Why “Everything’s Great” Isn’t Always Enough for 5 Star Reviews

“I check in with my guests, ask if everything’s okay, and they say it’s great. But then I get a 4-star review instead of 5. What am I missing?”

Here’s the thing about Airbnb hosting: it’s like walking a tightrope. You think you’re nailing it—checking in, staying proactive, being the perfect host. Guests smile, say everything’s “great,” and you’re mentally high-fiving yourself.

Then the review rolls in. Four stars.

Four.

Not five.

Cue the confusion, frustration, and the inevitable: What the heck am I doing wrong?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This exact question comes up all the time:

Let’s break this down. Because there’s a reason this happens—and a fix.

The Star Review Breakdown

Airbnb ratings work like this:

1. Guests rate individual categories (Cleanliness, Check-In, Communication, etc.) out of 5.

2. Then, they give you an Overall star rating.

Here’s the kicker: the overall rating isn’t just the average of those categories. Guests factor in everything else. Ambience. Comfort. Vibes. Maybe the water pressure in the shower wasn’t spa-like, or the smell of the neighbor’s dog wafted in—it could be anything.

Are You Actually Doing Everything Right?

(Not trying to throw shade—this is just where you should start looking.)

1. Is your listing overselling itself?
   Are you hyping things up a bit too much? Example: if you’re squeezing 10 people into a 2-bedroom place with one bathroom, yeah, they might technically fit—but comfort will take a hit. “Technically accurate” doesn’t always mean guests feel great about it.

2. Are you missing industry basics?
   Think small but impactful: Are there enough pillows? Does your kitchen have enough gear for someone who actually wants to cook? Are there hooks for towels in the bathroom? These little details can make or break a guest’s perception of value.

3. How’s the “vibe”?
   Stuff you might overlook: Does the place feel cozy? Smell fresh? Is it a little too minimalist, making it feel cold? A lot of this comes down to gut feelings guests don’t articulate, but it influences their final score.

The Pro Move: Ask for Feedback

Here’s the simplest way to level up: Ask guests why they didn’t give you 5 stars.

After the review is posted, send a friendly, professional message. No confrontation. Just a genuine question:

What’s the worst that happens? They ghost you.

What’s the best that happens?

• You get feedback that’s actionable.

• Or even better, they realize they were too harsh and request a review change.

(Side note: A guest can ask Airbnb to remove a review, but they can’t directly edit it after posting. Food for thought.)

One Last Nugget of Wisdom

Did you know 33% of unhappy customers are willing to change or remove their review after receiving a personalized response within 24 hours?

Don’t sleep on this stat. It’s the difference between living with a 4-star and upgrading to a 5-star streak.

Small tweaks, big impact.

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