Guest Favorite
Key Takeaways
- Guest Favorite identifies the top 5% of listings on Airbnb based on guest satisfaction data
- The badge is listing-level, not host-level, meaning each property is evaluated independently
- Guest Favorites receive prominent search placement and a highly visible trust badge
- The designation is algorithmically assigned -- there is no application process
- It complements but is distinct from Superhost status, which measures host performance
How Guest Favorite Works
Airbnb evaluates listings using a combination of factors to determine Guest Favorite eligibility:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Consistently high scores (typically 4.9+) |
| Review sentiment | Positive language and themes in written reviews |
| Reliability | Low cancellation rate and accurate listing details |
| Review volume | Sufficient number of reviews for statistical confidence |
| Category ratings | Strong scores across cleanliness, accuracy, communication, location, check-in, and value |
The badge is updated on a rolling basis as new reviews come in. Listings can gain or lose the badge over time based on ongoing performance.
Why Guest Favorite Matters for Airbnb Hosts
- Premium visibility: Guest Favorite listings receive enhanced placement in search results and are featured in curated collections, driving more views and bookings.
- Trust and conversion: The badge is one of the strongest trust signals on the platform, directly influencing guest booking decisions.
- Pricing power: Listings with the Guest Favorite badge can typically command higher nightly rates because guests are willing to pay more for proven quality.
- Competitive differentiation: In saturated markets, the Guest Favorite badge helps your listing stand out from hundreds of alternatives.
Guest Favorite vs Superhost
| Feature | Guest Favorite | Superhost |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Listing-level | Host-level |
| Scope | Top 5% of homes | Top-performing hosts |
| Key metrics | Ratings, reviews, reliability | Trips, rating, response rate, cancellations |
| Application | Automatic / algorithmic | Quarterly assessment |
| Badge display | On the listing | On host profile and listings |
| Can exist independently | Yes (non-Superhost can have it) | Yes (Superhost listing may not be Guest Favorite) |
Tips for Earning the Guest Favorite Badge
- Deliver an exceptional first impression -- ensure your property matches or exceeds listing photos and description through careful listing optimization
- Prioritize cleanliness above all else -- cleanliness is the most frequently mentioned factor in both positive and negative reviews
- Stock thoughtful amenities that surprise and delight guests, from quality toiletries to local guidebooks
- Communicate proactively -- send check-in instructions early, check in during the stay, and follow up to resolve any issues before checkout
- Maintain a near-perfect response rate and never cancel on guests to demonstrate reliability
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Favorite is a listing-level badge based on guest ratings, reviews, and reliability data, identifying the top 5% of homes on Airbnb. Superhost is a host-level status based on the host's overall performance metrics. A Superhost may have listings that are not Guest Favorites, and a non-Superhost could have a Guest Favorite listing.
The Guest Favorite badge is awarded automatically by Airbnb to listings in the top 5% based on ratings, reviews, and reliability. There is no application process. Focus on consistently delivering excellent guest experiences, maintaining high ratings, and ensuring listing accuracy to qualify.
Yes, significantly. Guest Favorite listings receive a prominent badge and enhanced placement in search results. Airbnb reports that guests are more likely to book Guest Favorite properties, and the badge serves as a powerful trust signal that can justify higher nightly rates.