Post by High Priestess on Sept 20, 2015 8:38:23 GMT
Armando shared on New HOsts Forum 5 months ago
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-172804
First post, introduction and ratings
Armando
Hello there!I am Armando, living in Lisbon, Portugal, and hosting in this same city for less than two months now.I came looking for groups because of some not so good reviews and Airbnb channels are not so easy to use when asking opinions, advise or even too much detailed questions ;)Meanwhile, the information I received upon approval is so much and so useful that I took a couple of days to read it before posting... and before introducing myself. Sorry for that :)So...I've been struggling to understand the "accuracy" rating. Two of my first guests rated 3 stars for accuracy. I only received valuable feedback from one of them and the other stated that it was because of an issue not related (in my interpretation) to accuracy. It was a real issue, I'm not trying to runaway from it. It's just something I didn't anticipate. Meanwhile, acting upon this feedback I made some changes to my listing description and some improvements in the apartment and ratings went up inline with other rating parameters.But now, in between 4s and 5s, I received a 2 star rating for accuracy! :(I already suspected the guests would made a poor review. They had already sent me a message saying that they were disappointed. The problem is that they sent it in the last day of their stay. From day one I offered assistance in case something went wrong and at least part of the issues pointed out could be solved just by talking and showing how things work (I guess they also didn't read the house manual). It's frustrating.
But I had no feedback at all afterwards and I have real doubts of what are guests really rating on the accuracy parameter. That is, besides the obvious evaluation of what the listing is and what is described.There's always a tip that airbnb shows when filling a form field. I suppose there's also one for the "accuracy" rating. Can someone tell me the text of that tip? I couldn't find it and it might help me understand.What I've done now was change my descriptions to highlight possible flaws of my listing in a way that I think is unfair, too much highlight for an issue that is not that important and that only arises if guests don't follow the advises I give them.
I don't feel good at all about 2 star ratings, but I also don't feel good with these last description changes I've made.
Well, that's it. Any feedback/opinion is greatly appreciated :)Armando
11 comments
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Jeannette
Jeannette5 months ago
Is the basic problem that the unit is innately cramped, humid and dark? This is my takeaway between the lines.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like Delete
Armando
Armando5 months ago
The unit is small, but plenty of light enters through the only window. And it is not humid at all. It is innately poor on ventilation and when guests leave wet towels or wet clothes in the apartment closed all day the air will be a bit stale when they come back at night. Two minutes of an open window clear the air completely or having care to dry the towels after bath (just hang them in the towel dryer) is enough to eliminate the issue.
Juliet and Ed
Juliet and Ed5 months ago
Armando, I have looked at your listing and your reviews. My opinion is that the apartment is very reasonably priced, and it looks modern, clean and neat. Reading "between the lines", I have two suggestions:
1. Make sure to personally greet the guests and show them around. All the reviews mention this as something they appreciated, except one (the least favorable review) which seems to imply that you were only in contact by email. I think the personal touch is very very important.
2. If it is true that the apartment has no windows except for the one in the door, this should be stated in the description. I think that could come as a disappointment to many people, and it seems a bit strange. Is it a basement apartment? That sort of thing needs to be made clear.
Hope this helps.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like Delete
Armando
Armando5 months ago
Yes, only one window on the door! It doesn't strike me as that weird, but you might be right. This is a typical neighborhood, one of the oldest neighborhoods of europe. It's quite common for ground floor apartments to have no opening windows at all. I had a door made custom to have a window as large as is possible, fully functional and no other guest before, or after, complained about the fact. Yes, some found it weird also, but then the window is as any other window and no problem came of it. Still, you might be right and photos might not provide enough description. Thanks
Queenie & Ted
Queenie & Ted5 months ago
What a cute apartment!And a great location! Your description is not negative at all.
You say 2 additional people (maybe children only or small adults) can sleep on the foldout sofa. If that's true, you need to add an 'Additional person" charge for parties of 3 or 4.
Several guests mention the low ceilings so I would suggest moving the comment "The apartment is on the ground floor of a building that dates back to the eighteenth century" to the top of the description and adding that "as a result the ceilings are low. People taller than XX cm will be uncomfortable here, especially in the shower" . Many Airbnb listings have quirks that limit the height or weight of guests. If you can limit your guests to people who will not find the ceilings too low, then you will get better ratings for accuracy. The goal is to have guests only have happy surprises when they arrive!
Reply Like 2 likes Delete
Nancy
Nancy5 months ago
In addition to what was offered above you may want to consider for the bedroom framed art that gives the illusion of a window. I had one over my kitchen sink for years because I missed looking out the window while washing my dishes. Here's a link to describe what I'm talking about.
www.allposters.com/-st/Window-Posters_c6713_.htm
And don't worry that your apartment isn't for everybody (like very tall people). There are plenty of guests that fit exactly what each of us have to offer. And they'll be happy to stay there!
Reply Like 2 likes Delete
Raymond & Elaine
Raymond & Elaine5 months ago
Maybe the stars were low but the reviews are good so no harm done. Be aware and carefull not to reply in haste to any review you consider bad or unfair as this only draws notice to it and some hosts mention points that have only been brought up in private. You have said it's not suitable for anyone over 1m94, this seems too high to be comfortable. Why not state the height from floor to ceiling and let the guests decide.This fact is way too low in the listing and should be in the description of the space, not in 'the other things to note' You don't have to be tall to feel claustraphobic. We have all found that guests don't read all the listing. Also imo''Living room with one window,'gives the impression there is another window in the lounge besides the one in the door. Most people would imagine a window to lead to an exterieur view so your poor ratings for accuracy could be from this. It's good that you are on this forum because like many of us you see your home through you own eyes and not those of a visitor from another country.Also don't expect guests to have common sense. I think you have a great little apartment and the photos are really good.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like Delete
Armando
Armando5 months ago
I don't plan to reply at all to this guest. Not having feedback from them tells me their are no willing to help. If I was to reply I would do it privately and always being nice. My reply is in the form of changing the descriptions so that those "issues" are properly addressed and "neutralized". Your tips are great. The window is on the door, but leads to an exterior view. In fact it is great and, when I was preparing the apartment I was often at the window talking with neighbors
What I mean is that it is a real window and serves as a real window.
Armando
Armando5 months ago
Great tips! Thank you all!
Unfortunately I can't receive my guests. I have a fulltime job that is not flexible enough to allow it. But I didn't leave it to random and hired an experienced person to do it for me.
Its a pity 'cause I really like the communication part and I loved to meet live the few guests that I managed to be with at check in.
Thank you again, I will consider your tips and will be reviewing my descriptions soon.
Reply Like 1 reply Delete
Raymond & Elaine
Raymond & Elaine5 months ago
I just read your profile (nice photo btw) Why dont you put some of your photos on the walls of your apartment, you could bring a bit of nature into the basement apartment. No bugs please!
Rick
Rick5 months ago
Armando: The Alfama is a wonderful historic neighborhood. Your apt is beautiful & modern & sleek-- but in my opinion lacks a little of the "soul" of the neighborhood. Some beautiful Portuguese artwork. A group of 4 or 5 azulejos, arranged on a wall as an art piece. ( I purchased antique azulejos all over Portugal & Brazil & use them as coasters or pot rests in the kitchen!). A few pieces of lace that you can find at feria da ladra. While modern day Portuguese may find these things kitschy -- travelers love this stuff. For the lack of windows, I suggest finding an old salvaged window & replacing the panes of glass with mirrors to give the illusion of a window & provide reflected light. You have a lovely apto.
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Armando
Armando5 months ago
Well, Raymond & Elaine and Rick just gave me a great idea!
I do have some photos of mine that I really like, but don't have much to do with the neighborhood. For the last couple of months I took some time to take some shots around Alfama, but urban is definitely not my theme. However I do have a good shot of the monument around the corner, that I already have in the description, and it stands really good. So good I'm making some visit cards of it. It just doesn't feel right by itself on the wall.
Now... with some portuguese tiles (azulejos) on each side of it like Rick says I think it can look really great.
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Jackie
Jackie5 months ago
I've just looked at your listing and now think I want a holiday in Lisbon it looks so lovely. You can never please all of the guests all of the time I think and however clear you are about how things are there will always be some people who don't 'get it'. I clearly state in my listing that 4 cats mean guests will inevitably find some cat hairs around but I'm only waiting for the comment "the house was not clean, there were cat hairs on the sofa"
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Armando
Armando5 months ago
I've rewritten my main descriptions, following some of the advices here and I think I came up with a better phrasing.
Also I've already taken care of a nice photo to hang in the wall and I think next saturday I'll look for some traditional tiles (azulejos) to go along with it.
I'll also be looking for some kind of window frame. I really liked the idea, but I'm still not sure how it will work
Thanks again!
Reply Like Delete
Armando
Armando5 months ago
Oh! And I already had a new reservation, following the latest descriptions
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Deborah
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
older version, w/o commenter names
First post, introduction and ratings
Hello there!I am living in Lisbon, Portugal, and hosting in this same city for less than two months now.I came looking for groups because of some not so good reviews and Airbnb channels are not so easy to use when asking opinions, advise or even too much detailed questions ;)Meanwhile, the information I received upon approval is so much and so useful that I took a couple of days to read it before posting... and before introducing myself. Sorry for that :)So...I've been struggling to understand the "accuracy" rating. Two of my first guests rated 3 stars for accuracy. I only received valuable feedback from one of them and the other stated that it was because of an issue not related (in my interpretation) to accuracy. It was a real issue, I'm not trying to runaway from it. It's just something I didn't anticipate. Meanwhile, acting upon this feedback I made some changes to my listing description and some improvements in the apartment and ratings went up inline with other rating parameters.But now, in between 4s and 5s, I received a 2 star rating for accuracy! :(I already suspected the guests would made a poor review. They had already sent me a message saying that they were disappointed. The problem is that they sent it in the last day of their stay. From day one I offered assistance in case something went wrong and at least part of the issues pointed out could be solved just by talking and showing how things work (I guess they also didn't read the house manual). It's frustrating.
But I had no feedback at all afterwards and I have real doubts of what are guests really rating on the accuracy parameter. That is, besides the obvious evaluation of what the listing is and what is described.There's always a tip that airbnb shows when filling a form field. I suppose there's also one for the "accuracy" rating. Can someone tell me the text of that tip? I couldn't find it and it might help me understand.What I've done now was change my descriptions to highlight possible flaws of my listing in a way that I think is unfair, too much highlight for an issue that is not that important and that only arises if guests don't follow the advises I give them.
I don't feel good at all about 2 star ratings, but I also don't feel good with these last description changes I've made.
Well, that's it. Any feedback/opinion is greatly appreciated
Reply 1:
Is the basic problem that the unit is innately cramped, humid and dark? This is my takeaway between the lines.
Reply 2:
The unit is small, but plenty of light enters through the only window. And it is not humid at all. It is innately poor on ventilation and when guests leave wet towels or wet clothes in the apartment closed all day the air will be a bit stale when they come back at night. Two minutes of an open window clear the air completely or having care to dry the towels after bath (just hang them in the towel dryer) is enough to eliminate the issue.
Reply 3:
I have looked at your listing and your reviews. My opinion is that the apartment is very reasonably priced, and it looks modern, clean and neat. Reading "between the lines", I have two suggestions:
1. Make sure to personally greet the guests and show them around. All the reviews mention this as something they appreciated, except one (the least favorable review) which seems to imply that you were only in contact by email. I think the personal touch is very very important.
2. If it is true that the apartment has no windows except for the one in the door, this should be stated in the description. I think that could come as a disappointment to many people, and it seems a bit strange. Is it a basement apartment? That sort of thing needs to be made clear.
Hope this helps.
Reply 4:
Yes, only one window on the door! It doesn't strike me as that weird, but you might be right. This is a typical neighborhood, one of the oldest neighborhoods of europe. It's quite common for ground floor apartments to have no opening windows at all. I had a door made custom to have a window as large as is possible, fully functional and no other guest before, or after, complained about the fact. Yes, some found it weird also, but then the window is as any other window and no problem came of it. Still, you might be right and photos might not provide enough description. Thanks
Reply 5:
What a cute apartment!And a great location! Your description is not negative at all.
You say 2 additional people (maybe children only or small adults) can sleep on the foldout sofa. If that's true, you need to add an 'Additional person" charge for parties of 3 or 4.
Several guests mention the low ceilings so I would suggest moving the comment "The apartment is on the ground floor of a building that dates back to the eighteenth century" to the top of the description and adding that "as a result the ceilings are low. People taller than XX cm will be uncomfortable here, especially in the shower" . Many Airbnb listings have quirks that limit the height or weight of guests. If you can limit your guests to people who will not find the ceilings too low, then you will get better ratings for accuracy. The goal is to have guests only have happy surprises when they arrive!
Reply 6:
In addition to what was offered above you may want to consider for the bedroom framed art that gives the illusion of a window. I had one over my kitchen sink for years because I missed looking out the window while washing my dishes. Here's a link to describe what I'm talking about.
www.allposters.com/-st/Window-Posters_c6713_.htm
And don't worry that your apartment isn't for everybody (like very tall people). There are plenty of guests that fit exactly what each of us have to offer. And they'll be happy to stay there!
Reply 7:
Maybe the stars were low but the reviews are good so no harm done. Be aware and carefull not to reply in haste to any review you consider bad or unfair as this only draws notice to it and some hosts mention points that have only been brought up in private. You have said it's not suitable for anyone over 1m94, this seems too high to be comfortable. Why not state the height from floor to ceiling and let the guests decide.This fact is way too low in the listing and should be in the description of the space, not in 'the other things to note' You don't have to be tall to feel claustraphobic. We have all found that guests don't read all the listing. Also imo''Living room with one window,'gives the impression there is another window in the lounge besides the one in the door. Most people would imagine a window to lead to an exterieur view so your poor ratings for accuracy could be from this. It's good that you are on this forum because like many of us you see your home through you own eyes and not those of a visitor from another country.Also don't expect guests to have common sense. I think you have a great little apartment and the photos are really good.
Reply 8:
I don't plan to reply at all to this guest. Not having feedback from them tells me their are no willing to help. If I was to reply I would do it privately and always being nice. My reply is in the form of changing the descriptions so that those "issues" are properly addressed and "neutralized". Your tips are great. The window is on the door, but leads to an exterior view. In fact it is great and, when I was preparing the apartment I was often at the window talking with neighbors What I mean is that it is a real window and serves as a real window.
Reply 9:
Great tips! Thank you all!
Unfortunately I can't receive my guests. I have a fulltime job that is not flexible enough to allow it. But I didn't leave it to random and hired an experienced person to do it for me.
Its a pity 'cause I really like the communication part and I loved to meet live the few guests that I managed to be with at check in.
Thank you again, I will consider your tips and will be reviewing my descriptions soon.
Reply 10:
I just read your profile (nice photo btw) Why dont you put some of your photos on the walls of your apartment, you could bring a bit of nature into the basement apartment. No bugs please!
Reply 11:
The Alfama is a wonderful historic neighborhood. Your apt is beautiful & modern & sleek-- but in my opinion lacks a little of the "soul" of the neighborhood. Some beautiful Portuguese artwork. A group of 4 or 5 azulejos, arranged on a wall as an art piece. ( I purchased antique azulejos all over Portugal & Brazil & use them as coasters or pot rests in the kitchen!). A few pieces of lace that you can find at feria da ladra. While modern day Portuguese may find these things kitschy -- travelers love this stuff. For the lack of windows, I suggest finding an old salvaged window & replacing the panes of glass with mirrors to give the illusion of a window & provide reflected light. You have a lovely apto.
Reply 12:
Well, you just gave me a great idea!
I do have some photos of mine that I really like, but don't have much to do with the neighborhood. For the last couple of months I took some time to take some shots around Alfama, but urban is definitely not my theme. However I do have a good shot of the monument around the corner, that I already have in the description, and it stands really good. So good I'm making some visit cards of it. It just doesn't feel right by itself on the wall.
Now... with some portuguese tiles (azulejos) on each side of it like Rick says I think it can look really great.
Reply 13:
I've just looked at your listing and now think I want a holiday in Lisbon it looks so lovely. You can never please all of the guests all of the time I think and however clear you are about how things are there will always be some people who don't 'get it'. I clearly state in my listing that 4 cats mean guests will inevitably find some cat hairs around but I'm only waiting for the comment "the house was not clean, there were cat hairs on the sofa"
Reply 14:
I've rewritten my main descriptions, following some of the advices here and I think I came up with a better phrasing.
Also I've already taken care of a nice photo to hang in the wall and I think next saturday I'll look for some traditional tiles (azulejos) to go along with it.
I'll also be looking for some kind of window frame. I really liked the idea, but I'm still not sure how it will work
Thanks again!
Reply 15:
Oh! And I already had a new reservation, following the latest descriptions
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-172804
First post, introduction and ratings
ArmandoHello there!I am Armando, living in Lisbon, Portugal, and hosting in this same city for less than two months now.I came looking for groups because of some not so good reviews and Airbnb channels are not so easy to use when asking opinions, advise or even too much detailed questions ;)Meanwhile, the information I received upon approval is so much and so useful that I took a couple of days to read it before posting... and before introducing myself. Sorry for that :)So...I've been struggling to understand the "accuracy" rating. Two of my first guests rated 3 stars for accuracy. I only received valuable feedback from one of them and the other stated that it was because of an issue not related (in my interpretation) to accuracy. It was a real issue, I'm not trying to runaway from it. It's just something I didn't anticipate. Meanwhile, acting upon this feedback I made some changes to my listing description and some improvements in the apartment and ratings went up inline with other rating parameters.But now, in between 4s and 5s, I received a 2 star rating for accuracy! :(I already suspected the guests would made a poor review. They had already sent me a message saying that they were disappointed. The problem is that they sent it in the last day of their stay. From day one I offered assistance in case something went wrong and at least part of the issues pointed out could be solved just by talking and showing how things work (I guess they also didn't read the house manual). It's frustrating.
But I had no feedback at all afterwards and I have real doubts of what are guests really rating on the accuracy parameter. That is, besides the obvious evaluation of what the listing is and what is described.There's always a tip that airbnb shows when filling a form field. I suppose there's also one for the "accuracy" rating. Can someone tell me the text of that tip? I couldn't find it and it might help me understand.What I've done now was change my descriptions to highlight possible flaws of my listing in a way that I think is unfair, too much highlight for an issue that is not that important and that only arises if guests don't follow the advises I give them.
I don't feel good at all about 2 star ratings, but I also don't feel good with these last description changes I've made.
Well, that's it. Any feedback/opinion is greatly appreciated :)Armando
11 comments
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Jeannette
Jeannette5 months ago
Is the basic problem that the unit is innately cramped, humid and dark? This is my takeaway between the lines.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like Delete
Armando
Armando5 months ago
The unit is small, but plenty of light enters through the only window. And it is not humid at all. It is innately poor on ventilation and when guests leave wet towels or wet clothes in the apartment closed all day the air will be a bit stale when they come back at night. Two minutes of an open window clear the air completely or having care to dry the towels after bath (just hang them in the towel dryer) is enough to eliminate the issue.
Juliet and Ed
Juliet and Ed5 months ago
Armando, I have looked at your listing and your reviews. My opinion is that the apartment is very reasonably priced, and it looks modern, clean and neat. Reading "between the lines", I have two suggestions:
1. Make sure to personally greet the guests and show them around. All the reviews mention this as something they appreciated, except one (the least favorable review) which seems to imply that you were only in contact by email. I think the personal touch is very very important.
2. If it is true that the apartment has no windows except for the one in the door, this should be stated in the description. I think that could come as a disappointment to many people, and it seems a bit strange. Is it a basement apartment? That sort of thing needs to be made clear.
Hope this helps.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like Delete
Armando
Armando5 months ago
Yes, only one window on the door! It doesn't strike me as that weird, but you might be right. This is a typical neighborhood, one of the oldest neighborhoods of europe. It's quite common for ground floor apartments to have no opening windows at all. I had a door made custom to have a window as large as is possible, fully functional and no other guest before, or after, complained about the fact. Yes, some found it weird also, but then the window is as any other window and no problem came of it. Still, you might be right and photos might not provide enough description. Thanks
Queenie & Ted
Queenie & Ted5 months ago
What a cute apartment!And a great location! Your description is not negative at all.
You say 2 additional people (maybe children only or small adults) can sleep on the foldout sofa. If that's true, you need to add an 'Additional person" charge for parties of 3 or 4.
Several guests mention the low ceilings so I would suggest moving the comment "The apartment is on the ground floor of a building that dates back to the eighteenth century" to the top of the description and adding that "as a result the ceilings are low. People taller than XX cm will be uncomfortable here, especially in the shower" . Many Airbnb listings have quirks that limit the height or weight of guests. If you can limit your guests to people who will not find the ceilings too low, then you will get better ratings for accuracy. The goal is to have guests only have happy surprises when they arrive!
Reply Like 2 likes Delete
Nancy
Nancy5 months ago
In addition to what was offered above you may want to consider for the bedroom framed art that gives the illusion of a window. I had one over my kitchen sink for years because I missed looking out the window while washing my dishes. Here's a link to describe what I'm talking about.
www.allposters.com/-st/Window-Posters_c6713_.htm
And don't worry that your apartment isn't for everybody (like very tall people). There are plenty of guests that fit exactly what each of us have to offer. And they'll be happy to stay there!
Reply Like 2 likes Delete
Raymond & Elaine
Raymond & Elaine5 months ago
Maybe the stars were low but the reviews are good so no harm done. Be aware and carefull not to reply in haste to any review you consider bad or unfair as this only draws notice to it and some hosts mention points that have only been brought up in private. You have said it's not suitable for anyone over 1m94, this seems too high to be comfortable. Why not state the height from floor to ceiling and let the guests decide.This fact is way too low in the listing and should be in the description of the space, not in 'the other things to note' You don't have to be tall to feel claustraphobic. We have all found that guests don't read all the listing. Also imo''Living room with one window,'gives the impression there is another window in the lounge besides the one in the door. Most people would imagine a window to lead to an exterieur view so your poor ratings for accuracy could be from this. It's good that you are on this forum because like many of us you see your home through you own eyes and not those of a visitor from another country.Also don't expect guests to have common sense. I think you have a great little apartment and the photos are really good.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like Delete
Armando
Armando5 months ago
I don't plan to reply at all to this guest. Not having feedback from them tells me their are no willing to help. If I was to reply I would do it privately and always being nice. My reply is in the form of changing the descriptions so that those "issues" are properly addressed and "neutralized". Your tips are great. The window is on the door, but leads to an exterior view. In fact it is great and, when I was preparing the apartment I was often at the window talking with neighbors
What I mean is that it is a real window and serves as a real window.Armando
Armando5 months ago
Great tips!
Thank you all!Unfortunately I can't receive my guests. I have a fulltime job that is not flexible enough to allow it. But I didn't leave it to random and hired an experienced person to do it for me.
Its a pity 'cause I really like the communication part and I loved to meet live the few guests that I managed to be with at check in.
Thank you again, I will consider your tips and will be reviewing my descriptions soon.
Reply Like 1 reply Delete
Raymond & Elaine
Raymond & Elaine5 months ago
I just read your profile (nice photo btw) Why dont you put some of your photos on the walls of your apartment, you could bring a bit of nature into the basement apartment. No bugs please!
Rick
Rick5 months ago
Armando: The Alfama is a wonderful historic neighborhood. Your apt is beautiful & modern & sleek-- but in my opinion lacks a little of the "soul" of the neighborhood. Some beautiful Portuguese artwork. A group of 4 or 5 azulejos, arranged on a wall as an art piece. ( I purchased antique azulejos all over Portugal & Brazil & use them as coasters or pot rests in the kitchen!). A few pieces of lace that you can find at feria da ladra. While modern day Portuguese may find these things kitschy -- travelers love this stuff. For the lack of windows, I suggest finding an old salvaged window & replacing the panes of glass with mirrors to give the illusion of a window & provide reflected light. You have a lovely apto.
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Armando
Armando5 months ago
Well, Raymond & Elaine and Rick just gave me a great idea!
I do have some photos of mine that I really like, but don't have much to do with the neighborhood. For the last couple of months I took some time to take some shots around Alfama, but urban is definitely not my theme. However I do have a good shot of the monument around the corner, that I already have in the description, and it stands really good. So good I'm making some visit cards of it. It just doesn't feel right by itself on the wall.
Now... with some portuguese tiles (azulejos) on each side of it like Rick says I think it can look really great.
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Jackie
Jackie5 months ago
I've just looked at your listing and now think I want a holiday in Lisbon it looks so lovely. You can never please all of the guests all of the time I think and however clear you are about how things are there will always be some people who don't 'get it'. I clearly state in my listing that 4 cats mean guests will inevitably find some cat hairs around but I'm only waiting for the comment "the house was not clean, there were cat hairs on the sofa"
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Armando
Armando5 months ago
I've rewritten my main descriptions, following some of the advices here and I think I came up with a better phrasing.
Also I've already taken care of a nice photo to hang in the wall and I think next saturday I'll look for some traditional tiles (azulejos) to go along with it.
I'll also be looking for some kind of window frame. I really liked the idea, but I'm still not sure how it will work
Thanks again!
Reply Like Delete
Armando
Armando5 months ago
Oh! And I already had a new reservation, following the latest descriptions
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Deborah
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
older version, w/o commenter names
First post, introduction and ratings
Hello there!I am living in Lisbon, Portugal, and hosting in this same city for less than two months now.I came looking for groups because of some not so good reviews and Airbnb channels are not so easy to use when asking opinions, advise or even too much detailed questions ;)Meanwhile, the information I received upon approval is so much and so useful that I took a couple of days to read it before posting... and before introducing myself. Sorry for that :)So...I've been struggling to understand the "accuracy" rating. Two of my first guests rated 3 stars for accuracy. I only received valuable feedback from one of them and the other stated that it was because of an issue not related (in my interpretation) to accuracy. It was a real issue, I'm not trying to runaway from it. It's just something I didn't anticipate. Meanwhile, acting upon this feedback I made some changes to my listing description and some improvements in the apartment and ratings went up inline with other rating parameters.But now, in between 4s and 5s, I received a 2 star rating for accuracy! :(I already suspected the guests would made a poor review. They had already sent me a message saying that they were disappointed. The problem is that they sent it in the last day of their stay. From day one I offered assistance in case something went wrong and at least part of the issues pointed out could be solved just by talking and showing how things work (I guess they also didn't read the house manual). It's frustrating.
But I had no feedback at all afterwards and I have real doubts of what are guests really rating on the accuracy parameter. That is, besides the obvious evaluation of what the listing is and what is described.There's always a tip that airbnb shows when filling a form field. I suppose there's also one for the "accuracy" rating. Can someone tell me the text of that tip? I couldn't find it and it might help me understand.What I've done now was change my descriptions to highlight possible flaws of my listing in a way that I think is unfair, too much highlight for an issue that is not that important and that only arises if guests don't follow the advises I give them.
I don't feel good at all about 2 star ratings, but I also don't feel good with these last description changes I've made.
Well, that's it. Any feedback/opinion is greatly appreciated
Reply 1:
Is the basic problem that the unit is innately cramped, humid and dark? This is my takeaway between the lines.
Reply 2:
The unit is small, but plenty of light enters through the only window. And it is not humid at all. It is innately poor on ventilation and when guests leave wet towels or wet clothes in the apartment closed all day the air will be a bit stale when they come back at night. Two minutes of an open window clear the air completely or having care to dry the towels after bath (just hang them in the towel dryer) is enough to eliminate the issue.
Reply 3:
I have looked at your listing and your reviews. My opinion is that the apartment is very reasonably priced, and it looks modern, clean and neat. Reading "between the lines", I have two suggestions:
1. Make sure to personally greet the guests and show them around. All the reviews mention this as something they appreciated, except one (the least favorable review) which seems to imply that you were only in contact by email. I think the personal touch is very very important.
2. If it is true that the apartment has no windows except for the one in the door, this should be stated in the description. I think that could come as a disappointment to many people, and it seems a bit strange. Is it a basement apartment? That sort of thing needs to be made clear.
Hope this helps.
Reply 4:
Yes, only one window on the door! It doesn't strike me as that weird, but you might be right. This is a typical neighborhood, one of the oldest neighborhoods of europe. It's quite common for ground floor apartments to have no opening windows at all. I had a door made custom to have a window as large as is possible, fully functional and no other guest before, or after, complained about the fact. Yes, some found it weird also, but then the window is as any other window and no problem came of it. Still, you might be right and photos might not provide enough description. Thanks
Reply 5:
What a cute apartment!And a great location! Your description is not negative at all.
You say 2 additional people (maybe children only or small adults) can sleep on the foldout sofa. If that's true, you need to add an 'Additional person" charge for parties of 3 or 4.
Several guests mention the low ceilings so I would suggest moving the comment "The apartment is on the ground floor of a building that dates back to the eighteenth century" to the top of the description and adding that "as a result the ceilings are low. People taller than XX cm will be uncomfortable here, especially in the shower" . Many Airbnb listings have quirks that limit the height or weight of guests. If you can limit your guests to people who will not find the ceilings too low, then you will get better ratings for accuracy. The goal is to have guests only have happy surprises when they arrive!
Reply 6:
In addition to what was offered above you may want to consider for the bedroom framed art that gives the illusion of a window. I had one over my kitchen sink for years because I missed looking out the window while washing my dishes. Here's a link to describe what I'm talking about.
www.allposters.com/-st/Window-Posters_c6713_.htm
And don't worry that your apartment isn't for everybody (like very tall people). There are plenty of guests that fit exactly what each of us have to offer. And they'll be happy to stay there!
Reply 7:
Maybe the stars were low but the reviews are good so no harm done. Be aware and carefull not to reply in haste to any review you consider bad or unfair as this only draws notice to it and some hosts mention points that have only been brought up in private. You have said it's not suitable for anyone over 1m94, this seems too high to be comfortable. Why not state the height from floor to ceiling and let the guests decide.This fact is way too low in the listing and should be in the description of the space, not in 'the other things to note' You don't have to be tall to feel claustraphobic. We have all found that guests don't read all the listing. Also imo''Living room with one window,'gives the impression there is another window in the lounge besides the one in the door. Most people would imagine a window to lead to an exterieur view so your poor ratings for accuracy could be from this. It's good that you are on this forum because like many of us you see your home through you own eyes and not those of a visitor from another country.Also don't expect guests to have common sense. I think you have a great little apartment and the photos are really good.
Reply 8:
I don't plan to reply at all to this guest. Not having feedback from them tells me their are no willing to help. If I was to reply I would do it privately and always being nice. My reply is in the form of changing the descriptions so that those "issues" are properly addressed and "neutralized". Your tips are great. The window is on the door, but leads to an exterior view. In fact it is great and, when I was preparing the apartment I was often at the window talking with neighbors
What I mean is that it is a real window and serves as a real window.Reply 9:
Great tips!
Thank you all!Unfortunately I can't receive my guests. I have a fulltime job that is not flexible enough to allow it. But I didn't leave it to random and hired an experienced person to do it for me.
Its a pity 'cause I really like the communication part and I loved to meet live the few guests that I managed to be with at check in.
Thank you again, I will consider your tips and will be reviewing my descriptions soon.
Reply 10:
I just read your profile (nice photo btw) Why dont you put some of your photos on the walls of your apartment, you could bring a bit of nature into the basement apartment. No bugs please!
Reply 11:
The Alfama is a wonderful historic neighborhood. Your apt is beautiful & modern & sleek-- but in my opinion lacks a little of the "soul" of the neighborhood. Some beautiful Portuguese artwork. A group of 4 or 5 azulejos, arranged on a wall as an art piece. ( I purchased antique azulejos all over Portugal & Brazil & use them as coasters or pot rests in the kitchen!). A few pieces of lace that you can find at feria da ladra. While modern day Portuguese may find these things kitschy -- travelers love this stuff. For the lack of windows, I suggest finding an old salvaged window & replacing the panes of glass with mirrors to give the illusion of a window & provide reflected light. You have a lovely apto.
Reply 12:
Well, you just gave me a great idea!
I do have some photos of mine that I really like, but don't have much to do with the neighborhood. For the last couple of months I took some time to take some shots around Alfama, but urban is definitely not my theme. However I do have a good shot of the monument around the corner, that I already have in the description, and it stands really good. So good I'm making some visit cards of it. It just doesn't feel right by itself on the wall.
Now... with some portuguese tiles (azulejos) on each side of it like Rick says I think it can look really great.
Reply 13:
I've just looked at your listing and now think I want a holiday in Lisbon it looks so lovely. You can never please all of the guests all of the time I think and however clear you are about how things are there will always be some people who don't 'get it'. I clearly state in my listing that 4 cats mean guests will inevitably find some cat hairs around but I'm only waiting for the comment "the house was not clean, there were cat hairs on the sofa"
Reply 14:
I've rewritten my main descriptions, following some of the advices here and I think I came up with a better phrasing.
Also I've already taken care of a nice photo to hang in the wall and I think next saturday I'll look for some traditional tiles (azulejos) to go along with it.
I'll also be looking for some kind of window frame. I really liked the idea, but I'm still not sure how it will work
Thanks again!
Reply 15:
Oh! And I already had a new reservation, following the latest descriptions