So... As an Aussie I consider myself fairly easy going but after a year of going hell- for- leather to achieve Superhost status I have now come to the conclusion that I am better off going back to holiday letting.
So take a look at these stats for the past 9 months
Host Cancellation rate: 0%
Response rate: 100%
stays hosted: 39
116 nights.
Check-in rating: 5 star
So far so good but only 4.7 and not 4.8 overall rating so no Superhost
What does this mean in real terms... it means that people book an entire house near the beach and then find sand on the odd occasion..... Hot **bleep**, somebody call the police, a mystery needs solving ...
I get that Airbnb wants to ensure that customers experiences are reflected but the current rating system is almost 'anti-host' and they risk hosts either switching off or over to competitors that have a more balanced review system..... Think about it, you refuse a late checkout on the basis of another guest arrival and suddenly you get a poor rating because you've ticked a guest with unrealistic expectations off.
Under the current system I would have been better off letting 3 people stay for a month each and get 5 stars from each of them than getting 39 reviews of which 4 are less than 5 but more than 4! For a global company you would think some numpty would improve what is an obviously flawed system.
Why not switch to a review system that begins with 5 stars and guest have to demonstrate why they have marked down...
and why in the hell do we as hosts have to give a guest rating before finding out we hosted a germaphobic or narcissist or narcissistic germaphobic! Would guest be as quick to be so critical if a host could respond in kind! the best part is where a guest marks you down for cleanliness but then leave the place untidy for the next guest...
How about instead of Airbnb getting caught up in the newest missile silo or ancient pyramid to be turned into an awesome airbnb experience, that they instead focus on looking after the other side of their customer base. It amuses me that I am offered incentives to encourage others to become a host, why would I wish that on someone I like?