Glossary
What is a review request?
A review request is a message sent after checkout asking a guest to review their stay on Airbnb, Vrbo, Google or another site. Good review requests are sent once, shortly after a smooth stay, with no incentive attached.
Reviews drive ranking and bookings on every channel, so most hosts ask for them. How and when you ask decides whether the request helps or hurts.
What a good review request includes
Keep it short:
The guest’s name and a specific detail from their stay.
Why reviews matter: they help future guests choose.
A direct link to the right review page.
Nothing in exchange. No discount, gift or credit.
Rules to follow
Send it once, within a day or two of checkout. Skip stays with an open complaint, refund or damage claim. Never offer a reward for a review: Airbnb and Google prohibit incentivized reviews, and the FTC bans incentives tied to positive reviews.
Learn more
The full guide covers timing, wording and when to skip the ask.
Frequently asked questions
When should I send a review request?
Within 24 to 48 hours of checkout. On Airbnb, reviews must be written within 14 days of checkout.
Can I offer a reward for a review?
No. Platforms prohibit it, and the FTC bans incentives that depend on a positive review.
Should I send one after a bad stay?
No. Resolve the issue and send a service follow-up instead.