5 Ways to Improve Your Airbnb Rating

So you’re staring at your latest Airbnb review, wondering what on Earth went wrong. The towels were clean. The Wi-Fi worked. You even left a little welcome note. And yet… four stars. Again.

If you’re asking yourself, “How do I improve my Airbnb rating?” you’ve landed in the right place. Melbourne’s short-stay market is super competitive, and one lukewarm review can set you back. But don’t worry. You don’t need to renovate the bathroom or install a spa to turn things around.

Here are five doable ways to improve your Airbnb reviews and climb back into the five-star club.

1. Use a Key Exchange or Concierge Service

Let’s be honest. Nobody enjoys fumbling with lockboxes at night or waiting around for late guests. And guests definitely don’t love arriving to vague instructions, confusing lock codes or worse, or being ghosted at check-in.

If “improve my Airbnb rating” is on your to-do list, a professional key exchange service is one of the easiest and most effective ways to achieve it faster. Companies like Be My Guest Concierge handle meet-and-greets, hand over the keys with a smile, and make sure guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive. It’s like having a hotel front desk.

Better yet, concierge service can also offer local recommendations, assist with luggage, and even help guests settle in. The result? Happy travellers, smoother check-ins, and reviews that go like “Such an easy arrival!”

2. Clean Like You’re Expecting a Mother-in-Law

Yes, it’s basic. But you’d be surprised how many reviews sound like “The place was fine, but not super clean.”

If you’re really looking for ways to improve Airbnb host rating, level up your cleaning routine. This goes way beyond just sweeping up crumbs. Think fingerprints on mirrors, dust behind doors, hair in the shower. These little things speak volumes, and they get mentioned in reviews.

Hire a professional cleaner if you can. Or at least make a checklist and double check everything before your guests arrive. Cleanliness can make or break both ratings and bookings.

Also, always replace linens between guests, even if they still “look clean”. Trust us, people can tell. And they will tell everyone else in the reviews.

3. Stock Up on the Basics and a Few Not-So-Basics

You don’t need to offer champagne and caviar. But running out of toilet paper or not having enough mugs for a group of four is the kind of thing guests remember when they’re writing those ratings.

If you’ve been wondering how to improve your Airbnb, make sure your place has all the essentials. And then, go one step further.

Bare minimum:

Fresh towels and bedding
Enough cutlery, plates, and cups
Hand soap, shampoo, and toilet paper
A working kettle and toaster
Extra bin liners

Nice-to-haves that people love:

Good coffee
A few pantry staples (oil, salt, pepper)
Board games or Netflix access
A local neighbourhood guide

Basically, think about what makes a stay feel comfortable. That’s what guests remember. There’s no need to be ultra fancy; just be thoughtful.

4. Respond Quickly and Be Human

Want to know one of the easiest ways to improve your Airbnb host rating? Answer messages like a real person. And do it quickly.

Responding within an hour shows that you care, especially if something’s gone wrong. Whether it’s a question about parking or a faulty lightbulb, guests just want to know you’re there and you’re not a robot.

Use short, polite messages that sound natural. Throw in a smiley if that’s your style. And always follow up to make sure issues are resolved. A bit of friendliness goes a long way in avoiding reviews that start with “Host was hard to contact…”

5. Don’t Just List Your Space – Sell the Experience

Melbourne’s full of Airbnbs with clean rooms and comfy beds. What makes yours different?

If you want to learn how to improve your Airbnb rating, stop thinking like a landlord and start thinking like a host. Guests want more than a place to sleep. They want a good story, a local vibe, a moment they’ll remember.

You don’t have to go full influencer. Just make your listing feel personal with actual photos that accurately paint its current condition. Highlight the best parts of your neighbourhood. Share your favourite local coffee shop. Leave a handwritten welcome note or a fridge magnet souvenir. Even just calling out the best dumpling place on the block makes the stay feel more welcoming.

People are more likely to give glowing reviews when they feel like they’ve stayed somewhere with heart and not just a generic crash pad.

Achieve Sparkly Reviews with Be My Guest Concierge

You don’t need to do all five of these at once. Just start with one first: key exchange or concierge service.

Let Be My Guest Concierge handle your guest check-ins with our secure and reliable Airbnb Key Exchange Service in Melbourne. We store your keys safely, verify photo ID at handover, and notify you the moment your guest collects them. Available 24/7, our Airbnb key management makes hosting effortless. No more missed check-ins or lost keys. Just send us your guest’s details and we’ll do the rest. We can even take care of luggage storage.

Experience smooth, professional service designed to give busy Melbourne hosts total peace of mind.

Give your guests something great to talk about. Team up with Be My Guest Concierge to keep your reviews sparkling.

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