My name is Scott Robinson. I've stayed over 1,600 nights in ...
My name is Scott Robinson. I've stayed over 1,600 nights in furnished rental across the globe. I've been hosting on Airbnb fo...
I have been a host for a few months and take the job quite seriously. I go out of my way to ensure that the unit is very clean via hiring professional cleaners, I had my ad edited to make sure there are no surprises for guests, I leave a little thank you token for guests when they arrive. I try hard to be a good host! Unfortunately yesterday I got a review from a guest that is very negative. In the review the guest says that they found animal hair on the couch - I am really not sure how this could be the case since the suite is pet free. The guest also suggests the ceilings are 5'5 when they are actually 6'3. I asked Airbnb to remove the review and they won't. To make matters worse I gave the guest a positive review. I have never left a negative review for anyone - not a host or a guest - since I've been on Airbnb (starting in 2013). Even though this guest was more demanding than average (by far) I tried to focus on what was positive about them in the review. I have decided to start being less nice with my reviews and more honest - even though writing bad public reviews is not in my nature! I have to be honest that I think as a guest, if I were to read this person's review, I would be turned off from booking my unit. I'm not sure where to go from here. I am considering maybe taking the listing down altogether and starting over. Does anyone have any tips to avoid this, or what I should do? I know some things that I need to do in the future, including (1) being willing to give guests negative reviews; (2) in the future I will be more careful who I allow to stay - this guest had a few "suggestions" even when were trying to book - I should have said no right away. Anything else I can do? Should I take the listing down and re-start (with 0 reviews)? Thank you 🙂
@Denelle1 I read your reviews and at least one other guest said the ceiling was low and another guest said you have a pet. That’s 2-for-2. So, in all honestly, pet hair could have been easily transferred from one of your family members.
I do not think you should take your listing down. Will you take it down and start all over every time you get a negative review. I think not. I believe any setback should be treated as an opportunity to learn, and just decide you’ll have a major comeback. Stuff happens and believe me, it will continue to happen.
You may have never noticed your low ceiling before. I didn’t notice mine and didn’t even think about it until I gave my 6’2 guest a tour. We both laughed.
I suggest not taking it personally; and since there is a pet in your household, make sure to use pet hair sticky remover on beds and furniture even if you believe your pet doesn't go downstairs.
Also, a friendly reminder. Guests also read hosts’ responses. So stay calm and friendly, and no you don’t have to give a negative review, just a factual one. You could have wrote something like this:
Guests gave his POV and many suggestions. I was surprised about pet fur on furniture, but duly noted. Thank you. Also, ceilings are not 8 ft but definitely high enough for someone 6’3”. As a host, we work hard to give guests the best experience, but for this guest, I guess we fell short.
Wow - thanks so much, especially for the idea on how to respond. I wasn't sure about what to say.
You’re welcome.