How to reply to review a good review, but!

[Alison1039]

I just received a great 5 start review that the guest personally told me what a wonderful space.

The review says small than in photo's but good use of space??

My cover photo says this;

This studio guest suite, though compact, excels in space efficiency. High cathedral ceilings create an airy atmosphere, The layout maximizes functionality without sacrificing style or comfort; Keeping the suite uncluttered and inviting

What more can I do? Do I just skip the bit about her prospective and thank her kindly for the review? 

Thanks! Ali

[Alison1039]

The Airbnb rating system presents several challenges for hosts, particularly regarding the honesty of guest reviews. Many hosts, despite their commitment to hospitality, often feel compelled to withhold negative feedback out of fear of retaliation. 

This inequality in the rating system underscores the need for a more equitable approach. Both hosts and guests should be assessed fairly, promoting a transparent and honest environment that encourages constructive feedback. A more balanced system would empower hosts to share their experiences without fear, fostering a healthier Airbnb community for all involved.

I checked out your listing! We're in the same region, so it's nice to be able to chat with someone with similar guest base.

Looks like you've been hosting a while so always good to be able to bounce things of another local host 😁

[Saba208]

Hi Alison!

As some of the hosts already mentioned, just take the high road and thank her for taking the time to review your listing.  No matter what we do, there will always be a review that is either unrealistic or unkind or both.  Best wishes!

[Nancy2092]

Yes! Don’t worry about a review with 5 stars

[Alison1039]

Nancy! Yes, I did remind myself of that. I appreciate your validation ☺️

[Robert8177]

It sounds like your guest had a great experience overall, which is fantastic! Since they mentioned that the space felt smaller than in photos but was well-utilized, you have a couple of options:

1. Graciously Acknowledge & Thank Them – You don’t need to dwell on the size comment. A simple, warm response highlighting their positive experience is enough. Example:
   "Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the space and found it functional and inviting. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to host you again!"

2. Subtly Address Perception – If you want to acknowledge their perspective while reinforcing the efficiency of the space, you could say:
   "We appreciate your thoughtful feedback! While the studio is compact, we designed it to be both stylish and functional. So glad you found it comfortable, and we’d love to host you again!"

You don’t need to change your listing description unless you receive similar comments frequently. If that happens, you might consider tweaking it slightly to better manage expectations, but otherwise, I’d just focus on the positives in your response.

[Alison1039]

I liked your first response...I kept my response brief, but will save it for future reference. Thank you!!! I added the word "bijou" to my listing, thinking that if future guests don't know what it means, they'll look it up and discover it means small, my space is small 😁.