Vrbo's 14-day blind review system keeps feedback impartial until both parties submit or the time window expires.
Reviews cannot be changed after they go live, but removal requests are possible under strict content guidelines.
Clear communication and proactive strategies help maintain a strong review reputation.
Vrbo reviews are a major influence on booking rates and guest trust. A well-managed review strategy ensures your property stands out in a competitive market. While changing reviews isn’t an option, understanding the platform’s rules can help you navigate challenges and build a positive reputation.
Vrbo uses a 14-day blind review system, meaning both host and guest reviews stay private until both are submitted or the two-week period ends. Once reviews go live, they remain uneditable, offering a fixed record of guest experiences and host interactions.
Vrbo prevents edits to reviews after submission to maintain trust and transparency. This policy aligns with the Communications Decency Act in the United States, which limits platforms from altering user-generated content. However, if a review violates Vrbo’s content guidelines, hosts and guests may request removal through customer support.
Manage short-term rentals & bookings, message guests, take payment, and so much more. All in one easy-to-use platform (that never double-books).
Vrbo’s policy against editing reviews isn’t just a random decision—it’s designed to build trust between hosts and guests. Keeping reviews locked after submission ensures feedback stays honest and reflects the guest’s experience at the time. Changing reviews after they’re published could lead to unfair adjustments, which would ultimately undermine the platform’s credibility.
Reviews also serve as a critical decision-making tool for both sides. Guests rely on them to assess properties, while hosts depend on guest reviews to encourage future bookings. Allowing edits would create opportunities for feedback to be manipulated, whether intentionally or under pressure. By requiring reviews to be final, Vrbo ensures both parties can trust what they’re reading.
If the star rating in a review doesn’t match the written content, there is a small window to request a correction. This request has to be submitted within 60 days and usually requires clear evidence to support the adjustment. However, this process is limited to aligning the rating with the written feedback—it’s not a way to rewrite the review. After this period, reviews remain as they were originally submitted, reinforcing consistency and fairness across the platform.
Hosts don’t have to feel stuck when faced with a disputed review on Vrbo. There are clear steps to address negative feedback, whether by requesting removal for guideline violations or crafting a thoughtful response to show professionalism.
Reviews that break Vrbo’s content guidelines may qualify for removal. Some common reasons include:
Inaccurate or off-topic content: Comments unrelated to the property or stay experience.
Offensive language: Remarks that are discriminatory or disrespectful.
Extortion attempts: Feedback submitted as leverage for refunds or additional benefits.
If you'd like to request a review removal, follow these steps:
Collect supporting evidence: Save screenshots, receipts, or any messages that prove the review violates policies.
Reach out to Vrbo Customer Service: Use the support page or call the helpline to explain the situation clearly. Focus on how the review violates specific guidelines.
Submit your documentation: Provide evidence and wait for the team to evaluate the request. Keep in mind the review process may take some time.
When reviews don’t meet removal criteria, responding effectively can make a strong impression on future guests. How you address criticism highlights your commitment to maintaining high standards.
Acknowledge feedback thoughtfully: Start by thanking the guest for sharing their experience. This approach shows you value guest input and take it seriously.
Stick to the facts: Correct any inaccuracies in a calm, professional tone. Avoid sounding defensive or overly emotional, as this may escalate the situation.
Show improvements or solutions: Address valid concerns by explaining the steps taken to resolve the issue. This reassures potential guests that you actively work to improve the experience.
For instance, instead of dismissing a complaint about cleaning, say, “We appreciate your feedback about cleanliness. We’ve worked with our housekeeping team to ensure all areas meet our high standards going forward.”
Responding with professionalism and clarity manages negativity and signals to future guests that their experience matters. A well-handled review can turn a challenge into an opportunity to strengthen trust.
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Great guest reviews don’t happen by accident—they reflect a well-thought-out approach to communication, comfort, and timing. Hosts can guide guests toward leaving glowing feedback by focusing on clear messaging, creating memorable stays, and asking for reviews with care.
Sending timely messages can completely change a guest’s experience. A warm welcome email immediately after booking sets a positive tone, while a pre-stay message with check-in instructions and local recommendations helps guests feel prepared and looked after. Following up post-stay with a thank-you note creates a lasting impression and encourages feedback.
Using automated messaging tools like Uplisting ensures every guest receives the right message at the right time. Personalizing these communications with details like the guest’s name and stay dates adds a thoughtful touch. Automation takes the pressure off while ensuring no important moments slip through the cracks.
Creating a five-star experience starts with the basics. Spotless cleanliness, fresh-smelling linens, and a well-stocked property give guests the comfort they expect. Adding thoughtful touches like extra pillows, a variety of kitchen supplies, or high-speed Wi-Fi can elevate their stay.
Going beyond the basics makes guests feel special. Consider including a welcome basket with snacks or local treats. Sharing a guide with nearby attractions, dining spots, and unique experiences helps guests connect with the area.
High-quality guest experiences directly influence the visibility of your Vrbo listing. Review algorithms reward properties with consistent high ratings, often improving their position in search results. Better rankings lead to more bookings and, in turn, more positive reviews.
The timing of review requests makes a big difference. Reaching out within a day or two of check-out ensures the stay is still fresh in the guest’s mind. A friendly, personalized message can be all it takes to receive a glowing review.
For example, try saying, “We hope you felt at home during your stay! If you have a moment, we’d love for you to share your experience in a review—it helps us continue providing wonderful stays for guests like you.”
Check in with guests during their stay to prevent surprises. A quick mid-stay note like, “Is everything meeting your expectations? Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to make your experience better,” gives guests an easy way to voice concerns privately.
Personalizing review requests can make them more effective. Mentioning special details from the stay—like a celebration or a compliment they gave about a specific feature—shows genuine attention. Guests who feel appreciated are more likely to leave positive feedback.
Managing guest communication across multiple platforms can feel overwhelming, especially when messages come in from every direction. A centralized inbox organizes all guest communication—from Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com, and direct bookings—into one place. This setup allows hosts to respond to questions and concerns quickly without missing a single message.
Instead of typing the same response repeatedly, saved replies make it easy to handle common questions, like directions to the property or check-out procedures. Hosts can automatically personalize responses while maintaining efficiency, ensuring guests feel valued and well-informed. Clear, timely communication helps build trust and prevents small issues from growing into negative reviews.
Delivering a flawless guest experience starts with preparation. Uplisting simplifies turnovers by creating cleaning tasks automatically for every new booking. Each task includes crucial details like guest check-out dates, the number of guests staying, and any special requests noted during the booking process.
Cleaning checklists provide clear guidance for housekeeping teams, covering everything from replacing toiletries to inspecting appliances. This ensures every part of the property is ready for the next guest. With automated task assignments, cleaners are notified instantly, reducing miscommunication and delays. Guests arrive to a pristine space, setting the tone for positive feedback.
Guest reviews directly impact how often a property is booked and how prominently it appears in search results. Uplisting offers bookings reports as well as daily occupancy and revenue reports that allow you to track performance over time. If you utilize these reports in combination with keeping a close eye on your reviews and ratings, you may start to see a relationship between guest feedback and key performance metrics.
Tracking occupancy rates and booking trends also helps hosts anticipate guest needs. For example, noticing a rise in family bookings may prompt a host to add kid-friendly amenities, leading to better experiences and higher ratings. By aligning property operations with guest preferences, hosts can create a cycle where positive reviews naturally drive more bookings and revenue.
It’s simple to automate repetitive tasks with Uplisting's short-term rental software. You’ll save hours every week and eliminate human error. Go ahead — take some time off.
Negative reviews are bound to happen, but they don’t have to define your hosting experience. They can guide improvements and show your professionalism to future guests. Handling them well not only addresses current concerns but also builds long-term trust in your property.
Start by reading the review carefully, taking note of the specific details mentioned. Does the complaint highlight something actionable, like cleanliness or communication delays? Or does it reflect a misunderstanding about house rules or amenities?
Stepping back to assess the review can help you focus on the root cause. If a guest mentions unclear instructions for check-in, for example, you might revisit the messaging process to ensure future guests have all the details they need. You can determine where to adjust operations or clarify expectations by identifying actionable points.
How you respond matters just as much as the review itself. Your reply can show future guests that you take their experiences seriously and are committed to resolving issues.
Here’s an example of a professional, solution-focused response:
“Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re very sorry to hear your stay didn’t meet expectations, especially regarding [specific issue]. To address this, we’ve [specific action taken, e.g., updated our cleaning checklist or added clearer check-in instructions] to make sure future stays are more enjoyable. We appreciate your feedback and hope we can give you a better experience in the future.”
A clear and empathetic response reassures readers that any issues are being handled. Avoid vague language or defensive tones, as they can come across as dismissive or unprofessional.
Reviews, even negative ones, offer a chance to fine-tune your approach. If multiple guests mention late responses to questions, consider automating some parts of your communication process. If feedback highlights outdated amenities, it might be time to invest in upgrades like new linens or faster Wi-Fi.
Track patterns in feedback and monitor how changes impact future reviews. For example, if guests frequently mention a lack of local recommendations, adding a welcome guide with area highlights can instantly improve their experience. Addressing complaints shows that you value guest input, and it sets the stage for stronger reviews going forward.
Managing feedback on Vrbo is an essential part of maintaining a successful short-term rental business. While you cannot edit reviews once they are posted, understanding the platform’s review policies and leveraging professional responses can help you turn challenges into opportunities. Proactive communication, prompt issue resolution, and delivering exceptional guest experiences are critical to fostering positive reviews.
A well-organized approach to guest communication can make all the difference. Automating messaging, streamlining operations, and anticipating guest needs are key to creating 5-star experiences while minimizing the chances of negative feedback. Tools like Uplisting enable property managers to stay on top of communication, manage multiple properties efficiently, and scale their businesses with confidence.
With Uplisting, you can send the right messages at the right time on all booking sites. Read and respond to guest messages in a single, unified inbox — whether you’re at the office or on the go.
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