Becoming a Superhost is exciting. Staying one? That’s where the real work (and the real reward) comes in.
After nearly a decade hosting on Airbnb myself (and being a Superhost for all but my very first quarter), I’ve learned that keeping your status isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency: small, daily habits that add up to big guest satisfaction.
Here’s a breakdown of the routines, tools, and mindset shifts that Superhosts rely on to keep those five-star reviews flowing, plus insights from other hosts who’ve been there, done that.
1. Communication Is a Daily Habit (Not a Weekend Project)
Fast response times = higher trust. Airbnb measures your response rate, and guests notice too. Even if the question is small (“Is the driveway big enough for a moving truck?”), responding quickly shows you’re attentive. Even if you don’t have the answer immediately, just letting the guest know “I’ll get right back to you.” (And make sure you do, in fact, get back to them!)
I once had a guest ask if their 20 foot U-Haul truck would fit in the driveway. My husband and I didn’t know! So, I let the guest know I would find out, and we went over with a tape measure. (Yes, the truck will fit!)
Superhost Habit:
- Check the Airbnb app multiple times a day.
- Ensure your notifications are set up (app and text message).
- Use templates for FAQs so you’re not rewriting the same answers.
Example:
- Check-in template: “Hi [guest name], thanks for booking! You’ll receive your check-in details the day before your arrival. Please let me know if you have questions about parking, the WiFi, or local recommendations; I’m happy to help!”
“I set an alarm on my phone for every two hours during the day. That way, I never let messages pile up. Guests have commented in reviews that they loved how responsive I was.” — Mark, Superhost in Denver
2. Keep the Place Looking Guest-Ready Every Time
Guests don’t forgive dirty bathrooms or dusty corners. Attention to cleanliness (even when you’re not turning over a booking) pays off. I use non-booked days to do deep cleaning tasks like pulling the refrigerator out to clean under and behind, scrubbing floor and shower tile grout and re-sealing. It’s easy to let these things go, and over time they will become gross and noticeable to guests. As I always say, even if you don’t have the fanciest amenities, as long as your Airbnb is clean, you should have happy guests.
Superhost Habit:
- Walk through your property between guests, even if cleaners came. Small details (smudged mirrors, a burnt-out lightbulb) are easy to catch.
- Restock the “always running out” items: toilet paper, coffee pods, dish soap. Let me tell you from experience: it’s so embarrassing when a guests says “Is there more toilet paper available?” and I realize I forgot to re-stock it. Then annoying to have to drop what I’m doing and coordinate delivery of more.
“One time I forgot to refill coffee pods, and my review dropped from a 5 to a 4. Since then, I keep an Amazon subscription for kitchen staples so I’m never caught off guard.” — Rosa, Superhost in Austin
3. Use Checklists (So Nothing Gets Missed)
Superhosts don’t rely on memory. A forgotten towel or missing set of sheets for the pull out couch can tank a review. And if you’re anything like me, it’s an awful feeling to be falling asleep and night and remember you forgot to re-stock the laundry detergent when the guest specifically asked if the washer and dryer are available for their use. UGH!
Superhost Habit:
- Create a turnover checklist for your cleaner (or yourself).
- Make a restock checklist for consumables (toilet paper, trash bags, cooking oil).
- Use a seasonal maintenance checklist (smoke detectors, HVAC filters, landscaping).
“My cleaner loves the checklist because it makes things faster for her. Guests, and especially returning guests, always mention how the space feels consistently spotless.” — James, Superhost in Toronto
4. Add One Extra Touch Per Stay
The truth? Guests don’t remember the base-level stuff (high-end soaps, 1000 thread count sheets). They remember the thoughtful and personal touches.
Superhost Habit:
- Rotate a welcome snack or local treat (cookies from a nearby bakery, or local coffee beans).
- Add seasonal touches (a couple of pumpkins on the front porch in October, fresh flowers in a vase in spring).
- Personal notes go a long way: “Welcome to Seattle, Sarah and Jeff!” It feels like the home has been thoughtfully cleaned just for them.
“I leave a handwritten postcard that they can take home. It costs me 50 cents, but it turns into a 5-star ‘thoughtful host’ mention almost every time.” — Lina, Superhost in Madrid
5. Anticipate Guest Questions Before They Ask
If you’ve hosted long enough, you know the questions: “What’s the WiFi password?” “What time is check-in?”
Superhost Habit:
- Leave a guest binder or digital guidebook with all the essentials:
- WiFi password
- Trash day instructions
- Nearest grocery store/urgent care
- House quirks (like how to jiggle the lock just right, or that one light switch that doesn’t actually do anything)
“The digital guidebook was a game-changer. Guests stopped texting me about every little thing, and reviews started mentioning how easy it was to find answers.” — Priya, Superhost in London
6. Stay Calm When Things Go Wrong
It’s inevitable: a guest clogs the toilet, a storm knocks out WiFi, the cleaner misses a spot. Superhosts don’t panic.
Superhost Habit:
- Have a problem-solving playbook: plumber, handyman, backup cleaner.
- Respond quickly with empathy: “I’m so sorry the WiFi is down! I’ve already called the provider, and in the meantime, I’ll refund one night to make up for the inconvenience.”
Key mindset: Guests often rate how you handled the problem, not the problem itself.
“We had a power outage during a storm, and I drove over with lanterns and pizza. The guest left a glowing 5-star review even though half their trip was in the dark.” — Cynthia, Superhost in Oregon
7. Protect Peace with Smart Tech
Noise, parties, smoking: none of these are review-friendly. Superhosts use technology to prevent issues before they escalate.
Superhost Habit:
- Install a noise monitor (like Minut or NoiseAware). Read more in this article: “Best Noise Monitors for Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals in 2025 (Top Picks & Reviews).”
- Use a smart thermostat to prevent guests from blasting AC/heat nonstop.
- Security cameras (exterior only!) help verify guest count and activity.
“I added a noise monitor after one too many neighbor complaints. It alerts me early, and I’ve been able to stop problems before they got serious.” — Daniel, Superhost in Miami
8. Consistency Over Perfection
Here’s what I’ve taken away as a long-time Superhost: you don’t need to be perfect. I’ve made mistakes (not confirmed 2 dogs were coming, forgot to restock laundry detergent).
What kept my Superhost badge for 9 years hasn’t flawlessness, it’s been consistency. Guests forgive the small stuff if they feel respected, heard, and cared for.
And as Julia, a Superhost in Berlin, put it:
“I stopped aiming for perfect and started aiming for predictable. Guests don’t expect the Ritz, they just want things to work the way they’re supposed to.”
Superhost Habits Recap
Here are the takeaways to keep those five stars flowing:
- Fast, friendly communication every day
- Cleanliness walk-throughs + restock essentials
- Checklists for everything
- One extra personal touch per stay
- Anticipate questions with a guidebook
- Stay calm + solutions-focused when things go wrong
- Smart tech tools to prevent issues
- Consistency > perfection
Final Word of Encouragement
If you’re aiming to become (or stay) a Superhost, know this: it’s not about being the fanciest property in town. It’s about the daily little things: cleanliness, fast replies, un-cluttered kitchen, the welcome note on the counter.
Superhost status is absolutely within reach if you build small, repeatable habits. Do those, and the reviews (and bookings) will follow.
Happy hosting, friends!
