@Jordain2 This is all very frustrating I am sure. Getting reviews removed from the platform is a thing of the past. They simply are not doing it any longer.
You did the right thing by reporting, responding to the review in a proffesional manner as well as giving the guest the review she deserved. Not much more can be done.
You have a beautiful listing and will get more positive reviews to bury this one. Guests of normal sensibilities will see this review for what it is, retaliatory and likely won't be turned off by it. You are also sending the message loud and clear to future guests that if they break the rules they will be reported.
Since you are new, you may have to do some additional things to get more eyes on your listing in an effort to get more bookings and some good reviews.
Some ideas would be to post your Airbnb listing on your socials, Do a FB boosted post to reach more people sharing your listing, offer a length of stay discount in Airbnb and or run a promo. Just be careful not to lower the price too much so as to not attract more of what you just had.
This will not help you now however if something like this happens again I have found it helpful after crafting my review response to make a statement such as,
"Rather than defending myself over an unfair review. I challenge anyone reading this review to book with us. Message me about this review and I'll take 10% off your booking-just to try us out, I'm that confident in our accommodation and services"
I have done this with 2 listings that got 1 star reviews when they were brand new 😥. They were 2-4 years ago. Oddly enough I have only had a handful of guests that actually took me up on the offer. 😁 This proves that guests do not really read anything including reviews.
Best of luck and remember, you will not perish from a 1 star review. Even though it feels like it. You will spend hours on the phone and chat trying to get it removed and all you will have is more anger and frustration. You’re busy and have better things to do with your time.
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Karen
