Airbnb Review Examples for Messy Guests: Stay Professional, Stay Honest

How to Write a Fair (and Firm) Airbnb Review for a Messy Guest Stay

Let’s face it, hosting isn’t always sunshine and five-star guests.

Sometimes, a guest leaves your place looking like a tornado passed through. Piles of dishes. Food in the couch cushions. Trash everywhere.

As Airbnb hosts, these moments test our patience and our professionalism. But how you respond matters especially when it comes to writing a review that’s honest, constructive, and helpful to other hosts.

At BNB Guardians, we coach hosts to handle difficult guest situations with grace and clarity. If you’ve ever wondered how to write an Airbnb review for a messy guest stay (without going full keyboard warrior), or you’re looking for Airbnb review examples for messy guests that are firm yet professional, this guide is for you.

Why It’s Crucial to Leave Honest Reviews (Even When It’s Awkward)

It’s tempting to say nothing. You don’t want to seem mean. But here’s the truth: your review helps the entire Airbnb community hosts and guests alike.

• It sets expectations for other hosts

• It gives guests a chance to learn and improve

• It protects your credibility as a professional host

• It adds to the Airbnb review system's integrity
  

The key is to share your experience without sounding emotional or petty. Honesty + professionalism is the sweet spot.

Start with the Big Picture

Before diving into the mess, briefly explain your overall impression of the guest. Were they communicative? Did they check in on time? Did they follow basic house rules?

Example:

“The guest was polite in messages and arrived on time. However, there were some issues with cleanliness at checkout.”

Starting with a neutral or balanced tone shows you’re being fair, not just venting.

Be Clear About the Cleanliness Issues

This is where you want to be specific, but not dramatic.

Focus on what actually happened, not how it made you feel. For example:

• ✅ “The guest left several unwashed dishes in the sink and food crumbs on the dining table.”

• ❌ “The guest was totally disrespectful and trashed the place!”

Stick to the facts. That’s what other hosts (and future guests) care about most.

Inside our Airbnb coaching program, we teach hosts how to document issues properly, so they’re protected during disputes and review writing.

Offer Constructive Feedback (Without Sugarcoating)

Yes, it’s okay to be direct, but the most effective Airbnb guest communication is solution-oriented.

Here’s how to frame it:

“In the future, it would be helpful if the guest could clean up after meals and take out the trash before departure.”

It’s not about scolding, it’s about setting a standard. You’re letting guests know what’s expected in a short-term rental without coming across as hostile.

Balance Negative Feedback with Any Positives (If Possible)

Even if things didn’t go perfectly, try to highlight what did go well if anything.

Maybe they communicated clearly. Maybe they followed your check-in instructions. Maybe they were just a little messy but not destructive.

Example:

“Although the space was left untidy, the guest was responsive throughout the stay and respected check-in times.”

This balanced approach shows future hosts that you’re reasonable, and not out to burn bridges.

Templates: Airbnb Review Examples for Messy Guests

Need a jumpstart? Here are a few Airbnb host review examples you can customize:

Template 1:

“The guest was friendly and responsive, but left the space in need of significant cleaning—dishes were left out and surfaces were not wiped down. I’d recommend setting clear expectations if hosting them again.”

Template 2:

“The guest did not follow cleanliness rules, leaving behind food, trash, and dirty dishes. Communication was minimal. I hope future stays reflect more care and attention.”

Template 3:

“The guest’s stay required more cleanup than expected, despite clear house rules. I’d suggest confirming expectations around tidiness ahead of time.”

Remember, this isn’t about punishment. It’s about accountability.

Pro Tips to Avoid Cleanliness Issues in the Future

At BNB Guardians, we help hosts set up systems that prevent problems before they happen. Here are a few things we recommend:

✅ Set firm but friendly house rules (and remind guests at check-in) ✅ Include checkout instructions in your welcome book or message thread

✅ Use a cleaning fee that reflects the effort required

✅ Have a cleaner do a walk-through after each stay to document issues

✅ Use Guesty (or a similar tool) for automated guest communication and scheduling

When expectations are crystal clear, most guests will meet them. For the ones who don’t, you’ll have a strong system, and a review strategy to back you up.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Space and Your Reputation

Being a host means wearing a lot of hats, cleaning inspector, communicator, problem solver. And every now and then, you’ll host a guest who just doesn’t respect the space.

When that happens, your review is your voice. Use it to protect yourself, inform other hosts, and encourage better guest behavior moving forward.

And if you need help setting boundaries, writing reviews, or building systems that save you time?

👉 Need help with Airbnb hosting? Join our Airbnb Super Host Academy on Skool or book a 1-on-1 strategy call with our team at BNB Guardians.

We’ll help you create a hosting business that’s profitable, peaceful, and built to last!