An Airbnb host in Wilmington, North Carolina, was upset by two recent 4-star reviews she received from her guests. In a bizarre turn of events, the guests in question deducted a whole star for the kitchen not being equipped with a cheese grater and the couch not being comfortable enough.
The reviews themselves were reviewed on TikTok by user emmadoo0, also known as Emma Tyrrell. Her first 4-star review publicly praised the Airbnb, saying that the living room furniture was very comfortable and that they would recommend the location to others “without hesitation.”
However, in a private note, the guest left suggestions, mainly centered around the kitchen items. They asked for dish towels, even though they were dish towels in the kitchen, smaller potholders, which Emma felt was a valid criticism, and, of all things, a cheese grater. The North Carolina Airbnb host did, in fact, check if there was a cheese grater. There was none.
The second 4-star review also praised Emma’s property, saying that it was a “great space” and that she would definitely “be booking again” if she is ever back in Wilmington. However, in her private note, she only pointed out one detail: the couch. Apparently, it was “very stiff” and “a little bit uncomfortable.”
The Airbnb host pointed out that the first review had no issues with the couch, meaning that this was a matter of preference.
Superhost Status In Jeopardy, Reactions
And while many consider these suggestions valid, one can only question whether these are enough to lower Emma’s review score by a whole star. After all, it seemed that the guests had a pretty good time at the North Carolina Airbnb.
Emma explained her being upset, saying that she needs a minimum quarterly Airbnb rating of 4.8 to maintain a “Superhost” status. This directly affects where the Airbnb is listed in the search results, Emma explained. Therefore, a 4-star review can be particularly prejudicial at the end of the day.
Many users were questioning why a 4-star review was a bad review. For the most part, other users explained what Emma said in her video. Some, understanding her frustration, criticized the pettiness of the reviews.
“Why would you assume an Airbnb had a cheese grater?” one user asked. Another one wrote, “IMO, these aren’t valid reasons for 4 stars.” A third one added, “What world do people live on its a rental?!?!? People are living in illusions.”
By the looks of it, Emma is still planning to take the suggestions and improve her Airbnb. Hopefully, she will get her Superhost status secured by the end of the quarter.
