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The Airbnb Game-Changer: How I Started Earning Five-Star Reviews—Every Time (Almost😅)
- Marcin Marcewicz
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
When I first started hosting on Airbnb, I thought having a clean space and a good location would be enough. But over time, I realised that what really makes a difference isn’t just the space—it’s the experience.
A five-star review means more than just good feedback. It brings trust, more bookings, and better guests. After a lot of trial and error, I found what works. Today, I want to share with you the simple things I do that helped me consistently earn five-star reviews—and build great relationships with my guests along the way.
1. Cleanliness: Always the First Priority 🧼🛏️
No matter how charming or stylish a place is, if it’s not clean, guests will notice—and they will mention it in the review.
That’s why I always double-check everything before check-in:
Bathrooms are spotless.
Beds are freshly made with clean sheets and pillowcases.
Surfaces are dust-free.
The kitchen is tidy, with no forgotten crumbs or fingerprints.
Even small touches—like a freshly aired room and folded towels—can help your guests feel cared for.
2. Add a Few Thoughtful Touches
People don’t just want a place to sleep—they want to feel welcomed.
Here’s what I always provide:
Fresh towels, clean bedding, and a few extra pillows and blankets.
Basic toiletries (shampoo, body wash, hand soap).
Tea, coffee, and a small treat like chocolates or local biscuits.
It doesn’t have to cost a lot. These small things show thoughtfulness, and guests really do remember them.
3. Make Guests Feel Heard and Welcome
Good communication is one of the easiest ways to impress a guest.
I reply quickly to all messages—before and during the stay.
I send a friendly welcome message with clear check-in info.
I include a short local guide (nearby shops, cafés, walks).
Even just checking in once during the stay (“Hope everything’s going well!”) can make a guest feel valued.
4. Go the Extra Mile
Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that guests remember the most.
Here are a few things I’ve done that made a big impression:
Leave a handwritten welcome note.
Provide umbrellas on rainy days.
Offer transport advice—or even a ride if they’re stuck.
You don’t need to overdo it, but doing something extra shows heart.
5. Handle Problems With Grace
Even with the best preparation, things can go wrong—a fuse blows, the Wi-Fi cuts out, a neighbor plays loud music.
What matters most is how quickly and kindly you respond.
I always:
Apologize first, even if it wasn’t my fault.
Act fast to solve the issue.
Check back in to make sure they’re okay.
When guests see you care and take action, they’re more forgiving and still likely to leave a good review.
💌⭐6. My Personal Game-Changer:
The Review Relationship💌⭐
Here’s something that completely changed my Airbnb hosting results—and it’s very simple.
After my guests check out, I don’t wait around. I:
Leave them a 5-star review right away.
Then I send a short, kind personal message. I let them know I enjoyed hosting them, and that I’ve left them a 5-star review.
At the end of the message, I kindly ask if they’d consider leaving me a 5-star review too, if they enjoyed their stay.
This small gesture does a few things:
It shows gratitude and respect.
It reminds the guest to leave a review.
It builds trust—and a real connection.
Honestly, this was my biggest game-changer. Once I started doing this, my five-star reviews became consistent. More importantly, I started building better relationships with my guests.
Final Thoughts: Make It Feel Like Home
At the end of the day, hosting is about people. Clean sheets, good pillows, and fresh coffee help—but what guests remember most is how they were treated.
Treat your guests like you’re hosting your best friends. Be warm, be helpful, be respectful. When you lead with kindness, the rest falls into place.
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