It still surprises me how few hosts take the time to respond to Airbnb reviews. Whether the review is glowing or includes a few bumps, replying makes a big impact—and it's something we strongly recommend for all our Suches Vacation Rentals homeowners.
Here’s why it matters, and how to do it well.
When potential guests scroll through your listing, they’re not just reading reviews—they’re watching how you respond. A thoughtful, friendly reply shows that you’re attentive, care about the guest experience, and are ready to help if something goes wrong.
Every positive review gives you an opportunity to reinforce what you do best. Did they love the view? The hot tub? The cozy fireplace? Repeating a guest's compliment in your response is a subtle but effective way to spotlight your home’s best features.
If a guest brings up an issue—like a minor maintenance concern or a miscommunication—a response lets you address it without drawing extra attention. A calm, professional reply builds trust with future guests and helps them feel confident booking your property.
As a property manager, I’ll be honest—it can be a bit of a downer to read and respond to every review, especially after dealing with a particularly picky guest or a rough stay. We discuss all non–five-star reviews at our weekly Monday meeting, and sometimes it feels like the few neutral ones (which are often more balanced than bad) get all the attention, while the many glowing reviews get buried in the shuffle.
But here's the reminder I give myself—and you: don't let a single so-so comment get you down. There’s real power in your response if you use the steps below. A well-written reply can soften negative feedback, highlight what’s great, and help future guests feel more confident choosing your home.
We’ve created a simple, effective system for responding to both positive and negative reviews. Here’s a quick guide based on our internal review response framework:
Structure
Example 1 (from Eagle’s Nest):
Guest review: “We loved the hot tub with lake views and the outdoor kitchen setup—perfect for grilling and relaxing!”
Owner response: Thank you for sharing your experience at Eagle’s Nest! We’re so glad you enjoyed the hot tub and outdoor kitchen—it really is the perfect lakeside setup. We’d love to host you again soon.
Example 2 (from Blue Moon Cabin):
Guest review: “The outdoor space was amazing—TV, grill, firepit—it felt like a little retreat.”
Owner response: Thanks so much for your kind words about your stay at Blue Moon Cabin! We're thrilled the outdoor living area made your getaway special. Hope to welcome you back for another mountain retreat.
Structure:
Example 1 (from Tiny Mansion):
Guest review: “Beautiful spot but several dishes were dirty and the blankets had a weird smell.”
Owner response: Thank you for your feedback on Tiny Mansion. We're glad you enjoyed the setting and charm of the home. We apologize for the condition of the dishes and blankets—we’ve since retrained our cleaning crew and added an additional post-clean inspection step to avoid this in the future. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention.
Example 2 (from Riverside Cabin):
Guest review: “Great location, but we had issues with the heat our first night.”
Owner response: Thanks for staying with us at Riverside Cabin. We’re happy you enjoyed the river access and peaceful setting. We’re sorry for the heating hiccup—once notified, our team was able to fix it within the hour. We appreciate your patience and always aim to improve based on guest feedback.
If you'd like assistance crafting guest review replies, we’re here to help. Responding to reviews isn’t just about customer service—it’s smart marketing.
Contact us and let’s work together to make your listing shine and give future guests the confidence to book your home.