Air BNB review based on weather

Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 713 posts · 645 votes

i dont know how many 5 star reviews you have, but you will eventually get lower ones. People will see it and understand it isnt really a criticism of the place. relish the day you arent held hostage on reviews.

2 Reply

Bruce WoodruffPro Member

Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes

9mo

Quote from @Diana Mulvihill:

Hi all and happy holidays. I would really appreciate any advice on getting a review removed.

I have been hosting for about a year and have all five star reviews, until yesterday I received a four star review based solely on the weather.

The guest wrote:

“It rained the whole time so we can’t write a truly useful review because we couldn’t take full advantage of the house and its environment. This comment is not meant as criticism but reflects special circumstances beyond anyone’s control.”

There was no criticism of the property or hosting. My understanding is that reviews should be relevant to the listing or host, which is why I requested removal and selected “irrelevant.” Airbnb has already sent an automated response saying the review stands, and support suggested I submit a second request.

What adds to my confusion and frustration is that the only message I received from the guest during their stay said they were having an amazing stay, which feels inconsistent with the rating. Because the review followed a non refundable, discounted booking, I am also wondering whether this could be a form of frustration or mild retaliation related to their disappointment with the weather during their vacation stay.

This review is now affecting my score, and it has been difficult to get a clear explanation from support. If anyone has experienced something similar or has suggestions on how to proceed, I would be very grateful.

Thank you so much.

This is obvious BS. So is airbnb's response. You would think grown adults like this guest would realize that you don't control the weather....... Unless you have powers you're not telling us about?
I would expect no help from Airbnb, they are notorious for hanging hosts out to dry. I saw a review once on a place I was thinking of staying at, it said - we could not enjoy our visit because of construction sounds from a block away.

They gave 2 stars!

so in my opinion, this is just part of doing this business. If you have all five star reviews it should not lower your average by much. Just let it go is my advice.

3 Reply

Patricia Andriolo-Bull
Member since 2022 · 529 posts · 413 votes
9mo
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

Quote from @Diana Mulvihill:

Hi all and happy holidays. I would really appreciate any advice on getting a review removed.

I have been hosting for about a year and have all five star reviews, until yesterday I received a four star review based solely on the weather.

The guest wrote:

“It rained the whole time so we can’t write a truly useful review because we couldn’t take full advantage of the house and its environment. This comment is not meant as criticism but reflects special circumstances beyond anyone’s control.”

There was no criticism of the property or hosting. My understanding is that reviews should be relevant to the listing or host, which is why I requested removal and selected “irrelevant.” Airbnb has already sent an automated response saying the review stands, and support suggested I submit a second request.

What adds to my confusion and frustration is that the only message I received from the guest during their stay said they were having an amazing stay, which feels inconsistent with the rating. Because the review followed a non refundable, discounted booking, I am also wondering whether this could be a form of frustration or mild retaliation related to their disappointment with the weather during their vacation stay.

This review is now affecting my score, and it has been difficult to get a clear explanation from support. If anyone has experienced something similar or has suggestions on how to proceed, I would be very grateful.

Thank you so much.
This is obvious BS. So is airbnb's response. You would think grown adults like this guest would realize that you don't control the weather....... Unless you have powers you're not telling us about?
I would expect no help from Airbnb, they are notorious for hanging hosts out to dry. I saw a review once on a place I was thinking of staying at, it said - we could not enjoy our visit because of construction sounds from a block away.
They gave 2 stars!
so in my opinion, this is just part of doing this business. If you have all five star reviews it should not lower your average by much. Just let it go is my advice.
Not with respect to original poster but to your comment…I do believe construction noise is relevant and disruptive. I always note construction noise at the beginning of my listing. It sucks for me as I know people might not book but I am completely transparent to potential guests.
0 Reply

Jules Aton

MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes

9mo

So frustrating but hopefully prospective guests will see it as how ridiculous it is. I always look at the less than 5 star reviews to see what they say.

0 Reply

Mike GrudzienPro Member

Lender · Eugene, OR · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes

9mo

Sometimes, thankfully rarely, a guest will "rain on your parade"...

0 Reply

John UnderwoodPro Member

Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes

9mo

4 stars is still a good review.

Just post a nice reply and people will see it for what it is.

2 Reply

Diana Mulvihill
OP
New to Real Estate · Northern California · Member since 2023 · 79 posts · 33 votes
9mo
Quote from @John Underwood:

4 stars is still a good review.
Just post a nice reply and people will see it for what it is.
I don't respond to reviews in general, do you think it looks okay to only address less-than-five star? Or perhaps just leave it to speak for itself?
0 Reply
John UnderwoodPro Member
Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
9mo
Quote from @Diana Mulvihill:

Quote from @John Underwood:

4 stars is still a good review.
Just post a nice reply and people will see it for what it is.
I don't respond to reviews in general, do you think it looks okay to only address less-than-five star? Or perhaps just leave it to speak for itself?

I think you should respond to this 4 star review. Also not having all 5 star reviews makes your rating realistic.
No one can make everyone happy all the time.
I got a 4 star one time because a dog was barking next door. Nothing I can do about that. I also have 150 five star reviews so it hasn't hurt me.
1 Reply

Lauren Kormylo

Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes

9mo

Since Airbnb now uses AI to answer your request for the review to be removed, you need to have AI write your second request. So it’s AI talking to Ai. I’ve heard of hosts doing this and being successful some of the time. It’s worth a try.

3 Reply

Diana Mulvihill
OP
New to Real Estate · Northern California · Member since 2023 · 79 posts · 33 votes
9mo
Quote from @Lauren Kormylo:

Since Airbnb now uses AI to answer your request for the review to be removed, you need to have AI write your second request. So it’s AI talking to Ai. I’ve heard of hosts doing this and being successful some of the time. It’s worth a try.
Thank you! I definitely had a feeling it was AI, I got a response so quickly and no context, just a form letter that removal was denied, thank you!!!
1 Reply

Grant Woodward

Member since 2021 · 47 posts · 42 votes

9mo

I feel your frustration. That review is completely irrelevant to the property but I would be surprised if Airbnb takes it down based on my experience with their review dispute process.

If Airbnb doesn't remove it for you, I agree with the previous suggestion to reply nicely pointing out that the weather was the only issue with their stay, then just move on.

While it's great to get 5 star reviews, in some ways I think a sub 5 star rating in the 4.9 range adds some credibility to your listing. In the long run, this one review will not have an impact on your listing or life so try not to stress too much.

2 Reply

Kenneth GarrettPro Member

Investor · Florida Panhandle/Illinois · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes

9mo

I’m going into year 6 of hosting. Reviews are frustrating when the lower rating even if it’s a 4 feels unwarranted. Reviews are rarely removed. I always make sure I respond to a review that is less than a 5. I know when I’m looking at reviews for stays or products the response from the host, or product is important. Responding in a positive way is important so others reading will understand the gist.

We all want nothing less than 5 star reviews and after many 5 stars anything lower is frustrating.

You can’t make everyone happy. I learned this important reality. We check in with people and they say they love it and then an occasional 4 star. Who cares. When over 90% of people love your space that’s what’s important. 9 five star reviews and then a 4 star; that’s a 4.9. I can live with that.

4 Reply

Diana Mulvihill
OP
New to Real Estate · Northern California · Member since 2023 · 79 posts · 33 votes
9mo
Quote from @Kenneth Garrett:

I’m going into year 6 of hosting. Reviews are frustrating when the lower rating even if it’s a 4 feels unwarranted. Reviews are rarely removed. I always make sure I respond to a review that is less than a 5. I know when I’m looking at reviews for stays or products the response from the host, or product is important. Responding in a positive way is important so others reading will understand the gist.
I don't respond to reviews in general, do you think it looks okay to only address less-than-five star? Or perhaps just leave it to speak for itself?
0 Reply

Henry Lazerow

Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes

9mo

Message the guest and politely ask them to remove it. Airbnb changed their system and no longer removes guest reviews unless you have something severe in writing like the guest extorting you, etc.

0 Reply

Diana Mulvihill
OP
New to Real Estate · Northern California · Member since 2023 · 79 posts · 33 votes
9mo
Quote from @Henry Lazerow:

Message the guest and politely ask them to remove it. Airbnb changed their system and no longer removes guest reviews unless you have something severe in writing like the guest extorting you, etc.
A bit of research suggests that I can only do this if I have not yet reviewed guest. I currently auto-review after 12 hours, after this experience I may change that practice. Thank you for the idea.
0 Reply

Collin HaysBusiness Member

Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes

9mo

A bad review every now and then doesn't hurt you. In fact, it makes your listing seem more legitimate. No one gets all GREAT reviews. Someone gave me a bad review once because they caught no fish.

[email protected]806-672-7102

SMOKY MOUNTAIN FALLS INC.51 Review

Website View Page

1 Reply

Diana Mulvihill
OP
New to Real Estate · Northern California · Member since 2023 · 79 posts · 33 votes
9mo
Quote from @Collin Hays:

A bad review every now and then doesn't hurt you. In fact, it makes your listing seem more legitimate. No one gets all GREAT reviews. Someone gave me a bad review once because they caught no fish.

Ooffff!!!!!!
0 Reply

Andrew Street

Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 292 votes

9mo

Totally understand your frustration—this happens to a lot of hosts.

Unfortunately, Airbnb rarely removes reviews tied to weather or overall trip disappointment, even when the guest clearly says it wasn’t a reflection of the property or host. Inconsistencies between private messages and public reviews are common, and support usually doesn’t weigh those heavily.

The good news is one 4-star review among mostly 5-stars won’t hurt you long term. Most guests read the text and will see it wasn’t criticism. If you do a public response, keep it brief and neutral, acknowledging the weather and reaffirming the experience you aim to provide.

You did the right thing by trying—this is one of those unfair but common hosting realities.

0 Reply

Kenneth GarrettPro Member

Investor · Florida Panhandle/Illinois · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes

9mo

@Diana Mulvihill

I think it’s fine to selectively respond to certain reviews that are necessary so when potential guest are looking at reviews they will see a response. I only end up responding to reviews maybe 1 or two times a year. This year, I did not need to respond. An example would be if someone complained about cleanliness, I will respond. It could have been the cleaner missed something. It can be a valid complaint. Cleanliness is an important element so you can address it as you see fit.

0 Reply

Jules Aton

MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes

9mo

I probably wouldn't respond to a weather complaint because the guest looks like an idiot and no need to reinforce that they said the property was great otherwise. What I really don't like is when hosts respond to pat themselves on the back for the wins and ignore the negative aspects of a review. If there were clear deficiencies I think a gracious response is necessary.

1 Reply

Andrew SteffensBusiness Member

Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes

9mo

I think 4 stars is fine, keep up the good work and it will be drowned out in the other 5 stars. Post a good response and move on, it will not impact your listing in and of itself.

That is what I would do, but I would also appeal the decision for removal once more, if you try 3-5 times with 3-5 different Airbnb reps you will 3-5 difference responses and you only need 1 to go your way.

Good luck!

[email protected]813-563-0877

Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews

Website View Page

1 Reply

Diana Mulvihill
OP
New to Real Estate · Northern California · Member since 2023 · 79 posts · 33 votes
9mo
Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

I think 4 stars is fine, keep up the good work and it will be drowned out in the other 5 stars. Post a good response and move on, it will not impact your listing in and of itself.
That is what I would do, but I would also appeal the decision for removal once more, if you try 3-5 times with 3-5 different Airbnb reps you will 3-5 difference responses and you only need 1 to go your way.
Good luck!
This is exactly what I plan to do. I am already waiting until the holiday week is over before making a second attempt, since I know customer service is often handled by holiday fill-ins, and it seems possible that my appeal may have been reviewed by AI, as someone mentioned.

I do plan to keep trying, simply because I do not feel this is a valid reason to lose my good standing. I think my frustration is that the situation feels so ludicrous, and it is especially frustrating given whatever appears to be happening on the Airbnb side: I don't mind if they use AI, if it's well-trained AI. In this case, tho, I don't feel it is.
0 Reply

Mark Cruse

Investor · Fort Washington, MD · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes

9mo

How long have you been hosting long? Four is not bad and over time, without question it's inevitable that you will get something bad. Also, most people who read reviews have sense and know this one is silly and meaningless. in general, many people only post reviews when they are pissed off. If everyone who had a great experience posted, stuff would be through the roof. I've had several 4 stars for nothing that had nothing to do with my unit. I even have a handful of 3s. I took over my condos at snowshoe and ratings were already in the toilet. I fought back for years, but still the overall is only so high. It will take years to overcome that because I only get a few ratings per year. Many operators have found ways to do fake reviews as well to mitigate against this. Overall, It's the cost of doing business. If this shakes you; I just want you to be prepared when something actually bad does come. Again, all 5s, and one 4 is astronomically great. Can you tell me how long you have been renting it? Are you the manager yourself?

0 Reply

Diana Mulvihill
OP
New to Real Estate · Northern California · Member since 2023 · 79 posts · 33 votes
9mo
Quote from @Mark Cruse:

Hey, yes, thank you for the advice. I completely agree, at some point I will get a less stellar review, and I know that is just part of hosting. I am still a relatively new host. This is my first Airbnb, and I have only been hosting for about a year and a half.

That said, I do feel very lucky. I found BiggerPockets and other great resources about two and a half years before I actually started hosting, so I went into this with a lot of knowledge about how to do things well, what PMS to use, and how to set things up properly. I believe that has helped me a lot.
0 Reply
Mark Cruse
Investor · Fort Washington, MD · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9mo
Quote from @Diana Mulvihill:

Quote from @Mark Cruse:

Hey, yes, thank you for the advice. I completely agree, at some point I will get a less stellar review, and I know that is just part of hosting. I am still a relatively new host. This is my first Airbnb, and I have only been hosting for about a year and a half.

That said, I do feel very lucky. I found BiggerPockets and other great resources about two and a half years before I actually started hosting, so I went into this with a lot of knowledge about how to do things well, what PMS to use, and how to set things up properly. I believe that has helped me a lot.

Keep doing what you are doing. I'm now in panic mode because I just got a 1 review, which wiped back over 3 years of progress. Incompetence on the management side. If you never go below a 4.8 on AIRBNB, consider yourself top notch and blessed. You will make that money. I know excellent and superior hosts who have gotten 3s.
0 Reply
Diana Mulvihill
OP
New to Real Estate · Northern California · Member since 2023 · 79 posts · 33 votes
9mo
Quote from @Mark Cruse:

Quote from @Diana Mulvihill:

Quote from @Mark Cruse:

Hey, yes, thank you for the advice. I completely agree, at some point I will get a less stellar review, and I know that is just part of hosting. I am still a relatively new host. This is my first Airbnb, and I have only been hosting for about a year and a half.

That said, I do feel very lucky. I found BiggerPockets and other great resources about two and a half years before I actually started hosting, so I went into this with a lot of knowledge about how to do things well, what PMS to use, and how to set things up properly. I believe that has helped me a lot.

Keep doing what you are doing. I'm now in panic mode because I just got a 1 review, which wiped back over 3 years of progress. Incompetence on the management side. If you never go below a 4.8 on AIRBNB, consider yourself top notch and blessed. You will make that money. I know excellent and superior hosts who have gotten 3s.

Oh no! Yes, it is such a disappointment when we all work so hard to be good hosts in the hospitality arena and then something goes wrong. As much as we try, we simply cannot do everything perfectly or control everything. In my particular case, the weather, haha.
1 Reply

Sameul Ahsan

Real Estate Agent · Worcester, MA · Member since 2024 · 107 posts · 45 votes

9mo

I’ve dealt with this issue before, and Airbnb wouldn’t take any action despite multiple attempts. I recommend trying to have the review removed by escalating through the BBB and/or reaching out publicly on X (Twitter). There are other ways, but they require persistence and effort. In my experience, the Airbnb review team often feels like it’s handled by VAs, so getting through to someone based in the U.S. usually requires escalation beyond standard support channels.

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Air BNB review based on weather - advice?

Air BNB review based on weather - advice?

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