Recently, Airbnb introduced a new system of rating the quality of listings, with the top 10%, 5% and 1% of the best and 10% of the worst accommodations.
This system includes the“Guest Favorite” badge, which extends beyond the familiar Superhost status.
The Guest badge Favorite
The “Guest Favorite” label is awarded to accommodation that meets certain high performance criteria.
Specifically, in order to obtain this label, a property must:
- At least five guest reviews.
- Rating 4.9 or higher.
- Positive comments on specific aspects such as cleanliness, punctuality, communication, location and value.
- No cancellation on guest reservations.
The logo is prominently displayed on the homepage and in search results, making the branded accommodation more visible to travellers.
Further distinctions
Accommodation that is among the top of the “Guest Favorite” label can receive additional distinctions such as:
- Top 10%: icon and badge with a gold trophy, highlighting the top 10% of accommodation on Airbnb.
- Top 5%: similar to Top 10%, but indicates an even higher ranking.
- Top 1%: the top 1% of accommodation on Airbnb, highlighting the best possible options.
These distinctions are not just aesthetic additions.
They signal to potential guests that the property therefore offers exceptional experiences, significantly influencing their decision to book.
The 10% of the worst Airbnb accommodations
While the top honors reward excellence, Airbnb also recognizes listings in the top 10% of the worst accommodations.
This category includes properties that consistently receive low ratings and negative reviews.
These accommodations receive warnings and risk deletion if they don’t improve.
Low performance indicators
The main indicators leading to the low yield category include:
- Low ratings and negative reviews: Guests may point out issues such as cleanliness, inaccurate descriptions or poor communication.
- Credibility issues: Frequent cancellations or failure of guests to show up can damage the reputation of the property.
For hosts, being categorised in the bottom 10% acts as a “wake-up call” to improve their facilities.
Poor performance can stem from a number of issues, such as cleanliness, inaccurate descriptions or sub-standard communication.
Why it matters
Airbnb’s new awards system aims to create a race for quality.
With millions of accommodations available, it is essential to help travelers find the best options through clear and reliable reviews.
This approach not only benefits guests but also rewards hosts who consistently deliver high-quality experiences.
Benefits for Visitors
- Easier decision-making: visitors can quickly identify the best-rated accommodation based on clear brands and distinctions.
- Quality guarantee: Badges act as a guarantee of a superior experience, encouraging guests to book with confidence.
Benefits for Hosts
- Increased visibility: Accommodations with high rankings and brands are more likely to appear at the top of search results.
- Enhanced reputation: Earning a top brand can enhance the credibility of the property and attract more bookings.
- Motivation for improvement: Knowing Airbnb’s criteria for these awards can inspire hosts to raise the quality of their accommodation services and maintain high standards.
Navigating the New System
In order to make effective use of these distinctions, hosts need to focus on maintaining high standards in all aspects of their accommodation.
How to achieve high rankings
- Consistent quality: Ensure that the accommodation is always clean, accurately described and well maintained.
- Excellent communication: Answer questions promptly and provide clear, useful information to visitors.
- Positive reviews: Encourage satisfied guests to leave reviews and treat any negative feedback in a constructive manner.
How not to be in the top 10% of the worst Airbnb accommodations
- Watch the comments: Check your reviews and ratings regularly to identify areas that need improvement.
- Address the warnings: If Airbnb issues a warning, take it seriously and implement the necessary changes immediately.
- Remain reliable: Avoid cancellations and ensure that your accommodation is available as booked.
Final Thoughts Airbnb’s new distinctions reveal a significant change in the way the platform promotes and manages accommodation.
As a host, staying informed and proactive about these changes can lead to greater success and more bookings.
These accolades encourage healthy competition for quality, ensuring better experiences for guests and fair opportunities for hosts who are committed to providing exceptional stays.
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