Airbnb Superhost vs Guest Favorite: What’s the Difference?
If you’re a short-term rental host or property manager, you’ve likely seen badges like “Airbnb Superhost” or “Airbnb Guest Favorite.” While they might seem and look like just shiny, decorative labels, these accolades can improve your property’s visibility, credibility, and bookings.
But what do these Airbnb host badges mean, and how can you achieve them? While these distinctions might initially appear as simple status symbols, they wield significant influence upon guests looking to book. But beneath the allure of Airbnb badges lie risks and challenges many hosts don’t factor into their decision-making.
Understanding the differences between Superhost and Guest Favorite status, along with each of their benefits, can help you stand out and safely succeed in a competitive market.
What is an Airbnb Superhost?
Superhost status is Airbnb’s gold standard for hosting excellence, designed to recognize and reward top-performing hosts on the platform. Superhosts exemplify exceptional service, pristine accommodations, and smooth communication throughout the entire booking process. Potential guests see Superhost badges as a trusted symbol of reliability and quality and are more likely to book knowing their experience is in trusted hands.
Requirements to Become an Airbnb Superhost
To become a Superhost, hosts must maintain a high average rating, low cancellation ratios, responsive messaging, and frequent bookings. Superhosts must meet these strict criteria throughout seven-day assessments that take place quarterly.
To qualify as a Superhost, you must meet the following requirements over the past 12 months:
- Maintain a 4.8+ overall rating based on guest reviews. Reviews are counted when both the guest and host submit reviews or when the 14-day review period ends. Monitor your guest feedback and aim to maintain at least a 4.8-star rating. Offer proactive solutions to small inconveniences like noise or Wi-Fi issues to keep reviews high.
- Complete at least 10 trips or 3 reservations totaling 100 nights.
- Keep cancellations under 1%, excluding extenuating circumstances like major disruptive events. Only cancel reservations when unavoidable, as cancellations erode guest trust and impact your eligibility.
- Respond to at least 90% of guest messages. Airbnb prioritizes hosts who respond to guest inquiries within 24 hours. Tools like automated messaging systems can help you maintain a high response rate.
- Co-hosts and hosts of Airbnb Experiences are not eligible for Superhost status.
What are the Benefits of Being a Superhost?
The perks of being a Superhost status aren’t superficial—Superhosts have reported higher revenue potential, get priority listings in search results and Airbnb customer support, and more.
- Enhanced visibility in search results.
- 13% average increase in business income potential, as noted by AirDNA.
- Priority support from Airbnb.
- $100 travel coupon after maintaining Superhost status for four consecutive quarters.
- Improved guest trust and credibility, making travelers more likely to book with you.
How Do I Know If I’ve Become a Superhost?
To become a Superhost, Airbnb will alert qualified users via email for Superhost enrollment, along with quarterly updates on whether a host has gained, maintained, or lost Superhost status. Want to know more about becoming a Superhost? Check out Airbnb’s official Superhost guidelines or track your Superhost status.
Airbnb Host FAQ: Do Superhosts Get More Bookings?
Generally, Superhosts make more income than non-Superhosts due to increased listing visibility and perceived trustworthiness, improving their booking rate. Airbnb reported that in the fall of 2022, Superhosts made 64% more income than non-Superhosts. Guests are drawn to listings with the Superhost badge, seeing it as a symbol of reliability, exceptional service, and high-quality stays. This trust often translates to more bookings, higher nightly rates, and a steady stream of positive reviews.
Challenges of Being a Superhost
Earning Superhost status is an industry-recognized standard of hosting excellence—but maintaining it comes with real pressures. Your bookings are up—that’s great news. But what does that really cost you?
To maintain your Superhost badge, you may find yourself saying yes to nearly every booking, even when something feels off. Suddenly, your property becomes a revolving door of guests—and with that comes higher exposure to damage, accidents, and liability.
It’s simple: the more guests you accept, the more risk you take on, like increased guest turnover, more frequent use of amenities, and more opportunities for something to go wrong. While Airbnb promotes AirCover as a safeguard, AirCover is not true insurance; it’s limited, secondary, and subject to denial—not a risk worth taking, especially when serious incidents occur.
So, while you’re focused on chasing your next badge renewal, it’s worth asking: is your insurance keeping up with the risks that come with more guests, more bookings, and higher expectations? Many standard policies weren’t built for short-term rental activity—and that can leave hosts exposed to costly claims that platform protections simply don’t cover, despite your badge status.
Curious where your standard coverage is falling short? Unlock a free coverage comparison today with the nation’s top short-term rental insurance experts by calling 888-631-6680 or get a quote now.
The Risks of Airbnb Services
Are you prepared for the property and liability risks that can come with Airbnb’s Services?
What is an Airbnb Guest Favorite?
While Superhost status is host-focused, Airbnb’s Guest Favorite badge highlights properties with unique amenities, exceptional cleanliness, and standout experiences. The Guest Favorite Badge, introduced with Airbnb’s Winter 2023 update, rewards Airbnb’s most-loved listings that spark glowing reviews and guest recommendations, and is known as the “most-loved homes by guests”. Airbnb Guest Favorite Badges vary in design and listing placement, and represent the Top 1%, 5%, and 10% of eligible Guest Favorite properties.
Requirements for an Airbnb Guest Favorite Badge
Getting the Airbnb Guest Favorite badge is about exceeding guests’ expectations for memorable, enjoyable stays. To earn a Guest Favorite badge on Airbnb, hosts and property managers must consistently deliver exceptional experiences, making them stand out in a crowded market.
Guest Favorite badge requirements include:
- Minimum of 5 reviews in the last two years
- Consistently earn reviews above 4.9 stars
- Keep a 1% rate of cancellations and quality-related issues
- Excellent history of guest reviews for cleanliness, accuracy, check-in, communication with host, value, and location
How to Become an Airbnb Guest Favorite:
- Invest in Unique Features: Install upgraded amenities like smart home devices, keyless entry, dedicated workspaces, or spruce up your property’s outdoor spaces. Be sure to prominently showcase these features in listing photos and mention them verbatim in your listing for added search benefit.
- Superhost Tip: What About Amenities? Unique features like waterfront access, bicycles, kayaks, or a backyard pickleball court are all great opportunities to attract guests to your property. Amenities also greatly increase your risk as a host, as most standard insurance excludes or limits coverage for these added guest extras. Learn how to protect yourself from costly liability claims.
- Maintain a Safe Property: Without a safe, trustworthy stay, guests are far less likely to book, let alone leave a five-star review. Don’t miss these items on your Airbnb Safety Checklist.
- Personalize the Experience: Include small but meaningful details like a welcome basket, a handwritten thank-you card, or a list of nearby attractions.
- Superhost Tip: Welcome Baskets with Wine or Other Alcohol May Welcome Liability Risk! If you’re considering adding a bottle of champagne for the newlyweds or keeping beer stocked in your fridge for guest consumption, you’ll want short-term rental insurance that will pick up the tab for liquor-related liability claims. Otherwise, you’ll be left footing the bill on your own.
- Stand Out with Cleanliness: Consider using professional cleaning services to ensure your property is spotless every time. Even the cleanest Airbnbs aren’t immune to bed bugs and fleas. If the critters settle in, you’re looking at costly extermination fees and unfavorable reviews. Only Proper Insurance, the nation’s leading short-term rental insurance carrier, offers Bed Bug and Flea protection.
- Encourage Guest Reviews: After a positive guest experience, politely request a review. Guests mentioning specific qualities (e.g., excellent coffee bar or luxurious bedding) can influence the badge award.
The Benefits of an Airbnb Guest Favorite Badge:
- Enhanced visibility in Airbnb search results with a custom search filter to help guests find Guest Favorite listings.
- Stand out in crowded listings with a wreathed badge that signals guest trust, attracting more inquiries and bookings.
Unlike Superhost status, the Guest Favorite badge celebrates the property itself rather than the host’s overall performance. The Guest Favorite recognition showcases a rental’s unique charm and can boost its ability to attract repeat guests and inspire word-of-mouth referrals. Learn more about earning a Guest Favorite Badge.
Comparing Superhost & Guest Favorites
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences and benefits of the Guest Favorite and Superhost badges:
| Feature | Airbnb Superhost | Airbnb Guest Favorite |
|---|---|---|
| Badge Meaning | Stellar host performance across all listings | Stellar guest experience at specific properties |
| Award Criteria | – Evaluated quarterly during one-week review periods – Based on bookings, responsiveness, and guest satisfaction – Host is evaluated across all owned properties | – Evaluated daily – Based on guest reviews and feedback – Each property is evaluated individually |
| Perks | Increased visibility, marketing emails, and travel credits | Highlighted listing boosts visibility and word-of-mouth marketing |
*This chart is for marketing purposes and is broad in scope. Please refer to Airbnbs most recent guidelines.
Superhost vs Guest Favorite in Action
Imagine this. A couple is browsing Airbnb for their upcoming getaway. Two listings catch their eye. The first is managed by a Superhost, with guest reviews praising its professional hosting and seamless booking experience. The second listing is marked as a Guest Favorite, with reviews raving about its unique charm and attention to detail.
The Superhost property promises reliability – fast responses, spotless cleanliness, and hassle-free check-ins. On the other hand, the Guest Favorite boasts an unforgettable stay, with glowing comments about cozy aesthetics and thoughtful touches like a stocked coffee bar and custom guidebook.
Which badge do guests prefer? It depends on what they prioritize: trust and consistency or an experience they won’t forget.
But here’s the challenge for hosts: Why settle for just one? By combining the dependability of a Superhost with the warmth and hospitality that earns a Guest Favorite badge, you can position your listing as the best of both worlds. Imagine being the obvious choice for any traveler, whether they’re seeking reassurance or a magical escape. That’s how you truly stand out.
FAQ: How Can Hosts Get Both Superhost and Guest Favorite Badges?
Both accolades complement each other. Securing both badges is well within reach with the right focus and care. Start by keeping your rating at 4.8+ with clean, thoughtfully equipped spaces and attentive communication. Surprise guests with personal touches like welcome notes or insider tips to create unforgettable stays. Show appreciation for reviews, addressing feedback promptly to build trust. Keep response rates high and avoid cancellations to demonstrate reliability. These practices can help prioritize your guests’ comfort and safety, and lead towards earning both Guest Favorite and Superhost badges.
Another Thing Worth Earning: Peace of Mind
As your bookings grow and guest expectations rise, so do the risks associated with hosting. Achieving Superhost or Guest Favorite status often translates to increased demand, increasing the likelihood of property damage or liability issues. Many hosts mistakenly assume that standard Landlord or Homeowner’s insurance covers Airbnb risks. Unfortunately, most policies explicitly exclude short-term rentals, leaving you vulnerable to unexpected expenses and potential legal threats.
That’s where Proper Insurance comes in. Designed specifically for short-term rental properties, Proper covers unique exposures like property damage, liability claims, and loss of business income due to cancellations. Don’t leave your hard-earned success vulnerable. Get a quote today and safeguard your rental with comprehensive insurance coverage designed for Airbnb hosts.
