If you are an Airbnb host you already know that your reviews are everything. They determine whether a traveler books your property or scrolls past it. They affect your search ranking on the platform. They can mean the difference between a full calendar and an empty one.
The good news is that five star reviews are not just about having a beautiful space. In fact, some of the most consistent five star hosts have modest properties that outperform stunning ones simply because of the experience they create. And more often than not it comes down to the small details.
Here are the things that actually move guests from satisfied to raving.
1. Cleanliness Is Non Negotiable
This one seems obvious but it is worth saying because it is the number one thing guests mention in reviews (both positive and negative). A spotless space signals that you care. A single hair in the bathroom or a sticky countertop can undo everything else you have done right. Invest in a thorough turnover process every single time without exception.
2. Communicate Early and Often
Guests want to feel taken care of before they even arrive. Send a welcome message as soon as they book. Follow up a day or two before check in with all the information they need like access codes, parking, wifi, and local recommendations. The more prepared they feel the more relaxed they arrive and relaxed guests leave better reviews.
3. Stock the Essentials and Then Some
Every host knows to stock toilet paper and paper towels. The hosts who get five stars consistently go one step further. Think about what you would want to find if you were arriving tired from a long drive or a flight. A fully stocked kitchen, extra blankets, good lighting, and quality toiletries all signal that you thought about your guest before they arrived.
4. Upgrade Your Bathroom Amenities
This is one of the most overlooked opportunities in short term rentals. Most hosts put out whatever soap and shampoo is cheapest and available. But your bathroom is one of the most personal spaces in your rental and guests notice what you put in it.
Individually wrapped handcrafted soap is one of the simplest and most memorable upgrades you can make. It feels intentional. It feels clean. It gives guests something to talk about and that is exactly what you want showing up in your reviews.
At Hummingbird Soap Co. we make handcrafted cold process goat milk guest bars specifically for short term rentals. Each bar is individually wrapped, perfectly sized for a guest stay, and typically lasts 6 to 10 showers. No shared dispensers, no refilling bottles, just a clean thoughtful touch that guests genuinely notice and appreciate. We have had hosts tell us their guests specifically mentioned the soap in their five star reviews.
Our guest bars start at just $1.90 per bar for larger volume orders with tiered pricing available. If you are curious you can reach out to us at HummingbirdSoapCompanyOK@gmail.com for more information or to request a complimentary set of guest bars.
5. Leave Local Recommendations
Guests love feeling like an insider. Leave a printed or digital guide with your honest favorite local restaurants, coffee shops, attractions, and hidden gems. This costs you nothing but time and it consistently shows up in positive reviews. People remember the host who helped them find the best taco place in town.
6. Make Check In and Check Out Effortless
Friction at the beginning or end of a stay leaves a bad taste no matter how good everything in between was. Clear simple check in instructions, a straightforward check out process, and a friendly reminder message the evening before check out all contribute to a smooth experience that guests appreciate.
7. Follow Up After Check Out
A simple message thanking your guests for staying and letting them know you hope to host them again goes a long way. It is also the natural moment to gently remind them that reviews help small hosts like you grow. Most guests who had a great stay are happy to leave a review, they just need the nudge.
8. Handle Problems Immediately
Something will eventually go wrong. The wifi will go out. The hot water will be cold. A guest will lock themselves out. How you respond in that moment is what separates average hosts from five star ones. Respond fast, apologize genuinely, and fix it. Guests who experienced a problem that was handled well often leave better reviews than guests who had no problems at all.
The Bottom Line
Five star reviews are built on consistency, communication, and the feeling that someone genuinely thought about the guest experience before the guest arrived. The hosts who win consistently are not always the ones with the most beautiful properties - they are the ones who sweat the small details.
And sometimes the smallest detail is exactly what a guest remembers most.
About Hummingbird Soap Co.
We are a small batch handcrafted goat milk soap company based in Sand Springs Oklahoma. We make guest bars specifically for short term rentals starting at $1.90 per bar. Reach out at HummingbirdSoapCompanyOK@gmail.com to request samples or learn more about our bulk pricing.