to hear you loved the [amenity/feature], [Guest Name]! It’s one of our favourite parts of the property, too. Thanks for the glowing review and for choosing us."
Enthusiastic and short
"Wow, [Guest Name]! Thank you for the glowing Airbnb host review. We're thrilled you had a fantastic time. We hope to welcome you back soon!"
Addressing repeat business:
"It was an absolute pleasure hosting you, [Guest Name]! We’re so glad you chose to stay with us again. We appreciate your loyalty and look forward to your next visit!"
Personalised touch:
"It was wonderful hosting you, [Guest Name]! We're so glad you enjoyed [specific detail, e.g., the local market, the rooftop terrace]. Thank you for your review."
Expressing gratitude:
"We're incredibly grateful for your positive feedback, [Guest Name]. Your kind Airbnb guest review truly helps our listing. We hope you have many wonderful travel experiences in the future."
Simple and sincere:
"Thank you, [Guest Name]. We’re happy you enjoyed your stay and left such a thoughtful review. We look forward to hosting you again in the future."
With a call-to-action:
"Thank you for your lovely review, [Guest Name]! We're thrilled you enjoyed your stay. We’d love to welcome you back! Book your next stay directly on our website for a loyalty discount."
Providing a seamless, automated digital guidebook is the single best way to reduce questions and ensure your guests have a 5-star experience, leading to more of these great reviews!
Responding to a Negative Guest Review (1-3 Stars)
A professional and unemotional response can turn a negative review into a positive display of customer service for future guests. Always thank them for the feedback and focus on what you've done or will do to fix the issue.
General apology:
"Thank you for your feedback, [Guest Name]. We’re sorry to hear your stay wasn't what you expected. We take all reviews seriously and will use your comments to improve the guest experience moving forward."
Addressing cleanliness:
"We sincerely apologise for the cleanliness issues you experienced, [Guest Name]. That is not the high standard we maintain. We have since had a deep-clean and reviewed our cleaning checklist with our service provider to ensure this does not happen again."
Addressing a maintenance issue:
"We're very sorry for the inconvenience caused by the [specific issue, e.g., leaky tap, slow WiFi]. We understand how frustrating this must have been and can confirm the issue was [fixed/addressed] immediately after your departure. Thank you for bringing it to our attention."
When the complaint is unfair:
"Thank you for your review, [Guest Name]. We regret that the property's [feature, e.g., noise from the nearby road] was an issue for you, though this is mentioned clearly in the listing description. We always strive for transparency and appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective."
Offering a direct contact:
"We're disappointed to hear about your experience, [Guest Name]. We'd like to learn more about your concerns and see if there’s anything we can do to make things right. Please don't hesitate to contact us directly to discuss this further."
Issue outside host control:
"Thank you for the feedback, [Guest Name]. We apologise for the disruption caused by [e.g., the nearby construction]. As this is outside of our control, we do our best to minimise the impact and offer earplugs for guest comfort. We hope to have the chance to provide you with a 5-star experience in the future."
Addressing check-in/communication:
"We apologise for the difficulties you faced with check-in, [Guest Name]. We understand how important a smooth arrival is. We have reviewed and updated our check-in instructions (including in our digital guidebook) to ensure future guests have a hassle-free experience."
Focusing on future solution:
"We appreciate you sharing your thoughts, [Guest Name]. Your suggestion regarding [improvement] is very helpful and we are currently [taking action, e.g., planning to purchase the suggested amenity]. We’re always striving to improve our offering."
Quick, professional response:
"We value your honest feedback, [Guest Name] and regret that we missed the mark on this occasion. We will use your comments to address areas for immediate improvement. Thank you."
With a call-to-action (after resolution):
"Thank you, [Guest Name]. We've addressed the issues you raised immediately. We're committed to the best possible experience and would be grateful for the chance to show you. Please consider a return stay with a complimentary upgrade."
Stop wasting time answering repeated questions!
Optimise your guest experience with a digital guidebook that impresses guests and secures those 5-star Airbnb reviews.
Frequently asked questions
By leveraging these templates and adopting a proactive strategy, you can streamline your guest communication and review process, leading to a stronger online presence and more bookings for your property.
