Looking for feedback on my listing

[Blair126]

Struggled to get many reviews, I just set up some auto messages to explain if anything was wrong to message before leaving a bad review but are they're any other reasons why my reviews are so low ? 

Rental unit in Sydney · ★4.83 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath

[Content updated by OCM]

[James4521]

@Blair126 I've started focusing a lot more on reviews + increasing my bookings recently; one thing that has really helped with getting reviews is sending a departure message, but then following on with a Thank You message for leaving our AirBnb tidy (obviously only if they did). People generally really like that, it's prompted a response and they're willing to leave a review in return. Could be worth a go.

[Paula]

Hello @Blair126,  I just wanted to let you know that I’ve added a photo and the link to your listing in your post, so it’s easier for other hosts to share their opinions. I hope that's ok with you.

I’m reaching out to some of them here to see if they’d like to contribute their thoughts: @Basil53 @Jonathan2650 @Denise1657 and @Thembelihle1 

Thank you, everyone!

[Denise1657]

This is definitely a tough one for all of us.  I took a look at the reviews you have.  By the way, great place and great description.

I also have a place in an urban spot.  However, it's not "walking" distance.  So I have tried to set expectations right off the bat - and that was based on reviews and private comments.  I always adjust accordingly.

- send YOUR review first.  Guests will see you already left a comment and are more likely to be curious about what you said.  

- try to always leave a comment on the reviews you received.

- you might "massage" your auto message - " to explain if anything was wrong to message before leaving a bad review" - THIS almost invites a subpar review.  GO for the positive angle.  "I hope your stay was everything you expected and that ..."

- COMMUNICATE early, middle and after.  

PRIOR to arrival, I ask if they are in town for something special and if they are looking for any recommendations.  If they respond with something specific like Jazz music, Barbeque, birthday celebration... Then, BOOM, you have a HOOK.  I sometimes leave a little gift that relates to it.  (I MEAN, HOW COULD SOMEONE GIVE YOU A BAD REVIEW WITH SUCH A PERSONAL TOUCH)  LOL

AFTER ARRIVAL, I ask if everything is meeting their expectations.  And, I fix it, if I can.

AT DEPARTURE time, I send a message.  I hope your stay was great (xxx add personal note) and to have a safe journey home.  

Above = kill them with kindness = no way can they leave a bad review.

I see that "cleanliness" and "value" are the places your reviews got the most hit.  Not sure of the value without checking the comps in the area.  Take a look and see if you are in the same target. 

As for cleanliness, you know that better than we do.  However, I see a common thread in the reviews of "noise."  Your description SAYS it's in the hub of the activity.  Is the noise level that extreme?  I would look at adding something to your description that states - noisy downtown and/or area = retreat at night to the cozy bedroom far from the bustle.  

- something along those lines.  POSSIBLY you are taking the hit for noise in cleanliness.  

The market and temperament of guests are fluid.  Stick with it - respond to posted reviews, communicate, and see if some extra attention is needed for a "clean" place.  

Last extra note:  If someone does ask for recommendations on places to go/shop/eat, I pull from this "guide" I put together of  my favorite spots AND I send this link to them.    https://tinyurl.com/KCGuidebyDenise

[Thembelihle1]

Not sure I understood your question properly @Blair126, but:
From looking at your listing, your reviews are actually quite good. 
As much as we’d all love a perfect streak of 5‑stars, it’s almost impossible to maintain year after year. I remember how hard it felt when I first got a 4*—I knew I had given my all, but sometimes even that isn’t enough. But I realized that sometimes even when you give your all, guests are simply different—some are generous, others are critical, and a few may even be malicious. A 4* isn’t bad in the bigger picture, though Airbnb’s system can make it feel that way!

What stands out more to me is that you haven’t had reviews since June 2025. That gap may be where your concern lies. If so ... reviews are partly about volume—more bookings naturally mean more reviews.

Another thing I noticed: your responses to reviews feel a bit cold. Guests are showering you with praise, but your replies are short and transactional. Hospitality is about warmth, and reciprocity matters. When guests feel acknowledged—when you thank them personally, highlight what you appreciated about them, and show genuine gratitude—they’re more likely to leave reviews & remember you fondly.

You also mentioned automating messages to prevent bad reviews. Automation can save time, but it risks losing the personal touch. Guests can sense when communication is “just business.”
A heartfelt message at checkout, or even a simple note the day after asking if they traveled safely and thanking them again, goes a long way. I usually tell guests what I loved about hosting them, let them know I’ll be leaving them a 5* (if deserved), and gently remind them that their feedback helps us grow. That warmth often inspires them to write a review without feeling pressured. I don't fuss over those who don't.

In short:

- Don’t obsess over 5s—a few 4s are normal.

- Focus on consistency and volume—reviews build naturally with more bookings.

- Warmth matters—make your review responses personal and appreciative.

- Communicate from the heart—automation is fine for logistics, but genuine hosting shines through personal notes.

- Trust the process—Airbnb already sends reminders; if guests were happy, they’ll usually review.

Sometimes it’s less about chasing reviews & more about creating experiences guests want to talk about. When you host with kindness and presence, reviews follow naturally.

Your apartment is lovely, & the content also on point! 
Wishing you all the best!

[Joelle43]

@Thembelihle1 - love this reply and I think it sums up beautifully what hosting on Airbnb is all about😍