The vacation rental industry is more competitive than ever, and standing out requires more than just stunning properties — it takes strong, transparent guest relationships. One of the most effective ways to build that connection is by actively responding to guest reviews.
With over 80% of travelers reading reviews before booking, guest feedback directly influences booking decisions.
Consistent 5-star reviews build trust, drive future bookings, and give properties a competitive edge. But it's not only about the reviews themselves, it's how you respond to them and engage with your customers. Thoughtful, timely responses can turn feedback into a marketing tool that boosts credibility and encourages repeat bookings.
Here’s why responding to guest reviews should be at the top of every property manager’s priority list:
Responding to guest reviews demonstrates attentiveness and engagement. It shows potential guests that you value their feedback and take action when needed. This transparency builds trust and positions your brand as a more reliable option in the market.
Negative reviews are inevitable, but how you handle them can make all the difference.
Addressing issues head-on shows potential guests that you’re dedicated to improvement. A thoughtful, timely response can mitigate a negative experience, especially when you highlight the steps you’ve taken to prevent similar issues in the future.
Despite this, only one in three professional managers respond to reviews, and of those who do, just 29% reply within 72 hours of the review being posted. This delay represents a missed opportunity to engage with guests and demonstrates your commitment to customer care.
Responding to positive reviews gives you a chance to thank your guests and invite them back. A simple message like, "We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay and can’t wait to host you again!" can inspire repeat bookings.
You can also personalize your responses by referencing specific details from the guest’s review. For example, if a guest mentions how much they loved the cozy fireplace, you could say, "We’re so glad you enjoyed the fireplace — it’s one of our favorite features too! We’d love to have you back for another relaxing stay."
Personalized responses show guests that you’re paying attention, and they help foster a sense of connection. Guests who feel seen and appreciated are far more likely to return, and your thoughtful engagement may even encourage them to leave another glowing review after their next visit
Responding to guest reviews is essential for your business, but it can be time-consuming — especially with reviews coming from numerous platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and Google. That’s where Reva comes in.
Reva’s platform aggregates guest reviews from multiple platforms, allowing managers to view and respond to all reviews from one centralized dashboard. Reviews flow directly into Reva daily, eliminating the need for manual collection. Managers can sort, filter, and search for specific reviews to ensure no feedback slips through the cracks.
After years of trying to manage tens of thousands of reviews, we built Reva to help others aggregate, report and share their reviews. If you’re interested in transforming your guest review strategy, giving our tools a test drive, or you just want to chat.
Drop us a line