Our experiences with Airbnb stays have been quite diverse, ranging from exceptional to underwhelming. Here, we aim to share our insights and offer guidance on how to craft a review.
In our observations, we've identified two main types of Airbnb operators: owners who also serve as hosts, and property owners who delegate tasks such as cleaning and management to third parties.
The first group, owner-hosts, typically exhibit a more hands-on approach. They take personal pride in their properties and genuinely strive to ensure guests have a pleasant stay.
On the other hand, the second type, property owners who outsource tasks, often provide more basic accommodations with minimal furnishings and standard cleanliness.
We once encountered a perplexing situation where, after a mediocre and expensive stay, our excellent super host accused us, along with previous and subsequent guests, of causing toilet blockages. To our surprise, we later received an apology from her.
When it comes to reviewing your Airbnb stay, Airbnb's questions aren't meant to be an IQ test or an assessment of interior design knowledge. They simply ask about your overall experience.
Here's a simple guideline: If you stayed in a clean, reasonably priced Airbnb managed directly by the owner, who was readily available to assist with reasonable requests, consider giving them a five-star review.
Of course, we understand that not all hosts are alike. We encountered another host whose property was furnished with the bare minimum, including low-quality plastic plates and utensils. When we politely requested a wine bottle opener, the host shrugged off the request, suggesting we find a solution ourselves.
In conclusion, while we wish all hosts provided the same level of service, we recognize that this isn't always the case. Your review can help future guests make informed decisions.