Listing detailed

[Sylvia404]

Do our guests take time to read the listing? Recently had a guest who booked my space and gave a low review on location and communication which puzzled me because I never had a low score on communication. In addition, the guest couldn't find a space close to the event and book mine which was out of the way. Why then the low score?

[Zheng49]

@Sylvia404 What works for me is to describe in detail what can be reached by walking(less than 15 minutes walk). Ie. restaurants, grocery store, etc. I also highlighted in particular the best restaurant in the area that can be walked to, ie. for me I highlighted/recommended Gyubee which is a highly rated Japanese all-you-can-eat in the area.

I also added a guidebook for each. One for restaurants that can be walked to, and another for grocery store that can be walked to.

That will make this type of review less likely , ie. "nothing decent to eat around in the area."

[Frances3408]

@Sylvia404. Sylvia, try not to take reviews too much to heart.

For example,  two years ago one of my listings got a couple of 4's for location. This year its all 5's. I've noticed a different type of guest this year, younger, budget conscious so the local pub by the water 200m away and dog friendly is now a big plus apparently. I didnt really change my description either (or location) but I do include both fine dining and budget eating, all with distances noted.

Re communication thats a very individual thing. I just open the lines of communication early and keep it up. It sounds like he was only slightly disappointed, that's all.

And in answer to your first question no, they often dont! 😉

[Ibiye1]

Hi Sylvia, 

I have learnt to take reviews with a grain of salt especially if the guest did not reach out for resolution prior to leaving. 
Also ask a friend to review your listing like they are a guest and provide feedback on what they would like to see. 

[Paula]

Hello @Sylvia404, thank you so much for posting in our community! 😊

This does seem like a frustrating situation, but our hosts have shared some great suggestions that might help you avoid this issue in the future.

For instance, have you considered describing which places can be reached by walking?

Please keep us updated—we’d love to hear your thoughts!