Whether you’re a seasoned Airbnb host or just launching your first listing, five-star reviews are your lifeline to visibility, trust, and long-term profitability. But earning consistent top ratings requires much more than just clean sheets and good Wi-Fi.
Here are six actionable strategies to elevate your guest experience, increase bookings, and create lasting impressions—backed by real-world application and results.
Key Takeaway
Your uniqueness is your brand—lean into it
Invest in sensory-rich, thoughtful amenities
Treat cleanliness as a make-or-break factor
Communicate frequently and clearly
Automate where possible to free up time
A structured guestbook shows you care and builds trust
Showcase the Uniqueness of Your Property
“We are what we dream of and what we make ourselves. So is your Airbnb.” – Nick He
Your property’s uniqueness is your brand. For Nick He’s Airbnb, it was the 200-degree water view, direct beach access, and proximity to two state parks: Camano Island State Park and Cama Beach State Park.
They let the view tell the story with a captivating hero photo—nothing but overwhelming blue water.
Guests were invited to imagine themselves kayaking, paddleboarding, soaking in the hot tub under a starry sky, or digging clams with family. These touches build emotional resonance.
Tip: Can’t identify a “wow” factor? Dig deeper. Is it walkability to restaurants? A historical connection? Ultra-affordability? Your Airbnb’s charm is what drew you to it in the first place.
Learn more: What Makes Your Airbnb More Popular? Tips for Being a Superhost
Let Amenities Elevate the Experience
According to Netflix’s Stay Here, hosts should reinvest 10% of rental income into guest amenities. Small gestures create memorable moments.
Nick’s Airbnb provides:
A welcome bottle of wine
Signature scents via a premium diffuser
High-end mattresses and linens
Plush towels and even Unicorn Gold Toilet Spray
Ocean gear: kayaks, paddle boards, and crab pots
Whether it’s a fuzzy towel or a fresh-smelling bathroom, the sensory experience matters.
Budget-conscious hosts can offer local coffee, museum discounts, or even grocery savings cards.
Learn more: DIY Guide – How to Fix Bathroom Problems
Prioritize Cleanliness—Non-Negotiable
Airbnb prominently highlights cleaning scores. It’s also the #1 source of complaints.
Build a detailed cleaning checklist
Take photos of ideal setup (e.g., where pillows and decor go)
Pay your cleaning crew promptly and generously
Treat your cleaners like team members. They’re your frontline inspectors for damage, missing items, and maintenance alerts.
| Area | Task |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | 1. Unload dish from dishwasher |
| 2. Clean dirty dishes left | |
| 3. Check microwave | |
| 4. Check oven | |
| 5. Wipe off coffee on coffee maker | |
| 6. Wipe off counter | |
| 7. Clean and possible bleach sink | |
| 8. Put in new bags for garbage and recycle | |
| Dining | 1. Wipe off dining room table |
| 2. Clean the placement mat | |
| 3. Check the condition of the chair cover. Change if needed. Additional ones in laundry room closet | |
| 4. Reload napkin if needed. Laundry room closet | |
| Living Room | 1. Make sure everything is clean and organized |
| 2. Put DVD back to the shelf | |
| Master Bedroom | 1. Change sheet, duvet, and pillow cases |
| 2. Wipe off dust | |
| Kids Bedroom | 1. Check to see whether need to change sheet and pillow cases |
| 2. Wipe off dust | |
| Bathroom | 1. Take out trash bag and put in new bag |
| 2. Clean toilet if needed | |
| 3. Check toilet paper supply. More in the front porch closet | |
| 4. Clean mirror and vanity top | |
| 5. Clean shower | |
| 6. Shake off things on the mat | |
| 7. Check supply of hand soap, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner. More in front porch closet | |
| Downstairs Living | 1. Check condition of sheet, duvet, and pillow cases. Changed if used |
DIY Tip: Handle simple fixes yourself with this Garbage Disposal Repair Guide
Provide a Detailed, Friendly Guestbook
A well-crafted guestbook serves as a digital concierge and house manual.
Nick’s guestbook includes:
Check-in/Check-out instructions
Neighborhood highlights
Appliance tutorials
Rules (pets, quiet hours, smoking, hot tub, etc.)
Bonus: Download free guestbook templates online and customize them.
Learn more: Tenant Online Portal Guide
Communicate Early and Often
Communication is the backbone of short-term rentals. Nick built a simple but effective cadence:
After Booking: Welcome letter + overview
Day Before Arrival: Check-in details + hot tub video + guestbook
Check-Out: Thank you message + request for honest review
His SLA? Respond to inquiries within 2 hours.
“We thrive to have a five-star review. If you enjoy your stay, please kindly review us. If there is any feedback, let us know so we can improve!”
This approach earned him 42 five-star reviews from 60 guests in one year.
Use Automation to Save Time
With three kids and a real estate business, Nick turned to Porter App for automation.
Here’s what it handled:
Booking confirmation emails
Check-in reminders
Cleaning crew notifications
Review requests
Even with its minor limitations, automation freed up hours per week. Tools like Hospitable, Hostaway, or iGMS are other great alternatives.
Related: How GPS Renting Uses Smart Pricing & Automation to Help Property Owners
Ready to Earn 5 Stars?
Turn Your Airbnb Into a Five-Star Income Engine
Whether you’re managing one unit or scaling a short-term rental portfolio, GPS Renting helps you go from host to hospitality pro. From automated guest messaging to flawless turnovers, we handle the hard stuff—so you can focus on what matters: growing your revenue and reputation.
Schedule your FREE Rental Performance Audit today
We’ll review your listing, pricing, and setup—then give you actionable tips to boost your occupancy and ratings.
Get more five-star reviews. Earn more. Stress less.