On Airbnb almost everyone has five stars: how to stand out
By Jeremy Fain, founder of Restelys. Updated 17 October 2026. 2 sources cited.
When almost every rating is excellent, details and trust are what make guests choose one home over another.
A study of hundreds of thousands of Airbnb listings found that nearly 95% of properties displayed an average rating of 4.5 or 5 stars. The rating alone no longer really separates listings.
Other researchers showed that the trust inspired by the host, through their photo and presentation, influences price and the likelihood of being chosen. Travellers look for signs of care and seriousness.
Reviews then become decisive, and they often mention details: a well-equipped bathroom, a toiletry kit, a ready-to-use kitchen. Exactly the touches our products make possible.
Sources
- Zervas G., Proserpio D., Byers J.W. “A first look at online reputation on Airbnb, where every stay is above average”. Marketing Letters, 2021.
- Ert E., Fleischer A., Magen N. “Trust and reputation in the sharing economy: the role of personal photos in Airbnb”. Tourism Management, 2016.
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