How to earn better reviews for your holiday accommodation
Holiday properties have transformed tourism alongside rental platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. They have introduced an alternative to the travel model that traditionally dominated the sector.
They have also brought changes in traveller behaviour and decision-making. Positive feedback and reviews play a part in future guests’ bookings. Relying on the experience of a complete stranger is now commonplace for guests, who place considerable value on those opinions.
Here, Alehost explains why these reviews matter and discusses ways to improve your presence on these platforms while earning more positive feedback.
How holiday rental platform algorithms work
Before discussing guest reviews, it is worth exploring the platforms and how they work. This can help improve our listing’s visibility.
When someone searches for their next place to stay, the platform displays results in a particular order.
Much as Google does, it aims to show the most suitable result based on the user’s needs and previous experience. This order is not random. An algorithm uses various criteria to determine which property best suits that particular user.
Airbnb’s most important ranking factors
Visibility depends on different factors and can change. Presentation recommendations should not be turned into a guaranteed ranking formula. Prioritise an accurate listing, correct availability, coherent pricing and guest support.
Price
Price strongly influences the user’s decision. One approach we recommend is dynamic pricing that adapts to market circumstances. Promotions, such as an early-booking discount, can also add value for the guest.
Here you can read some of our advice on developing a suitable pricing strategy for your property.
Improve your listing’s content
The platform listing is the guest’s first contact with the holiday property, so the first impression matters.
Use enough photographs to explain the layout, beds, equipment and access. Prioritise clear, current images without duplicates. The first images should represent what guests will find, not just the most attractive corners.
The listing’s title and description are also its introduction and the first elements encouraging a guest to click on the property.
The description should answer booking questions about capacity, layout, services, location and relevant limitations. Do not omit information to make the listing appear better; inaccurate expectations can become a poor experience.
Guest reviews
As mentioned at the start, other travellers use guest reviews to guide their choice of holiday accommodation. Together with the role of 5-star reviews in visibility, this makes feedback a valuable factor in rental platforms’ ranking systems.
The more satisfied guests are with their experience, the more 5-star reviews a property can receive and the better its position may be in other travellers’ searches. This can improve the chances of generating a high level of bookings.
Improving platform reviews therefore becomes an important objective. Read on to find out how.
Improving your holiday property’s reviews
Communicate transparently to create realistic expectations
Every property has characteristics that make it unique. Guests are not looking for a perfect home; they want genuine, clear and honest information about it. This helps create a good match between guests and hosts.
Direct contact and prompt replies
Responding promptly helps resolve questions. Establish sustainable support hours and responsibilities, and consult each channel’s official metrics. Do not claim an automatic search penalty for a specific response time without a current rule supporting it.
Create a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere
Your home says something about you, and reflecting that character in its design can help it stand out. Offer something distinctive and comfortable: travellers want somewhere they can feel at home.
Keep your property’s location in mind
Guests choose a destination because they want to discover it. Hosts can make the most of this by incorporating local products into the experience or suggesting nearby activities and services.
Be ready for unexpected problems
Efforts to provide a 5-star experience can be affected by unforeseen problems. Be prepared and consider options such as a refund or a gift to acknowledge the disruption to the stay. This can help guests feel understood and supported.
Managing a holiday let can be overwhelming, and a professional manager can help you make the most of its potential.
Alehost can help. Shall we talk?
How to ask for feedback without pressure
A suitable message might be: “Thank you for staying with us. If you would like to share your experience, you can leave a review through the platform. It helps us improve and guides other travellers.” Do not offer discounts or compensation in exchange for a favourable review.
How to respond to a problem
Acknowledge the specific issue, explain the action taken and avoid discussing private information publicly. For example: “We are sorry about the access problem. We have reviewed the instructions and tested the system to help prevent it happening again.” Resolve any compensation for poor service separately, without making it conditional on posting, changing or removing a review.
