Asides

As you probably know reviews on Airbnb make up a large part of the ecosystem. Reviews create trust for new guests attempting to book somewhere to stay. On the flip side, it can help hosts know if they should let their property to certain guests.

Both parties (hosts and guests) have 14-days after checkout to review their stay at the apartment. Once both reviews have been posted this will appear on the account of the guests or hosts.

Once both reviews have been posted the reviews can not be edited.

Reviews can only be removed from the system if they break the Airbnb review guidelines.

Are you not getting the reviews you wanted? check out our guide on how to fix your reviews

How to review guests on Airbnb

Writing reviews isn’t always as easy as you might think. Write a fair, honest review about the guests stay so future hosts know what to expect.

Before reviewing, think about the following:

• Was the state of the property reasons with fair usage. If they leave their towels around and leave the bed unmade. This is not cause for giving them a bad review. On the other hand, if they broke something and didn’t inform you, then you within your rights to mention this.
• Be objective, did they have young children for example in the property. If so then it’s likely going to be messier than normal.
• Did they attempt to clean up after themselves?
• Have they stained sofas or carpets?
• Do you charge a high cleaning fee? If so, they may think that they can leave the property without attempting to clean up after themselves.
• Did they disturb your neighbours with loud music?
• Did they smoke inside the property? (We personally give a very bad review for this)

What If I Get A Bad Review?

If you get a bad review, then you can use the reply to public review function in Airbnb. You also have 30-days to response to reviews that have been left for you. Firstly don’t get angry, and make the response as succinct as possible as potential guest will read this. Explain the situation and how you have resolve this for future bookings. Once you submit your response, it will be instantly posted, and editing will not be possible thereafter. Therefore, take your time to carefully consider and articulate your thoughts before finalising your reply.

We personally like to take the reviews onboard as then check the property based on their feedback. It’s possible the guest was actually right. Lastly we like to response to all feedback, good or bad! This we find is a good opportunity to let your personally shine.

Star Ratings

You have the opportunity to rate the guests on the following criteria. Cleanliness, Communication and Observance of house rules. Each of these is rate out for 5-stars. Also, get the opportunity to leave a written public review, private comment and if you recommended them.  The private comment being used for a personal message that will not be published. If you don’t recommend guests, then this can automatically affect their ability to instant book.

When To Use The Private Feedback System

Remember that the public review system can have serious negative effects on the guests ability to book property in the future, so use this power wisely. Some time you just want to provide some feedback to the guest. This is where the private message system comes in. No one else but the guest will see this and this is your opportunity to nudge them in the right direction next time they stay in an Airbnb, on what hosts expect from guests.

Airbnb Review Generator

Try our custom review generator, don’t just create boring reviews responses for your guests. Use our generator to create something unique.

Positive review templates that you can use

• <Guest Name> was a lovely guest; communicative, gracious and appreciative. We recommend <Guest Name> 100%.
• <Guest Name> is a wonderful guest, easy-going, very kind and polite. We would love to have them stay with us again.
• Cheerful, communicative, respectful, a pleasure to host, highly recommended
• <Guest Name> and her family were great guests. They took care of our home and treated it with respect. We’d highly recommend them and would invite them back. Our home was spotless and clean when they left right down to clean dishes. Thank you.
• Very cheery couple, unfortunately, did not get the pleasure to talk to them after checking in, but they are certainly welcome back.
• <Guest Name>’s family are great company and very warm, fun and friendly. It was a pleasure to have them all stay with us. They are wonderful guests and left the place spotless. We highly recommend them as guests to any host.
• <Guest Name> and her family are really nice and kind people. It was easy to communicate, they were respectful to the space. I would definitely recommend to all Airbnb hosts.
• Perfect 5 star ***** Airbnb guest! I’m happy to have hosted you and would welcome again in the future 🙂 thank you!
• Great guest. Easy communication, treated the place well and left it clean and tidy – even loaded the dishwasher and ran a cycle. Would welcome them back any time.
• <Guest Name> was a great guest. He was extremely neat and left the apartment in great shape. We would be pleased to host <Guest Name> I can and we highly recommend him to anyone who may be considering his reservation request.
• Very respectful and tidy. They get my 100% recommendation.
• <Guest Name> and her friend were lovely guests. Friendly and polite with good communication. They left the place clean and tidy and are welcome back anytime.
• <Guest Name> and her group were a pleasure to host, easy and prompt communication throughout and left the house as good as they found it. Thanks <Guest Name> and welcome back anytime
• It was a pleasure to have <Guest Name> and her partner at my apartment! Excellent guest. Very sympathetic, polite, clean and quiet. Exemplary behaviour. No problem at all. Totally recommended!
• <Guest Name> was a great guest. She was very friendly and all communication was very smooth. Discrete and quiet without causing any complaints by the neighbourhood, she was respecting all the house rules. The apartment when she left was as if it was just cleaned! We strongly recommend <Guest Name> to any host and we look forward to seeing her again.
• <Guest Name> were fantastic guests who I also had the pleasure of meeting when they checked in. These were 5-star guests who exceeded my requirements and I would not hesitate to have them back as guests. I highly recommend them to other Airbnb hosts.
• <Guest Name> is a great guest and very easy to deal with all around. They even tipped the cleaner. Thank you, <Guest Name>. They are more than welcome to stay with us any time.
• <Guest Name> were nice, friendly and easygoing guests! They respected all the house rules and left the apartment clean and tidy on departure. Good communication. Highly recommended to all other hosts.
• <Guest Name> left our space very clean and they were fantastic with their communication. Sadly, we did not get to meet <Guest Name> in person, but I hope I get the chance to in the future if they decide to visit us again.
• <Guest Name> took care of our apartment like it was their very own. The guest left the apartment clean and with everything in place. We had a wonderful experience hosting this guest. The guest followed all house rules. We would be glad to have this guest book our apartment again.
• We truly enjoyed having <Guest Name> in our apartment. She communicated before and during her stay. After her stay, we were pleased to see how she kept the apartment tidy. My cleaners will enjoy how well she took care of the apartment during her stay. We would host this guest again at any time.
• Respecting the house rules we established and respecting the neighbourhood was what <Guest Name> did very well. Neighbours left us no complaints which is always a plus. We have nothing but positive words for how<Guest Name> treated our home during the stay. We hope to be the host again for <Guest Name>.
• Communicating with <Guest Name> was a breeze. We are glad we were able to answer all of their questions. They were great guests. We hope she books us again when she visits our city again.
• A tidy guest is always a great guest to have. This was definitely <Guest Name>. The linens were folded. The kitchen had been cleaned. Our cleaners had little work to do after<Guest Name> left. We appreciated <Guest Name> choosing to book us. We look forward to hosting this guest again.
• A lovely couple, left our place super clean and tidy, would welcome them back and recommend to Airbnb Hosts.
• <Guest Name> were a delight to host. they treated the house with respect and communication was excellent, before and during their stay. We hope they had a good stay and hope to see them again in the future.
• <Guest Name> were the most wonderful guests. They were easy and fun to communicate with and also took great care of the apt. Highly recommended!
• Excellent guests, very charming and polite! The apartment was left in excellent condition. I would like to recommend them to all future hosts!
•  <Guest Name> is a charming person, friendly and polite. A very nice guest.
• <Guest Name> were perfect guests. The house was left in pristine order and all house rules were respected. Communication was very easy. They are welcome to our place anytime!
• I would definitely host <Guest Name> and their friends again. My house was in excellent shape when I got home, and she was a pleasure to communicate with.
• <Guest Name> was a clear and well-organised communicator about her arrival and departure plans. She left the flat looking very clean and tidy. She was pleasant and friendly in her manner. A perfect guest.
• <Guest Name> was at our house for 2 days. She was gentle, quiet and self-organized. It was very easy to host her. She left the room as she found it and she is welcome back in our house whenever she wants it.
• <Guest Name>was an AMAZING guest! Meeting him was a lovely experience. He was very sympathetic, very kind and friendly – furthermore uncomplicated and autonomous. He took the utmost care of my flat and was incredibly considerate. My flat seemed almost untouched. Thank you so much! Having <Guest Name> is a great luck for every host & I highly recommend him! Thank you so much, <Guest Name>
• <Guest Name> were lovely! They stayed just one night. Very pleasant and easy to chat with. They were quiet and respectful of our home and left it neat and tidy when they checked out.
• <Guest Name> were awesome to have as guests and did a great job on communicating on matters like check-in and check-out time. I can recommend them and I hope to have them again as guests.
• We had a great experience hosting <Guest Name>. They were very respectful of our home and left it clean and tidy. Communication was easy and prompt, and we would definitely host <Guest Name> again.
• We were delighted to host <Guest Name> at our Airbnb. They were very polite and considerate, and we really appreciated how well they took care of our space. Communication was excellent, and we would definitely host <Guest Name> again.

Negative Airbnb host reviews that you can leave for guests

Leaving a bad review doesn’t affect your future Airbnb bookings. It’s important, to be honest

• Guests were smoking in the apartment leaving bad smells in the property for the next guests, even though it was explicit that smoking was prohibited inside the apartment.
• Poor communication they didn’t inform us of their arrival time and we didn’t have anyone available when they did arrive.
• Left the apartment slightly messy, we would have appreciated it if they would have put the plates into the dishwasher as we the house rules.
• Communication was good, however, they left the front door open leave the property unsecured.
• <Guest name> arrived with more guests than they specified on the booking, we let them stay, however, we should have charged extra for the inconvenience.
• Great communication and arrived on time, however, left the apartment in a mess like they possibly had a party.
• Not a recommended guest! Left the apartment messy, various neighbours complained and we need to contact Airbnb to have them evicted.
• We have created house rules for a reason. Unfortunately, <Guest Name> chose to not abide by these rules. This was a disappointment to us. We enforce our rules for a reason and will not be hosting those that go against house rules.
• Small messes are normal for our cleaners to expect. Our cleaners are used to simple housekeeping like sweeping, mopping, washing linens. taking out the trash and cleaning the kitchen. But damages created by <Guest Name> were not expected. We definitely will not tolerate a guest that destroys our property. We do not recommend allowing <Guest Name> to book your Airbnb.
• <Guest Name> had extra guests that we were not aware of. We must be made aware of everyone who will be staying in our apartment. Extra guests and throwing a party are not things we allow. We will not host <Guest Name> in the future.
• We had a disappointing experience with <Guest Name> and their family. Communication was great at the start. They initially booked for 3 people but emailed me a few hours before arrival about adding an additional 2 guests.  With them having booked our place for Christmas, I didn’t want to refuse I pulled out an additional air mattress to accommodate the extra member. But to my disappointment, when I arrive 2 days later to find that the house has been used as a party house. Including dozens of bottles of booze and the place reeked of smoke. The saving grace was that I had no other guests for 2 days so had just enough time to air the house out.
• Although I cannot say anything decent about <Guest name> stay, I must stick to my good manners. It took a vast amount of time to tidy up all the mess my they left. The communication was poor and they were a complicated person to host. I cannot give any recommendations for this person. Dear <Guest Name>, please consider some other place if you are ever back to <Town>

In the world of short-term rentals, Airbnb and Booking.com stand out as two of the most popular platforms for hosts. Each platform has its unique features and benefits, catering to hosts with different preferences and priorities. In this article, we’ll delve into various aspects to help hosts make an informed decision based on key factors like cancellation policies, hosting fees, and handling damages.

Cancellation Policies

Airbnb:

• Airbnb offers hosts flexibility with five cancellation policies:
  • Flexible: Guests can receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours before check-in.
  • Moderate: Guests can receive a full refund if they cancel at least 5 days before check-in.
  • Strict: Guests can receive a 50% refund if they cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
  • Long Term: Applies to reservations of 28 nights or more. Guests can receive a full refund if they cancel at least 30 days before check-in.
  • Super Strict (30 or 60 days): These policies are typically used for special circumstances and provide varying refund options based on specific conditions.
• Policies range from non-refundable to partial refunds depending on the timing of cancellations.
• Hosts can also implement custom refund amounts, providing a tailored approach.

Booking.com:

• Booking.com provides hosts with the option to choose from four main cancellation policies: Non-refundable, Flexible, Moderate, and Strict.
• Policies vary in terms of refundability and timing, catering to different host preferences.
• Hosts on Booking.com also have the flexibility to set custom policies based on specific needs.

Hosting Fees

Airbnb:

• Airbnb typically charges hosts a service fee of 3-5%, which is a percentage of each booking subtotal.
• The exact percentage may vary based on different factors, such as the type of reservation or host’s cancellation policy.

Booking.com:

• Booking.com typically charges hosts a commission fee for each confirmed booking 14-15%
• The commission percentage may vary based on factors like the property’s location and the number of bookings.

Handling Damages:

Airbnb:

• AirCover for Hosts, provides reimbursement of up to $3 million in the rare event that a host’s property or belongings are damaged by a guest during an Airbnb stay. This coverage extends to certain damages caused by guests, including harm to the host’s home, furnishings, valuables, or belongings, as well as damage to parked cars, boats, or other vehicles. Additionally, Host Damage Protection covers extra cleaning costs necessary for stain removal, addressing pet accidents, eliminating smoke odors, or handling unapproved guests.
• Hosts can also set security deposits to cover potential damages, though these are not automatically collected.

Booking.com:

• Booking.com encourages hosts to communicate directly with guests regarding damages.
• Security deposits and damage charges are managed at the discretion of the host, as Booking.com does not offer a specific damage protection program.

Other Differences:

Airbnb:

• Airbnb has a strong focus on unique and local experiences, making it appealing to travelers seeking personalized stays.
• Hosts can set house rules and communicate directly with guests through the Airbnb platform.
• Detailed guest reviews with personal anecdotes, offering insights into the host and property. Airbnb offers some guest support.

Booking.com:

• Booking.com operates as a metasearch engine, offering a wide range of accommodation types beyond short-term rentals.
• Hosts benefit from exposure to a vast audience of travelers who use Booking.com for various accommodation needs.
• Standardized guest reviews focusing on specific aspects like cleanliness and location. Booking.com provides 24/7 customer support.

Conclusion:

In the Airbnb vs Booking.com debate, the choice ultimately depends on the specific preferences and priorities of the host. Airbnb caters to those looking for a personalized and local experience, while Booking.com provides a broader spectrum of accommodation options. Understanding the nuances of cancellation policies, hosting fees, and damage handling is crucial for hosts to maximize their experience on either platform. Whether you prioritize flexibility, a diverse audience, or specific property protection, both Airbnb and Booking.com offer distinct advantages for hosts in the competitive world of short-term rentals.

Homesharing platforms have gained a lot of momentum in the past few years. They allow people to book short-term stays in the spaces of those who are willing to rent out their properties in exchange for money. Vrbo, purchased by HomeAway and how part of the Expedia Group.  Booking.com is considered an online travel agency that makes it easy for guests to choose accommodation and transportation on the same site. It is important for homeowners who wish to make income from renting out their property to know the key differences and similarities between Vrbo and Booking.com.

A brief background of Vrbo and Booking.com

Established in 1995, Vrbo, with a presence in 190 countries, now exceeds 2 million listings, offering homeowners a platform to showcase their properties for short-term rentals. Notably, Vrbo has now the HomeAway brand, enhancing its reach by featuring properties on other affiliated HomeAway sites.

Booking.com, initially known as Bookings.nl, was founded in the Netherlands in 1996. After merging with Bookings Online in 2000, it evolved into Booking.com. Presently, it boasts over 27 million listings across 227 countries globally. Booking.com operates as a metasearch engine, enabling users to book diverse accommodations through its platform.

The similarities and differences between Vrbo and Booking.com

The main similarity between Vrbo and Booking.com is that they both provide a platform for people to book vacation rentals such as resorts, villas, cabins, apartments and hotels. Other similarities include having a wide global reach and charging guest and owner fees. Differences include how communication with guests occurs, cancellation fees, how owners can claim for damage caused by guests, a difference in user interface and many more.

Global reach

Both Vrbo and Booking.com have a global reach, so they are both great options for property owners looking to rent out their properties for rental income.

Showcasing your property on Vrbo provides an excellent avenue to boost visibility. Your listing won’t just appear on Vrbo; it will also be featured on its affiliated sites, including HomeAway, Expedia, Trivago, and KAYAK, significantly expanding its exposure. This increased visibility is likely to attract more guests, translating into higher profits for you as a vacation rental homeowner.

Booking.com is popular in Europe, with 43 languages available for users.

Guest and owner fees (service fees)

Vrbo charges owners a fee of $499 annually, or they can opt for a 5% deduction on every booking with a 3% credit card processing fee added. Choosing between the two models depends on how many bookings you get annually. If you get many bookings, paying a once-off of $499 may save more money in the long run. But of course, one wouldn’t know how many bookings they get until they sign up. However, you can always change your owner fee structure to benefit you. On the other hand, guests using Vrbo are charged 10% to 11%.

Booking.com charges owners 15% per booking, in addition to 3% for credit card processing fees. Unlike Vrbo, guests don’t pay any service fees on Booking.com.

Cancelation fees and policies

Vrbo offers a range of cancellation policies for hosts to choose from, each with its own refund structure. Options include “No Refund,” “Strict,” “Firm,” “Moderate,” and “Relaxed,” each specifying conditions for full or partial refunds based on the timing of cancellations. It’s important to note that the selected cancellation policy takes precedence over the rental agreement. Integrated property managers (IPMs) and platform partners have distinct refund structures, with IPMs receiving a refund of the amount payable and platform partners receiving a refund of the amount paid. Hosts can also customize refunds, provided the custom amount aligns with their cancellation policy. Seasonal cancellation policies allow hosts to adjust their policies for specific date ranges, impacting the strictness of the policy for those periods. However, modifications to seasonal cancellation policies do not affect existing bookings; existing bookings maintain the originally selected cancellation policy.

Booking.com penalizes guests who cancel through a full or partial charge.With Booking.com you have the flexibility to opt for a fully flexible policy or customize one based on your preferences. The fully flexible policy enables guests to pay upon their stay, allowing free cancellations within a specified timeframe before check-in. Alternatively, a customized policy grants you control over the cancellation timeline, charges for cancellations, prepayment options, and the ability to apply different policies to distinct room types. Pre-authorization preferences allow you to communicate your approach to card pre-authorization, specifying the amount and timing. Deposits provide financial coverage if a guest cancels, and you can decide whether to refund or deduct the amount from the reservation cost, especially useful for those unable to charge credit cards, as deposits are typically handled via bank transfer.

Communication with guests

Owners who have listed on Booking.com receive no information about guests until they have made a booking. This makes it easier for accommodations such as hotels to accurately screen and monitor guests.

On Vrbo, guests and owners are limited to email communication until the booking has been made.

Damages caused by guests

Booking.com’s Partner Liability Insurance covers hosts against third-party lawsuits or liability claims related to bodily injury or property damage during a guest’s stay. Covered incidents include bodily injury, such as a guest breaking their arm and holding the host responsible, and third-party property damage, like water damage caused by a guest leaving a tap running. However, the insurance does not cover incidents involving damage or harm caused by pets, personal injury to the host, intentional actions resulting in damage or injury, and damage to the host’s personal property, such as a broken TV or table caused by a gues

Vrbo also encourages owners to ask for a damage deposit, and they offer an efficient claims process that allows one to easily claim for damages should guests damage the property. Vrbo offers $1 million in liability insurance for owners and property managers.

User interface

Booking.com has a great user interface for both owners and guests. It allows owners to create host and company profiles, set up bulk promotions, edit and adjust house rules for multiple properties simultaneously, view group analytics, as well as view all properties listed using Group Connect. Guests can expect a myriad of properties to choose from, as well as vacation properties, flights and transportation. This is precisely what makes Booking.com an online travel agency.

Vrbo doesn’t offer flights and transportation on its platform, as it purely focuses on the various properties listed. The site’s design is fairly easy to navigate for guests, and there’s less offered in terms of being able to view multiple properties that you manage at once.

Vrbo and Booking.com are both great options for homeowners looking to make rental income. Using the above similarities and differences, owners can equip themselves with the necessary knowledge to ensure that the best possible platform is used to list their properties.

Home-sharing describes the process of sharing a property — be it a portion or the entire property — with people looking for short-term stays in exchange for money. In the last decade, home-sharing has become more prevalent across the globe, with businesses like Airbnb and Vrbo (Vacation Rental By Owner) gaining popularity.

The short-term stay rental sector presents a lot of advantages for renters, one being offering flexibility and a myriad of options for those looking for alternative accommodation. There’s a lot to be said about Airbnb and Vrbo from a customer’s perspective, but have you ever wondered what the key differences are between the two should you decide to host on either platform? Knowing the key differences between both platforms will help you make an informed decision about which platform to host your property on to receive a better return on investment.

A brief background of Airbnb and Vrbo

Established in 2008, Airbnb seeks to facilitate connections between hosts and customers in search of short-term rental stays. Operating in over 200 countries, the company boasts a remarkable portfolio of over 7 million listings, showcasing an extensive and impressive global presence, especially beneficial for hosts aiming to tap into a broader customer base.

Conversely, Vrbo, founded in 1995, offers 2 million listings across 190 countries. While Vrbo may not match the expansive reach of Airbnb, its association with the HomeAway brand enhances its potential reach. Once your property is listed on Vrbo, it gains the opportunity to reach a wider audience as it is also featured on other home-sharing sites under the Vrbo/HomeAway umbrella.

The similarities and differences between Airbnb and Vrbo

The obvious similarity between Airbnb and Vrbo is that they both serve as additional accommodation options for guests, outside of the traditional route of booking directly at a hotel. Other similarities include that both platforms charge service fees and both have cancellation policies and offer customers an opportunity to review the property they stayed at. While this is so, the way in which each of these factors are run by Airbnb and Vrbo differ greatly.

Service fees

Hosts on both Airbnb and Vrbo are required to cover service fees, which are imposed to ensure the costs of products, services, and customer support are adequately addressed.

Airbnb charges hosts approximately 3% for each confirmed booking, with guests responsible for the remaining service fees, typically amounting to under 14% of the booking subtotal (excluding Airbnb fees and taxes). Airbnb hosts have the option to charge additional fees to guests, such as cleaning fees, as well as fees associated with extra guests and pets.

Vrbo offers hosts two fee structures. The first option allows hosts to pay a $499 annual subscription, while the second provides the choice of a 5% commission for each booking, accompanied by a 3% credit card processing fee. The subscription model proves more cost-effective for properties with a high volume of bookings per year.

Cancellation policies

Cancellation policies are put in place to protect the host by setting out penalties for guests for unexpected cancellations.

Airbnb offers strict, moderate, and flexible cancellation policies. The flexible cancellation policy allows guests to cancel at least 24-hours before check-in and still get their money back. Using this type of cancellation policy on your Airbnb listing can attract many guests, but you may lose out on revenue if guests cancel unexpectedly. Booking greater than 28 days (Long term bookings) have a slightly different setup in that guests can cancel as long as this is 28 days before the next check-in date.

Vrbo offers 5 different cancellation types: no refund, strict, firm, moderate and relaxed. The most lenient cancellation policy, which is relaxed, only allows guests to cancel at least 14-days before check-in for a full refund.

• No Refund: No refund permitted.
• Strict: Full refund if canceled 60 days before check-in; no refund after 60 days.
• Firm: Full refund if canceled 60 days before check-in; 50% refund 30-60 days before check-in.
• Moderate: Full refund if canceled 30 days before check-in; 50% refund 14-30 days before check-in.
• Relaxed: Full refund if canceled 14 days before check-in; 50% refund 7-14 days before check-in.

Airbnb and Vrbo property types

Airbnb allows a variety of properties on its platform. For example, it’s very common to find houses, apartments, hotels, lodges, and even villas listed. Added to that, one can rent out a single room in a property on Airbnb. This provides flexibility for hosts as most types of property are allowed to be listed and for extra income, one can rent out different rooms in say, a house, to various guests.

Vrbo offers a diverse range of vacation rentals, allowing owners to list various properties such as cottages, bungalows, cabins, townhouses, villas, lodges, farmhouses, and more. Additionally, they provide the unique option to list boats, yachts, castles, and mills!

Types of guests

The types of guests you may expect from Airbnb and VRBO can vary based on the nature of the platforms. Airbnb tends to attract a more diverse range of travelers, including solo adventurers, couples, and groups seeking unique and local experiences. With its emphasis on shared spaces and a personalized touch, Airbnb often appeals to those looking for a more immersive stay. On the other hand, VRBO, or Vacation Rental By Owner, tends to draw families and larger groups seeking spacious and private accommodations such as entire homes, villas, or cabins. VRBO guests often prioritize comfort, convenience, and a home-like environment, making it a popular choice for family vacations or group getaways. Ultimately, both platforms cater to different preferences, offering hosts opportunities to accommodate a broad spectrum of guests.

Reviews on Airbnb and Vrbo

Guests on Airbnb have 14 days to leave a review after their stay. They can rate places based on cleanliness, communication, location, check-in, value for money, and whether the listing matched its description.

On Vrbo, both guests and hosts have one year to leave reviews. Each party can respond to their other’s review, but only within 14 days. Vrbo uses a 5-star rating system and its ability to allow hosts to respond helps other people get ‘both sides of the story’ instead of a myopic view of what it’s like to stay at an accommodation.

What platform is best for you?

Using both Airbnb and Vrbo can be beneficial as a host, particularly if you have a full-space accommodation that you’d like to be occupied. However, if you have an alternative space that you want to make extra income from and is close to urban areas, using Airbnb might be more suited for you. Ultimately, your choice in which platform to use will depend on how much service fees you can afford, what cancellation policy works best for you, the type of property you have, and the type of guests you’re looking to attract. If both match your criteria then use both to help maximise your bookings. If you’re using more than one provider then we suggest using a channel manager to help you manage listings, bookings and calendars.

Showcasing your property on Vrbo presents an excellent opportunity to boost visibility. Your listing won’t just appear on Vrbo; it will also feature on its affiliated platforms like HomeAway, Expedia, Trivago, and KAYAK, significantly expanding its reach. This increased exposure is likely to attract a higher number of guests, translating into enhanced profitability for you as a vacation rental homeowner.

Responding to guests is an important part of the ecosystem. However, responding to all guests with unique messages can be time-consuming. However, if you want to become a  superhost you need to keep communication rating high. Here is our shortcut for you. Save these Airbnb message templates into your account, they will save you time and get you hosting like a professional, allowing you to focus on hospitality.

Please feel free to copy and edit these message to suit your needs.

Add these Airbnb template messages to the “Saved Messages” on the desktop site. Then it’s just a quick click of a button and your done.

Screening Guests

We require guests to complete their profile before booking. This brief request helps us distinguish genuine guests from fraudulent ones. Most individuals are cooperative in fulfilling this requirement; please ensure this message is promptly sent upon receiving a booking request.

Before we can accept your booking, please go into the Airbnb verification and complete all verification including uploading a form of Government ID.

Once this is completed, let us know and we’ll have your booking accepted right away. We look forward to hosting you.

New Booking

This is the first message that you should send out to your news guests as soon as they make a booking with you. Make them feel welcomed and ensure you send this with 24 hours of them making a booking.

Thank you for choosing us for your stay.

To facilitate a smooth check-in process and have someone available to welcome you, could you please provide your expected arrival time at the property?

A few days prior to your arrival, we'll share comprehensive check-in instructions with you.

We're excited about the opportunity to host you and want to ensure your experience is seamless.

All the best, {Your Name}

Day Before Booking

Just a reminder of their upcoming booking, this especially useful if you do in person checkins. This reminds them of their time commitment and stops you wasting time on hanging around wait to check them in. Some people are very lazy to look up the address in the App, just in case include it in the message to make them feel at ease.

Are we still expecting you about {TIME} tomorrow? Can you please advise me on your method to get to the apartment, just so that we can have someone meet you there. Just as a reminder the address is {ADDRESS}, when you arrive just enter our door number {NUMBER} into the entry system and buzz the door

Any problems or delays, please call me on +{ }

After Check-in, 1st Day

This message is useful to make the guests feel at home. Sometimes your welcome pack doesn’t contain everything they need to know, this helps open a dialogue with them as more often than not, they don’t want to disturb you.

Pro Tip:

Consider adding some local flair to your suggestions by including lesser-known tourist sites that are cherished by locals. Share insights on spots that offer a distinct, authentic experience. Additionally, recommend some dinner options, and add a personal touch by explaining why these spots hold a special place in your heart.

Is everything satisfactory with the apartment? Should you require any assistance during your stay, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Wishing you continued enjoyment for the rest of your stay. If there's anything we can do to enhance your experience, please inform us.

Last Day

Send this message on the last day, you want to put in this message any things that you want the guest to do before they depart Like putting the rubbish out or where they should leave the keys.

Pro tips:

* Cleaners generally like to start work early, so if you can establish an early check out time, this will help you with turnarounds etc...

* If you ask the guest to put the dishwasher on, this will help your cleaners complete their tasks much faster, as they don't have to wait for the dishwasher to finish.

* Recommend a taxi company that can take your guest to the airport.

Time flies! I am sorry that it's already your last day. I hope you had a fantastic stay and I wish you an easy & comfortable trip home.

Here are some Logistics.

Just so we can arrange cleaners can you please let us know what time you are expecting to leave the apartment?

BOOKED THE DEPARTURE CAR SERVICE?
If you booked the car service, the driver will arrive at the appointed time - please be ready as parking outside is difficult for more than a minute or two.
If you decide now that you'd like to be picked up by a driver on departure, email use too. The car service is more reliable and can make that final day stress-free.

DEPARTURE CHECKLIST 
1) Please leave the keys on the table - unless you got them from a keysafe.
2) Please place and towels in the bath tub.
3) Where possible if you could put any glasses into the dishwasher. Thanks!
4) Check draws to see if you've left anything behind.


BROKE SOMETHING? (no worries)
That's OK, these things happen. Just let us know what needs to be replaced or fixed so the next guests have a nice experience too.

LAST MINUTE QUESTIONS? 
Email us, we can help!

So, that's it! We wish you'll be back visiting us very soon!

2 Days After Stay

This is to remind them to leave a review for you and help you improve your Airbnb by obtaining feedback that they might not include in the Airbnb review system.

Pro tip:

Some guests may not be aware that our review system remains accessible for only 14 days. Therefore, it can be beneficial to gently remind them to share their thoughts on your property during this time.

I hope this email finds you happily back home with wonderful memories of your time with us. We are always striving to improve the experience for guests like you so any feedback would be most appreciated!

Please do drop us an email with anything that you think could have improved your stay.

Thanks again for staying with us and we hope you’ll keep in touch.

Automation

If sending all these messages seems a bit much, you should consider using automation to do the task for you. There are a number of platforms on the market that can help you with this. They require you to connect your Airbnb account to their systems and they monitor any bookings that you get. Automation can also help in increasing your Airbnb search rankings at they response immediately for you, ensuring you always message guests within Airbnb 24-hours window.

Your Porter App, is free for hosts with only one property. Features include automated messages, Channel Manager and a mobile app.

Uplisting is useful for property managers who have more 5 or more properties. This can sync with Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, Booking.com

Smartbnb helps automate with personalised messages and works with both Airbnb and HomeAway.

New Year’s Eve can be highly profitable for that one day but it comes with its own issues and risks. As a company, we don’t often take bookings less that one night, and over the NYE period we may extend this to 3-4 nights depending on the property type.

If you have a booking for one night for December 31st it’s likely that it’s going to be a bit of a party, you may risk issues with your neighbour and there is always going to be a bit more of a clean-up. Getting cleaning staff who are willing to work on NYD is a challenge in itself.

We obviously want to maximize profits but keeping damages/trouble to a minimum. Often want to target families and longer stays over that period of time.

Here is what we do:

• We increase the pricing for NYE and New Years Day. On NYE the price for the listing is normally increased by 175% and on NYD this is normally set 150% increase on our normal daily pricing.
• We alter the minimum length of stay to 3-days, helping us avoid any party crews.  This can be done by editing your listings Availability, then selecting Trip length click edit, then selecting Add a custom rule for seasons or specific dates

Increasing the pricing helps weed out guests that might want to use our Airbnb as a party house. It may seem greedy to guests booking but our number priority is to protect our clients’ property. By increasing the price per night may also result in a negative review, we help to compensate that by leaving a bumped up welcome pack of goodies.  Hotels nearby will often increase the booking fee by up to 200% depending on the city.

We recommend doing price alterations and minimum stays as early as possible, we do ours one year in advance, giving us the best chance to get a booking over that festive period.

If you have a guest that wants to stay but you’re slightly worried, you can always increase the deposit value temporarily, and reduce this back down as soon as they make a booking, giving you extra piece-of-mind.

What you can’t do is alter the price after a booking has been made. You may want to do this for various reasons. (like Smart Pricing didn’t change enough)  Unfortunately, it’s too late and the contract has been made, and you’ll have to suck it up!

Be sure to check out our guide to keeping your property safe during the New Years Eve celebrations, even though it may mean maximum profits on this day it also equals maximum danger as the chances of a party in your property is high.

While New Year’s Eve might be one of the most lucrative days to rent your place on Airbnb, it also has the high potential to turn into a full-on party. Here’s our guide on how to stay safe when renting your place on Airbnb over New Year’s Eve.

Thoroughly Vet Your Guests: Before you accept any guests, take extra care in reviewing their booking. Read their previous reviews and ask questions where necessary.

Are They Local: If they are based in the same town, our rule of thumb is just to say no. The likelihood that this will result in a party increases significantly, as there are few legitimate reasons to book an Airbnb in the same town if they are based there.

Check The Dates: Check the booking dates they have requested. If they have only opted for 1 or 2 nights, this is also another potential red flag. Avoid this situation by increasing your booking minimum to 4-5 days.

Set Clear House Rules: Ensure your house rules on parties in your property are clear and include policies on noise and additional guests. These rules should be mention in both your Airbnb House Manual and put this is your welcome message to the guests after they book.

Ask Your Neighbours: Your first line of defence can be your neighbours. Let them know you are renting out your place on Airbnb and ask them to report any disturbances directly to you.

In Person Checkin: Even f you have the ability to check your guests in remotely or via a lock box. On this one occasion preform and in person check to ensure the person who has booked is the person staying at your property.

If in Doubt: if you’re in doubt or your believe that your guests will hold a party, cancel the reservation, Airbnb will ask for supporting evidence, but you’ll be able to do this with zero consequences.

What to do if they do host a party

If your guests do host a party, the first thing to do is report this directly to Airbnb, as parties and gatherings are prohibited on the Airbnb platform. This includes disruptive gatherings, excessive noise, and additional visitors. You can contact Airbnb’s neighborhood support via the platform. If anyone is unsafe or you are concerned about someone else’s welfare, you should contact the local emergency services.

What Airbnb is doing to combat parties

Airbnb is using AI to help reduce the number of people trying to book properties for unauthorized New Year’s parties. Local guests making reservations must acknowledge their understanding of Airbnb’s prohibition on parties before finalizing their booking. Violation of this rule may result in suspension or removal from the platform.

Are you a resident of one of the cities along the path of the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024? If so, you’re in for a unique and potentially lucrative opportunity for your Airbnb! The eclipse event crosses North America, gracing Mexico, the United States, and Canada. And guess what? You could turn this extraordinary moment into a profitable venture by hosting Airbnb experiences!

Why Airbnb?

Prime Locations: If you live in any of the cities mentioned along the eclipse’s path, your location is a hot commodity. Visitors from all over the world will be flocking to these areas for the best views of the eclipse.

Limited Accommodations: Traditional accommodations may get booked up quickly and in some of the best area hotels may not be available.

Tailored Experiences: Offer more than just a place to stay. Create themed packages or experiences around the eclipse – stargazing parties, eclipse-themed meals, or guided tours of the local area during this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Safety during this time

Looking directly at the Sun is unsafe, except during the short total phase of a total solar eclipse when the Moon completely covers the Sun. Always use specialized eye protection for solar viewing to avoid harm to your eyes.

Eclipse Path and Timings

Here are the totality start times for some key cities along the path:

Mexico’s Pacific Coast: 11:07 a.m. PDT
Dallas, Texas: 12:23 pm. CDT
Idabel, Oklahoma: 12:28 pm. CDT
Little Rock, Arkansas: 12:33 pm. CDT
Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 12:39 pm. CDT
Paducah, Kentucky: 12:42 pm. CDT
Evansville Indiana: 12:45 pm. CDT
Cleveland, Ohio: 1:59pm. EDT
Eire, Pennsylvania: 2:02pm. EDT
Buffalo, New York: 2:04pm. EDT
Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada: 5:16 p.m. NDT

How to Maximize Your Airbnb Opportunity

Early Listings: Be one of the first to list your property on Airbnb for those eclipse dates. This increases your visibility and chances of getting booked on Airbnb and VRBO

Create Attractive Packages: Offer unique experiences tied to the eclipse. Include special amenities, eclipse glasses, and local trips for the best viewing spots along with chairs.

Market Your Listing: Leverage social media, local event listings, and community boards to spread the word about your eclipse-themed Airbnb experience.

Collaborate with Locals: Partner with local businesses to offer discounts or promotions for eclipse-viewing tourists, enhancing the overall experience for your guests.

Make a custom Airbnb Welcome Book: During this time you can create customised welcome book to help guests make the most of this celestial event, like special places and safety. With this information on this event contained in your book, it will help you get those 5-star reviews.

Host a Roof Top Party: If you’ve got a nice large flat roof, consider hosting a party that will help enhance this special event. You can even charge other locals to use your viewing platform.

Don’t miss out on this astronomical opportunity to turn your home into an place for star gazers to stay and make some extra income. The 2024 total solar eclipse is a rare event and people will be searching for memorable and unique ways to experience it. Seize the moment and list your space on Airbnb, you can then welcome guests from around the world to witness the celestial spectacle from the comfort of your home! For more information of this event visit space.com where you can get planning tips.

If you’re considering diving into the world of Airbnb hosting or are already part of the hosting community, there a few essential aspects you need to be aware of to ensure a smooth experience and stay within the law. here are six considerations to think about if you’re hosting.

1. Understanding Local Laws:

Before you embark on your Airbnb journey, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations in your city regarding short-term rentals. Cities often have zoning laws that dictate the type of properties allowed for short-term rentals. Take the time to investigate whether your home falls within the permissible limits.

Equally important is to determine the maximum number of days you are allowed to sublet your property each year. Operating outside these legal boundaries can lead to severe consequences, especially in cities like New York and San Francisco, where fines are notably steep.

2. Registration, Permits, and Licenses:

Many cities require hosts to register and obtain permits or licenses to operate short-term rentals. Skipping this step may result in fines, and some cities are actively cracking down on unregistered properties listed on Airbnb. Boston and San Francisco, for example, are taking measures to curb the operation of illegal hotels disguised as Airbnb listings.

To ensure a hassle-free hosting experience, invest the time in understanding your city’s specific requirements. Compliance not only protects you from legal troubles but also contributes to a healthier and more sustainable home-sharing ecosystem.

3. Tax Obligations:

While Airbnb has maintained a stance of protecting host privacy by not disclosing private data, this approach has led some hosts to evade local taxes. Several cities are responding with stricter regulations to ensure fair tax contributions from hosts.

It’s crucial for hosts to fulfill their tax obligations voluntarily, as relying on Airbnb’s confidentiality may not be a sustainable strategy. For example the UK now disclose income information to the HMRC.

4. Lease Agreement Compliance:

For hosts who are renters, it’s essential to review the terms of your lease agreement. Not all landlords permit subleasing, and violating these terms can lead to eviction. Some Airbnb hosts have faced eviction even after gaining national attention for their hospitality, emphasizing the importance of adhering to lease agreements.

Before listing your property, seek written permission from your landlord to avoid potential conflicts. A tarnished rental history could make it challenging to secure housing in the future, so it’s wise to prioritize communication with your landlord.

5. Insurance Coverage:

Hosting on Airbnb involves welcoming a diverse range of guests, from delightful individuals to those who may cause issues. Having a robust insurance plan is crucial to protect yourself and your property. While Airbnb offers a $1 million Host Guarantee called AirCover, hosts should carefully review the terms and conditions to understand the limitations.

Relying solely on Airbnb’s coverage may not be sufficient, and hosts should consider additional insurance that cover short term rentals. .

6. Health and Safety Measures:

While Airbnb currently lacks the stringent health and safety regulations imposed on traditional service industries like hotels, hosts should prioritize the well-being of their guests. Adhering to Airbnb’s guidelines on Responsible Hosting is a fundamental step in this regard.

Basic safety measures include providing a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher, ensuring the proper functioning of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, marking clear fire escape routes, and providing emergency contact information. Hosts should also address potential hazards within the property, such as exposed wires or malfunctioning appliances, to create a safe environment for guests. You should also put this information in your welcome book, so it’s easy for the guests to find emergency information.

In conclusion, being an Airbnb host is a rewarding endeavour, but it comes with responsibilities. Taking the time to understand and address legal, financial, and safety considerations will not only protect you from potential issues but also contribute to a positive and sustainable home-sharing community. Embrace the adventure, but do so with diligence and a commitment to being a responsible host.