I keep getting downgraded based on things I have no control over

[Stuart11]

I am a relatively new host with 7 generally favorable reviews, BUT I am getting slammed in the "star" ratings for where my property is located.

I do NOT understand this, as the map on the Airbnb website clearly shows potential guests exactly where it is, so why would someone book a place in a location that they apparently do not want to be in ?

Aside from the very easy to see map, I also mention landmarks and well-known attractions that it is near as a means of further identifying what kind of area it is.

Plus I have pictures of my home and property .

Why does Airbnb even allow guests to downgrade people based on something that can't be changed ? ...I am not going to move my house.

Also, I just got a "2" for "value" from a guest who I had given a big discount to. I charged her $45 a night for a private room with a private bath.  I am in an area that is a bit pricey and most similar rooms go for $65 to $95.  Yet now I have this horrible rating based on something that is clearly out of sync with the reality of the pricing in this area ( Of course she did complain that this room did not come with a full dinette set, something which I NEVER said it had )

Does Airbnb EVER remove erroneous ratings, or am I stuck with them ?

Btw, I have been in the rental business for over 20 years, and have never had such issues with hundreds of non-airbnb guests.

[C-C0]

The more you do for certain people--not everyone--the more you'll regret it. Some people are just takers. The average of your stars should go up with other guests.

[Sandie0]

I understand how you feel. The guest i catered to the most gave me the lowest rating. However, he did tell me I have a great location for his needs but didn't want to shoot himself in the foot!! He wanted to make sure I'd have room for him for any other up coming events by stating location is poor.

It's their choice to book with us! Location shouldn't be part of the star rating.

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

It's quite common from posts on here that people who demand the most, including big discounts, are inevitabely going to give you a middling or negative review. 

As for location - couldn't agree more. It's weird when people mark you down on location when they have free choice to stay in any part of the city or region.

AirBnB will remove ratings if they meet certain requirements - but, if it is a guests opinion that it was not good value, then that is their view and you are unlikely to get it removed. You can of course reply publicly to the guest's review, which is your best option.

[Ange2]

@Stuart11 @Sandie0 @C-C0 @Gerry-And-Rashid0

This is a thorn in all Airbnb hosts sides.

Unfortunatley the more you give, especially as concerns discounts, it seems the more the guest expects and the more problematic they become.  Not sure why,  but seems everyone has experienced it. In fact a guest asking for a discount is listed as a red flag to look for when hosting. http://globalhosting.freeforums.net/thread/455/red-flags-hosts

As for location, yes it is crazy. I have a very thorough description of location and what is offered here yet people give me less stars because even though they know exactly where my listing is they wanted to be near Times Square but couldn't afford it or weren't willing to pay for it.  

To me it's as crazy as giving a bad review to a French Restaurant because you wanted to eat German food!  Go figure.

Airbnb never (as far as I know) removes ratings.  You can write a response to her review if she left one, although I don't as majority good reviews will outshine the bad ones. If you do decide to respond,  short and sweet  and damning with faint praise has been advised as the best route to take - there is a lot of advice on that in this forum.

Best,

[Andrée2]

Location is so much about the opinion of the guest. I have been slammed for it myself and I am in one of the hippest, fastest growing neighborhoods in my city so go figure. What I have done that seems to have helped is that I have created a list within my listing of all of the businesses (bars, restaurants, a big park, stores and unfortunately my proximity to weed dispensaries) in my neighborhood. Once it was all in print, it was an impressive list and guests have let me know that they appreciate it. I feel that it kind of helps to remind them that if they couldn't find anything to do in my neck of the woods, it was their own fault for not making an effort. I also list proximeties to popular venues and shopping districts and am fortunately very close to the bus line.

Unfortunately, as I host more and travel more, I have really been awakened to the fact that Americans have become quite lazy and, as opposed to getting up and going to find something, they want it to be delivered to their feet with the speed and conveniece of an Amazon package. A five block walk is simply too far for many so heaven forbid that you are a mile from anything!

All of that to say, @Stuart11, you may just have to move your house : )

[Ange2]

@Andrée2  Another thing I have found somewhat helpful is to search your location in google maps and Share the URL (***ONLY when the guest has a confirmed reservation) because it lists all nearby amenities, restaurants, bars etc. and they can see how near/far everything is and orient themselves and get directions from your place by car, foot, public transportation.  Although again it's 50/50 that they will actually access it.

EDIT:  N.B. -   Forgot to say ***ONLY when the guest has a confirmed reservation or has arrived.

[Andrée2]

Hi @Ange2, 

Thanks for that! I actually only tell potential guests what I am near without providing the exact location as I have heard of issues with break ins and squatters. Seeing as they have your vacancy calendar on the site and great photos of all of the wonderful items in the home, it's best (at least here in Portland) to not provide exact locations. By law, it can take homeowners up to 90 days to re-gain access to their home if squatters break in, change the locks and start receiving mail at your address, especially if they manage to put the utilities in their name...yikes!

[Ange2]

@Andrée2   Yes, of course, thanks for the reminder,  I had taken it as a given.  I never give out any personal information or my address before they confirm their reservation.  I forgot to say  - I only give it to guests who have a confirmed reservation and then only just before or when they arrive. 

[Matthew68]

I had someone give me a bad rating because they didn't like the trip they were on!

What disappoints me about these people is that I haven't marked anyone down so I haven't been able to warn other hosts about them. You don't find out they are going to give you a nasty inaccurate review until you have already posted yours.

[Stuart11]

Is there any way to block people that you don't want to book with you again ? ...I mean other than disabling "Instant Book" for EVERYONE, which seems drastic, considering that presumably a guest who leaves a "2" star is unlikely to come back.