This is a rant about how subjective the "value" rating is. Anybody else agree?
I'm a superhost with 2 properties, 851 reviews and 4.99 overall rating. My listings are in the top 5% of listings in their metro areas. So when I get the rare and random 4 value rating, honestly, I lose my mind.
I can and do control for the following which Airbnb recommends for generating "high value" ratings:
- Cleanliness
- Accuracy (photos, descriptions)
- Ammenities
- Price and Fees
My properties are immaculate with new everything and constantly upgraded. I offer ALL ammenities including stocked pantries, stocked bathrooms, free EV charging, etc. My property locations are HOT/walkable to the main attractions in the areas. My prices (via Wheelhouse) are set to "average." Most guest reviews say my properties are the best Airbnb they've ever stayed in.
All this being said, the few random guests who assigned 4 stars for "value" rated everything else 5 stars. This means the 4 stars for "value" were not due to a lack of cleaniness, accuracy or ammenities.
So let's talk "price and fees" in case that's what triggers the 4 value rating. I use a pricing tool set to "average" price even though I could choose "higher" pricing based on my reviews. This means my prices are average compared to hotels and other Airbnbs.
And... to make matters even crazier, my properties hold 8+ guests. So, the guests giving me a 4 star for "value" would have paid 2-3x more to stay in multiple hotel rooms (3-4 star hotel rooms) without fully stocked kitchens and living rooms, etc.
And here's something funny... just today an Airbnb host who stayed at my 3 story, 4 bedroom house with 8 family members gave me 4 stars for value. This is the same guest who had to rebook 3 times so she could use her $100 Airbnb host gift certificate or a different credit card, etc., and asked where the closest Costco was so she could stock up. Obviously, she's a thrifty gal which I appreciate. But, if thrift is the lens through which she views "value," then how can I compete if she's not considering "compared to the alternative."
If Airbnb is going to ask someone to assign a value score, then Airbnb should display the average hotel night price next to the question so that the guest can consider "compared to what." Or, I vote to remove "value" as a rating since it is so arbitrary.
