Not everyone’s 5 stars is the same!

[Melissa2001]

Despite the efforts by Airbnb the review system is deeply flawed and getting worse. Customers now feel entitled to refund over even the simplest things. And hosts have to bend over backwards to meet demands in order to not lose their livelihood over a star. Now its hosts v. guests in a battle to prove who violated the terms of a contract Airbnb put between them.

So I’m asking that Airbnb considers

1. Drastically changing the system or

2. Removing the star rating all together

Something that’s stuck with me for a couple of years now said by a wise host, “Everyone’s ‘5 stars’ is different.” We can’t all be compared on such a small scale.

Idea 1: In an interview with Brian Chesky he mentions a 10 star experience and it gave me the idea that we could leave everyone at their current status and change the system to be 10 stars with the explanation that 10 is only met by a trip to the moon or other similar experience if there are any.

Idea 2: Have a rating showing only the last month or 6 months so potential guests can see your current standing instead of this over all rating where if you didn’t do a perfect job your first guest you are still punished for it 5 years later. 

Idea 3: Remove the stars!! Make a system where the reviews are there and the option to report problems and then if someone violates a major rule or gets multiple reports that have the same issue it can be investigated. 

Anyone agree? Or have their own ideas to change the system?

[Guy991]

Hello @Melissa2001 ,

What hasn’t been said about the review system? You can search the community and find plenty of ideas, suggestions, and frustrated comments.

But honestly, I wouldn’t spend too much time on this. The best thing you can do is focus on delivering the best service possible—and that’s really all you can control.

That said, there are two things that really bother me about the current review system, and I’m sure there are many more:

1. I saw you had a guest in January 2025 who wrote that the house is amazing, the location is amazing, you’re amazing, everything is amazing—and still gave 4 stars. That feels like a real flaw in the system. Customer service even told me that if a guest writes, “This is the best Airbnb ever, fantastic stay,” but gives 1 star, it’s still considered a valid review.
2. similar to your second suggestion. Let’s say a guest leaves a 3-star review because they didn’t like the kitchen table. Even if the host replaces it with a brand new one, that review stays on the listing permanently. I believe reviews should eventually expire—for both guests and hosts. A review from 10 years ago about a guest doesn’t reflect who they are today.

In conclusion, choose your battles, make your guests fall in love with your property, and let them admire your hospitality—that’s what truly matters.