Reviews

[Georgina34]

I really enjoy being part of the airbnb community, however, I feel that the review system is grossly unfair. I work really hard to make sure my guests are happy and have a lovely time whilst staying at my place. The last person wrote a private review after I'd written mine and I didn't get a chance to defend myself.

I work really hard to make sure my guests are happy and have a lovely time whilst staying at my place. The last person wrote a private review after I'd written mine and I didn't get chance to reply. What he said was petty and if he had mentioned it to me I would have gone to all lengths to sort it out. He said, There was s small odour in the bathroom which we couldn't shift. If he had noticed it came from the shower drain. In the summer there can be a smell coming from that drain so there is a cover which is properly made for the purpose which is by the drain, he didn't use it and he didn't mention it to me. Instead, he preferred to mention it to airbnb and they actively encourage this kind of feedback, as a consequence my star ratings go lower. That is not fair. I spend 3 hrs cleaning the place and I get penalised for this? This weekend my internet went of...the woman wasn't pleased, she made me feel very uncomfortable with her comments about not booking had she known. I told her (nicely) If I'd have known I would have told you. It just happened. I rang Bt and they told me it was a problem at the exchange. I bought the woman a bottle of prosecco and gave her access to my private DVD collection. If she writes this after I write my review ( and I am not petty, something's

 This weekend my internet went of...the woman wasn't pleased, she made me feel very uncomfortable with her comments about not booking had she known. I told her (nicely) If I'd have known I would have told her. It just happened. I rang Bt and they told me it was a problem at the exchange. I bought the woman a bottle of prosecco and gave her access to my private DVD collection. If she writes this after I write my review ( and I am not petty, something's are just not worth mentioning or moaning about particularly if I'm not aware of them) will I get penalised?
I think airbnb has to look at the way they make judgements about ratings. To have feedback about cleanliness when its not my fault is really disheartening when I spend so long cleaning. I enjoy being a host but this issue is a problem which is unfair.
Georgina.

[Christian65]

I feel you. Truly. People can sometimes be very unfair. I myself had the worst guest stay just now and she lied through her teeth. I'm dreading her review but that comes with the territory. 
Your positives exceed the negatives by you can't do much about it.
Try to only focus on your good and hard work. We hosts know the hard work that goes into it. Chin up,do what you keep doing and brush the dumb ones off.

[Georgina34]

Why dosnt airbnb acknowledge this then? Thanks so much for your reply and I'm sorry you had a difficult time with your guest. If its your own home people should realise that we are all different and THEY are staying in our homes and be respectful of how other people live. I dont want to be moaning when its time to make a review I'm busy and dont have the time. Thanks GX

[Christian65]

They do acknowledge that its hard work. But no system wil ever be fool proof and one way of the other there are gonna be less attractive guests booking your place with perhaps unfair reviews and comments afterwards. The vast majority will be great guests but no system is going to eliminate this.

The review system has been changed several times for the better if you ask me. That being said the system is far from perfect but I truly think it does what it should.

As a guest in a house you'll look at certain things differently depending on who you are. What might be clean for you might not be for the next guest. And even though it might not be your fault with the drain thing, it was someting this guests thought was important to say as it was a nuissance to her. You do have the possibily to write an explanation as a comment to this review so other guests can have the full picture of the appearent experience. 

I get the frustration but that's how it is to be a host. You have the great experiences and the not so much sometimes. No system will ever be perfect for the worlds various and different people and cultures. Perceptions are different, so are people and sometimes it's all good, sometimes its crap. I hope you brush off the negative experience and focus on the great ones. I know its easier than said. I've had my own share of unfair guests and was frustrated too but I've learned to let it go and always leave a level and clear headed fact based respone on negative and/or unfair reviews. 

[Georgina34]

Thanks Christian. Your right of course, I guess I just worry about people not enjoying themselves. I let it spoil my weekend! Cheers GX

[Christian65]

I've been there my self so I completely understand. The only solution is to open a bottle of wine with some friends and dance like nobody's watching!

[Kate157]

Hi @Georgina34 I am in sympathy! However, if you ever do leave a response to a guest's review be very brief and courteous in what you say. Too often offended hosts go on a bit of a rant in this situation, and as the response is public, the host comes off looking unreasonable. So, don't be emotional when you write a response, be cool, calm and collected.