How to Edit Airbnb Reviews as a Host (Plus Smart Review Writing Tips)

Marifil Limpahan
4 days ago
3 min read

How to Edit an Airbnb Review (and Write Better Ones)

If you’ve been hosting for any amount of time, you already know: reviews can make or break your Airbnb business. A glowing review can fill your calendar, while a bad one can scare away future bookings.

But what happens if you want to edit an Airbnb review you left for a guest? Is it even possible? And more importantly, how do you write reviews that protect your reputation while still being fair and professional?

At BNB Guardians, we coach new and experienced hosts on every part of the business, Airbnb strategy, guest communication, and Airbnb management systems, so you can run a stress-free, profitable short-term rental business. In this guide, we’ll break down how Airbnb reviews work, what you can (and can’t) edit, and best practices for writing reviews that set you up for success.

Understanding the Airbnb Review System

Both hosts and guests have 14 days after checkout to leave a review. The process is double-blind, which means neither side can see the other’s review until both are submitted or until the 14-day window closes.

Why does this matter? Because reviews aren’t just about reputation, they directly impact Airbnb SEO and your visibility in search results. Higher ratings push your listing closer to the top, which means more bookings and more income.

As a host, your review of a guest also matters. Other hosts will see your feedback when deciding whether to accept that guest’s future bookings. In other words: your words carry weight in the Airbnb community.

Can You Edit a Review of a Guest?

Here’s the short answer: yes, but only within a narrow window.

You can edit a review during the 14-day review period.
However, if your guest has already submitted their review, you lose that option.

This means acting quickly is key if you want to make changes.

Common Reasons Hosts Edit Reviews:

You accidentally shared personal information (like a guest’s full name or details Airbnb prohibits).
You had a conflict with a guest but later resolved it, and you’d like your review to reflect the positive outcome.
You simply made a mistake and want to clarify or expand on your comments.

How to Edit Airbnb Reviews

If you decide you need to make changes, here’s the process:

Log into your Airbnb account.
Click on Profile.
Select Reviews by you.
Choose the review you want to edit and click Edit.

It’s straightforward, but remember, you only have a short window to do it.

Can You Remove a Review Completely?

In most cases, no. Once a review has been published, it stays on Airbnb’s platform.

The only exceptions are if the review violates Airbnb’s content policy (for example, it contains hate speech, personal attacks, or sensitive information). In those rare cases, you can contact Airbnb support for help.

At BNB Guardians, we always recommend handling guest issues before checkout whenever possible. Often, a simple proactive step in Airbnb guest communication can prevent the kind of negative review you’ll later wish you could delete.

Tips for Writing Effective Airbnb Reviews

Writing reviews as a host can feel like walking a fine line: you want to be honest for the sake of the community, but you also want to avoid unnecessary tension.

Here are some tips to strike the right balance:

Be specific and factual. If a guest broke house rules, state what happened clearly.
Stay professional. Avoid personal digs or emotional language.
Offer constructive feedback. Point out what could be improved instead of just criticizing.
Keep it concise. Long, rambling reviews aren’t as helpful as clear, direct ones.
Pause before posting. If the stay was stressful, give yourself a little time before submitting so you can reflect objectively.

Final Thoughts

Editing an Airbnb review isn’t always possible, but when it is, it’s best to act fast.

More importantly, the reviews you write should always serve two purposes:

Help future hosts make informed decisions.
Protect your own hosting reputation and maintain strong guest relationships.

At BNB Guardians, we teach hosts how to master Airbnb coaching, Airbnb management systems, and guest communication strategies so you can avoid the pitfalls of negative reviews, and keep your listings profitable.

👉 Need help with Airbnb? Join our Airbnb Super Host Academy on Skool, or book a strategy call with us at BNB Guardians today.