To post a review on Airbnb, open Trips, choose the past stay, tap Write a review, rate and comment, and submit within 14 days of checkout.
You booked, you stayed, and now you want your say. The process takes a minute, and the right words help the next guest and keep hosts improving. Below you’ll find clear steps on phone and desktop, the review window, what shows up, and what to write so your feedback lands well.
Posting A Review On Airbnb: Step-By-Step
On The Mobile App
- Open Trips in the bottom menu.
- Under Past, pick the stay you just finished.
- Tap Write a review.
- Give your star rating.
- Add short, specific comments on accuracy, cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, and value.
- Submit. You’ve got 14 days from checkout.
On The Website
- Sign in and go to Trips.
- Select the finished reservation.
- Click Leave a review, add your rating and notes, then submit.
Fast Reference Table
| Device | Path | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iOS/Android | Trips → Past → Stay → Write a review | Photos are optional; short, clear lines work best. |
| Desktop | Trips → Past → Reservation → Leave a review | Same 14-day window from checkout. |
| No Prompt Visible | Trips → Past → Select stay | Check if the 14-day window has expired. |
When Reviews Appear And Who Can See Them
Airbnb uses a double-blind setup: your words stay hidden until both sides submit, or the 14-day clock runs out. That way nobody shapes a review after reading the other person’s take. If only one person submits, it goes live once the window ends. This timing rule applies to home stays across the platform. For the current window and steps, see the Help Center page on leaving a review. Rules for what stays up or gets removed live on the Reviews Policy.
What To Write: Make It Useful
Short beats long. Aim for a crisp summary up top, then add a line or two on the parts that matter most to travelers. You’re writing for people who want the real story in seconds.
Simple Structure That Works
- Headline line: “Quiet block, spotless flat, kind host.”
- Two-to-three details: Mention accuracy, bed comfort, shower pressure, Wi-Fi speed, noise level, parking, or any surprise.
- Helpful context: Say who you traveled with and why the place fit (solo work trip, couple getaway, family visit).
- Polite nudge: If something was off, state it plainly and suggest a fix.
Strong Examples You Can Adapt
Positive with specifics: “Spotless studio with a firm mattress and fast Wi-Fi (200 Mbps). Self check-in took two minutes. Street is quiet after 10 pm.”
Balanced: “Kitchen matched photos and had basics. Hot water took a minute to arrive. Great value for a short stay.”
Constructive: “Clean room and easy check-in. A blackout curtain would help; morning light is bright.”
Ratings, Photos, And Private Notes
Your star rating feeds the listing’s average. Photos add proof and help others judge fit. You may also see a private feedback box. Use it for tips you don’t need on the public page, like a minor repair or a small supply shortage. Keep names, phone numbers, and private info out of your text.
Category Ratings: What Each One Means
When you rate a stay, you’ll often see prompts for sub-ratings. A short line for each keeps your feedback tidy and useful.
Accuracy
Did the place match photos and the listing text? Mention layout, bed count, and any mismatch you saw. If the view or size differs, say so in plain terms.
Cleanliness
Note floors, linens, kitchenware, and bath. A simple line like “Fridge clean, no odors” or “Dust on shelf by TV” gives clear signals.
Check-In
Share how long it took and whether instructions were clear. Mention keypad codes, lockboxes, or a meet-and-greet.
Communication
Write about response speed and clarity. A line such as “Replies within 10 minutes” tells readers what to expect.
Location
Stick to travel-useful points: transit links, neighborhood noise, groceries nearby, hills or stairs.
Value
Sum up whether the price fit the space, amenities, and service you received.
Edit, Respond, Or Remove: What’s Possible
If You Want To Edit
You can change your review if you submitted first and the other party hasn’t sent theirs yet. The edit option stays open only within the 14-day window.
If You Want To Respond
Hosts can write a public response beneath a posted review. It’s shown on the listing page so readers can see both sides. If the post breaks rules, a removal request may be possible.
If You Want It Removed
Removal isn’t a button. Reviews come down only if they break stated rules (such as hate speech, threats, or private data). Those standards are set on the platform’s Reviews Policy page linked above.
Deadlines, Canceled Stays, And Experiences
The 14-day timer starts at checkout for homes. If only one side writes a review, it will post once that period ends. For canceled trips and for experiences, rules can differ. In general, you’ll see the option to leave feedback when a stay has taken place or when the product allows it. If you cut a trip short, you can still write a review in many cases; the key is the same 14-day clock.
What You Can And Can’t Include
Stick to your stay, not personal traits. No contact info, no full names, no rumors. Clear claims with dates and simple facts carry weight. If safety or discrimination issues came up, share the facts in calm language and use the platform’s reporting tools.
Rules Snapshot
- Cleanliness, noise, accuracy, amenities: Allowed. Describe what you saw and heard.
- Private contact details: Not allowed. Keep phone numbers and emails out.
- Threats or hate speech: Not allowed. Breaks policy; may be removed.
- Photos that show the space: Allowed. Skip faces or IDs without consent.
- Speculation about motives: Not allowed. Stick to verifiable facts.
For Hosts: Writing A Review Of A Guest
Keep it tight, fair, and helpful to the next host. Stick to stay-related behavior: punctuality, house rules, cleanliness on checkout, and how messages went. Share any tip that helps screening, like “kept shoes off indoors” or “asked before inviting a friend over.” End with “would host again” when true.
- Good fit: “Polite, tidy, followed house rules. Would host again.”
- Mixed: “Friendly and responsive. Left dishes in sink; towels in tub. Overall okay.”
- Needs work: “Noise after quiet hours and trash left outside. Not a match for a shared home.”
Pro Tips For Clear Language
- Skip vague words: Swap “nice” for a concrete detail.
- Use numbers: Mbps, minutes to check-in, steps to the door, walk time to transit.
- Write like you talk: Short, plain sentences help readers scan.
- Place the win first: Start with the strongest point, then add any caveat.
- Keep edits gentle: Offer fixes without blame.
Troubleshooting: When The Review Option Isn’t There
- The timer ended: The 14 days passed. The button disappears.
- You’re on the wrong trip: Pick the finished reservation under Past.
- Different product: Some experience rules differ.
- Technical blip: Sign out and back in, switch device, clear cache, then try again.
Dos And Don’ts For Clear, Fair Feedback
These quick tips keep your review sharp and fair to readers.
- Be specific: “Washed linens, 70 Mbps Wi-Fi, street parking two houses down.”
- Be balanced: Two positives for every gripe keeps tone level.
- Be short: Five to eight lines are plenty.
- Name fixes: “Add a kettle,” “Label the gate keypad,” “Stock extra towels.”
- Skip private info: No surnames, emails, or phone numbers.
- Keep screenshots private: Don’t post private messages.
Sample Templates You Can Tweak
Copy, paste, and edit these to match your trip. Keep it honest and specific to what you saw.
Work Trip, Solo
“Quiet room near transit. Desk and chair made work easy. Wi-Fi averaged 120 Mbps. Self check-in was smooth. Light street noise before 9 pm.”
Couple Weekend
“Cozy flat with a comfy bed and good water pressure. Hosts left coffee and maps. Street parking was open after 6 pm. Would book again.”
Family With Kids
“Two-bed place matched photos. Crib on request, blackout shades in both rooms, and a soft rug for play. Kitchen had basics, but add kids’ bowls.”
Constructive Template
“The place was clean and well located. The AC struggled in the afternoon heat. A small fan and clearer thermostat notes would help.”
The Timeline At A Glance
Here’s a late-article table you can scan before you write.
| Who | Window | When It Appears |
|---|---|---|
| Guest reviewing a stay | Within 14 days of checkout | After both submit or at day 14 |
| Host reviewing a guest | Within 14 days of checkout | After both submit or at day 14 |
| Experience feedback | Varies by product | Rules differ by product |
Checklist Before You Hit Submit
- Title line clear? One punchy summary at the start.
- Two or three concrete details? Beds, water pressure, noise, Wi-Fi, location.
- No private data? No phone numbers, emails, or surnames.
- Neutral tone? Stick to facts and fixes.
- Submitted on time? Inside the 14-day window.
Why Your Review Matters
Your words guide the next traveler and help hosts refine the stay. Clear notes raise confidence across the platform and make search results more reliable. If you keep your comments short, specific, and timely, you’ll post a review that saves people time and helps the best places stand out.