Reviews are the shop window of your holiday home. A guest who is hesitating between two properties looks at the stars first and then reads the latest comments. A run of strong ratings brings more bookings, and often a better price too.
On Airbnb you can earn Superhost status. Booking.com and Vrbo work with their own scores and labels. The details differ per platform and sometimes change. The basics stay the same, though: keep guests satisfied and be reliable as a host. With summer 2026 in sight, this is a good moment to review your approach.
What platforms reward in general
Platforms want guests to have a good experience. That is why they watch a few fixed signals. We do not mention exact thresholds here, because they differ per platform and can change. Check your own dashboard for those.
The main signals:
- Response speed: how quickly you answer questions and booking requests.
- Cancellations: how often you as a host cancel a confirmed booking.
- Ratings: the average score and the number of recent reviews.
- Activity: whether you host guests regularly.
Hosts who score well on these points usually rank higher in the search results. That brings more visibility, and therefore more bookings.
Setting expectations correctly
Most bad reviews are not caused by a bad property. They arise from a gap between what the guest expected and what they got. An honest listing is therefore your best protection.
- Use recent photos that show the property as it really is.
- State drawbacks clearly: a steep staircase, no lift, a busy street, limited parking.
- Be concrete about distances: how many minutes' walk to the beach or the centre.
- Describe what is and is not provided, such as towels, linen or a cot.
A guest who knows in advance that the bedroom is on the second floor does not complain about it afterwards. A guest who only notices on arrival does.
Arrival: the moment that counts
The first few minutes often set the tone for the whole stay. A smooth arrival reassures the guest. A search for keys after a long drive does the opposite.
Provide clear instructions, sent a few days before arrival:
- The exact address, with an explanation about parking.
- How the guest gets in: a code, a key safe or a personal welcome.
- The Wi-Fi password and the main house rules.
- A phone number for urgent questions.
On arrival, everything must be ready. Lights on in winter, a pleasant temperature and a property that smells fresh. A small welcome touch completes the reception.
Cleanliness as the foundation
Cleanliness is the point on which guests judge most strictly. One hair in the shower or a stain on a pillowcase can already cost a review a star. A property can be beautifully furnished, but if it is not clean, that weighs more heavily.
So work with a fixed checklist for every cleaning. Think of places that are easily forgotten: under the bed, the cooker hood filters, the inside of the fridge, the dishwasher drawer. Have the cleaner take photos of the finished property. That way you can see from a distance whether everything is in order.
Also plan a deep clean outside the season. Windows, curtains, mattress protectors and rugs deserve extra attention now and then.
Small touches that stick
Guests do not expect luxury gifts. But a small, thoughtful touch is often mentioned in reviews. A few examples:
- A bottle of water and a local treat on arrival.
- Coffee, tea and the basics for a first breakfast.
- A handwritten welcome card.
- A list of your favourite places nearby.
- An umbrella by the door, especially on the coast.
Choose something that suits your property and region. A touch that feels personal stays with a guest longer than something expensive.
Problems during the stay
Something always goes wrong now and then. A lamp that does not work, a blocked drain, Wi-Fi that drops out. The problem itself rarely determines the review. What counts is how you respond.
- Reply quickly, even if you cannot solve the problem straight away.
- Let the guest know what you are going to do and when.
- Send a tradesperson if needed, and follow up to check it has been fixed.
- Offer a small compensation for a bigger inconvenience.
Guests are often surprisingly understanding when they see you are making an effort. A problem solved quickly sometimes even leads to an extra positive review.
Also ask during the stay whether everything is fine. A short message on the first evening gives the guest the chance to report something. That way you solve it before it ends up in a review.
Asking tactfully for a review
Many satisfied guests forget to write a review. A friendly reminder helps, as long as you do not push.
- Send a short thank-you message after departure.
- Let them know you appreciate a review, without asking for a particular score.
- Write a short, friendly review of the guest yourself. That reminds them to do the same.
- Respond to reviews, including the positive ones. Short and personal is enough.
Never ask for a five-star score in exchange for something. That goes against the platforms' rules, and guests find it uncomfortable.
Do you still receive a critical review? Respond calmly and professionally. Thank the guest for the feedback, briefly explain what you have improved and avoid arguing. Future guests mainly read how you deal with criticism.
A fixed way of working pays off
You do not earn top scores with one good experience, but with a fixed approach that returns with every stay. Honest expectations, a smooth arrival, a clean property, a quick response to problems and a friendly request for a review.
YourDomi works with multilingual guest communication 7 days a week, its own cleaning team with a fixed checklist and photo check, and smart locks with a code per stay. Would you like to know how that could work for your property? Request a personal proposal.
