I do not agree with a simple up or down vote - that can be abused just as easily, and ultimately means very little IMHO.
I posted this on another 'rating' thread but here it is again, assuming not everyone reads them all:
Guests do not understand the star system and many think that a 4 star is a perfecty good rating where 5 would be absolute perfection, beyond great.
By most standards a 4 star rating is a very good rating and there isn't a business out there that would go out of business with dozens of 4 stars out of 5.
5 Star is by many considered very elite rating normally considered by guests for top hotels and resorts.
4 stars = very good
5 stars = exceptional
I was at 96% with the old stats system and 88% on my dash which NEVER changed regardless of how many 5's I got!! Because of one woman (candle lady) I am at 4.9% and 87% and freaking out because I NEED ABB to keep my home.
IF ABB only wants exceptional then good luck with that, because the more you host, the higher the chances of even the best SH's eventually running into guests that dont get the rating system, are overly critical, can't or won't communicate, or just plain nasty pieces of work. That means that hosting on ABB and maintaining your SH status becomes more and more challenging the longer you host and the harder you work.
IF ABB is going to do this then it behooves them to educate guests on the ramifications anything less than a 5 star wil have on their host --- who opened their home to them, made time for them and put a lot of effort into the space they offer, and time preparing for their visit.
We can do everything right, but we can not control the power of the written word and stars, and the particular personality of a guest. You can ask people to please let you know if there is something not right while they're staying with you so you can 'fix' it ... and they still don't and use the review as a weapon.
Reviews in the hands of some are weapons; many reaons and one can be jealousy. I had one like that and it was obvious by the questions they asked regarding me, my home etc. The were in awe, and then left a rotten rating and outrageous written view with wild claims (and I mean, over the top!) In fact, they were the worst I ever had and ABB did remove their riduculous and scandalous review and rating.
*** IF you are a long standing SH and have dozens of 5 stars and then get a person or two who gives you less, that should be a red flag for ABB!! Its says more about the guest than a seasoned SH with an otherwise great rating.
I've gotten 4 stars because the person didn't like candles! 4 stars for the same bed being too soft and another for it being too hard. I mean, come on people.
4 stars because the room was too warm but 3 days and the guest said nothing.
How do you protect yourself against a guest that does not communicate? Doesn't let you know if something isn't right for them! The answer is that you can not.
ABB is supposed to be a team sport - that means the host does everything in their power to offer a fabulous place and experience, and a guest that does their due diligence before booking BY READING (which we know they don't) and communicating their needs.
