If asking for Vacation Rental reviews makes you cringe, you’re not alone.
In this episode, I’ll reveals warm, non-awkward ways to invite honest feedback.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and ring the bell so you don’t miss future episodes packed with practical tips, honest advice, and a splash of humour for all things vacation rentals.

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Let’s be honest: getting guests to leave a review can feel like pulling teeth. You’ve rolled out the welcome mat, stocked the fridge with local goodies, and even folded the loo roll into a triangle. And then? Crickets. Not a single review.

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So how do you actually get more 5-star reviews—without pestering your guests like a clingy ex?

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That’s what we’re diving into today. And stick around till the end, because I’ll share a cheeky trick involving socks (yes, socks) that’s been known to double guest reviews. You won’t want to miss it.

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And hey—if you like what you’re hearing, listen in to the Vacation Rental Resolutions podcast for more tips and stories: vacationrentalresolutions.com/podcast

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Start With What You Can Control: The Stay

Before we even talk about reviews, let’s talk about the actual guest experience.

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Want reviews? Give them something to rave about.

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Think:

• Crisp, comfy beds.

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• Thoughtful touches (hello, handwritten welcome note).

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• Lighting that doesn’t make them look like a ghost in the bathroom mirror.

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Here’s the thing: guests don’t always remember what you did, but they remember how you made them feel. A warm welcome and a smooth stay go further than any follow-up email.

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🤔 Quick question: What’s the one thing your last guest mentioned in their review? If you can’t remember or worse, they didn’t leave one, time to spice up your guest experience.

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And if you’re just getting started, don’t forget to check out the “Launch Your First Vacation Rental” course—you’ll learn how to set up systems that practically guarantee glowing feedback.

Timing is Everything: Ask When the Feel-Goods Are High

No one wants to be chased for a review while they’re still fighting sand out of their suitcase.

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The magic moment? Right after check-out—but before real life smacks them in the face again.

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Send a short, personal message:

“Hi Jamie! Hope you had a fab time at The Blue Bungalow. If you’ve got 2 mins, we’d love a quick review—your feedback helps future guests feel right at home.”

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Make it feel like a favour, not a demand.

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🎧 Want to go deeper? There’s a whole episode on post-stay messages over at the Vacation Rental Resolutions YouTube channel: 

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Automate Without Sounding Like a Robot

Yes, you can set reminders through Airbnb or your channel manager. But please—ditch the corporate lingo.

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Nothing screams “auto message” like:

“Thank you for choosing our accommodation. We value your opinion. Please leave a review.”

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Ugh. Who talks like that?

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Try this instead:

“Hey there! We hope your stay left you smiling. If you could leave a quick review, we’d do a happy dance (seriously—it’s been caught on camera).”

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Keep it human. Keep it short.

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The “Pre-Suasion” Move: Plant the Seed Early

Here’s one from the “Launch Your First Vacation Rental” course playbook: Let them know upfront that reviews matter.

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Without sounding desperate.

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During check-in or in your welcome book, say:

“We love hearing what you enjoyed (and what we can improve). Reviews help us keep doing what we do best—hosting people like you.”

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You’re not asking. You’re inviting. That’s the difference.

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✍️ Tip: Include a friendly reminder in your guest book or on a welcome card. Just one sentence is enough.

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The Sneaky Sock Trick (and Other Unforgettable Touches)

Alright, you’ve waited. Here it is.

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Some hosts leave behind something so memorable that guests feel compelled to write a review.

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One host? Left a pair of fun, locally made socks with a note:

“Thought your toes might like a souvenir, too.”

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Boom. Reviews flooded in.

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Why? Because no one expects socks. And that surprise becomes the highlight of their trip.

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Not into socks? Try:

• A small jar of local honey.

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• A polaroid photo from check-in.

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• A quirky magnet with your rental name on it.

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Think “Instagrammable,” not expensive.

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🎯 Want more outside-the-box ideas? Head to vacationrentalresolutions.com and dig into our blog full of creative guest experiences.

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If your rental plan is ‘just wing it’—this is your wake-up call.

Download the “The 7-Day Vacation Rental Jumpstart”
Vision, money, guests—sorted.

Get your copy now! You can find a link in the show notes.

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What’s the most creative guest gift or touch you’ve left in your rental?

Share it in the comments.

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Here Are Your Key Takeaways

• Surprise guests = more reviews
• Ask when the trip’s fresh
• Use warm, personal messages
• Pre-frame the ask early
• Small gifts can spark big reviews

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In Conclusion

So, there you have it—how to get more reviews without nagging. No guilt trips. No grovelling. Just smart timing, personal touches, and a bit of creativity.

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Apply these tips, and you’ll not only boost your bookings—you’ll build a brand guests can’t stop talking about.

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Want to go deeper? Want to take things further? Check out the “Launch Your First Vacation Rental” course, which is great for both current and aspiring owners. It’s packed with everything we wish we knew before our first listing.

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And if you enjoyed this episode, check out the , “How To Write A Vacation Rental Listing That Stands Out”, episode 62. It pairs perfectly with today’s episode. You can find it in the Vacation Rental Resolutions website.

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Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode. And hey—if this helped you out, feel free to buy us a coffee. ☕