Review Removal

Review Removal

I am a newer host and have two negative reviews amongst my 17 reviews. The other 15 are all 5 stars with no major concerns. The negative reviews are clearly retaliatory and are a direct result of us enforcing a house rule or policy with a guest. In both instances we were respectful and outlined clear expectations with the guests which can be seen in our direct messages. In both instances, I submitted the two review removal requests with detailed screenshots that prove the retaliatory nature of the reviews but they were not removed. This is incredibly disheartening and makes me want to switch to another platform as there seems to be zero support for the host in such instances. There also seems to be no way to further escalate the request to remove even though they clearly fall into the retaliatory review category which the policy seems to say warrants removal. Has anyone been successful in escalating review removals? What else can I do if this happens again? We have posted public replies to both reviews that clarify the facts without being overly defensive. 

2 Replies 2
Tara0
Top Contributor

Hi @Stefanie614 Unfortunately, nowadays much of customer support is AI-scripted and agents do not have the authority to go off-script, so to speak. (I doubt, however, that you'll find support is any better on other platforms). 

 

I had a look at your two negative reviews, the one from last week and the one in May. Both guests have multiple good reviews, and neither review shouts 'retaliatory' to me - both seem to have been genuinely unhappy with the way they were treated, and, reading between the lines, it seems to me that your co-host (because both mention a male host and your listing shows you have a co-host) failed to handle either situation professionally and with grace and courtesy. 

You ask 'What else can I do if this happens again?'. You must ensure it doesn't happen again - because another 1- or 2-star review could result in your listing being suspended, i.e. if your overall rating drops any further (it's already close to suspension level). 

 

Your overriding goal should be to make your guests feel welcome, happy, and delighted. Yes, even guests who don't meet your expectations of a 100% ideal guest. Instead of confrontation, - smile, use diplomacy, be conciliatory. Do whatever it takes to keep the guest happy. 

 

If you continue to make your displeasure known to guests, they will respond in kind. Hide your displeasure. Learn from these two negative reviews. Remember this is the hospitality industry. 



 

Thank you for your feedback. As I said, we were extremely respectful in both instances (I was present for both so I know without a doubt it was handled gracefully on our end). Appreciate you taking the time to reply.

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