Host Review

[Robert-And-Geri0]

We had a fabulous guest and she left us a 5 star review, and we left HER a 5 star review.  She got in touch with us and asked if we could change ONE WORD in our review.  The guest reserved a later stay with us, so in the review we wrote, we said we are looking forward to seeing her "later this summer."  The guest asked if we could change the word "summer" to "year."  That's all!  We were on the phone for over 3 hours last night with AirBnb and we were told the ONLY option was to completely remove the review!  We are sad that a wonderful guest loses a 5 star review!  Do you really mean to tell me that it was absolutely IMPOSSIBLE for you to change one word?  The guest requested this to protect HER privacy!  One of the representatives we talked to said there isn't a legal department in AirBnB, and we KNOW this is false because we had a guest complain about a review we left - saying it was discriminatory - and the Legal department removed it!  GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AIRBNB!!!  

[Robert-And-Geri0]

Just a bit of background about the "discrimination" charge - we are a pet free place and someone arrived very late at night with a dog - then claimed it was a support dog!  So in our review, we said just that, and the guest claimed it was discriminatory!  Live and learn!

[Joan2709]

@Robert-And-Geri0 

Yes... unfortunately there are very specific policies regarding support animals, and many Hosts have learned the hard way about that. There are ways to write a review that don't violate Airbnb's discrimination rules.

Also, Hosts aren't left without recourse if a guest shows up with a dog and claims it is a service animal. You just have to tread carefully to avoid discrimination claims. 

[Robert-And-Geri0]

Thanks Joan.  That issue happened a long time ago and all's resolved.  

[Joan2709]

@Robert-And-Geri0 

Not sure why the guest would be that concerned about the word "summer" vs "year". However, reviews cannot edited after posting per Airbnb policies.

For the future, I would just say "we hope to see you again for another visit", or "welcome back any time" in your reviews.

[Robert-And-Geri0]

The guest said it was because she was uncomfortable with anyone knowing her whereabouts.  I just find it so interesting that that other guest I had mentioned requested a review be removed and got what THEY wanted, but this guest could not!  That being said, you're absolutely right about the wording!  The guest IS returning this summer - already booked.