Launching a new holiday home in Dubai is an exciting investment. You have furnished the apartment, taken professional photos, and secured your permit. But once your listing goes live, you might face a common challenge: the "zero-review" barrier.
Guests are often afraid to book a property with no feedback. They wonder if the photos are real or if the host is reliable. However, getting those first few reviews is critical. Airbnb's system pays close attention to new listings. If you can prove your quality early on, you will rank higher and secure more bookings.
Here is a simple guide on how to get your first 5 reviews on Airbnb fast, specifically for the Dubai market.
1. Use the 'New Listing' Boost
When you first publish your property, Airbnb gives you a temporary boost in search results. This is a "honeymoon period" where your listing appears higher than normal. You must use this time wisely.
To make the most of this window:
- Turn on the New Listing Promotion: Airbnb allows you to offer a 20% discount to your first three guests. This lower price makes the risk worth it for a guest who sees zero reviews.
- Open Your Calendar: Do not have strict minimum stay rules for the first month. Allow 2 or 3-night stays to get more guests quickly.
2. Build Trust with Compliance
In Dubai, trust is linked to legality. Guests feel safer when they know the property is registered with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Use compliance to build trust:
- Display Your Permit: Ensure your DTCM permit number is visible in your listing description. This shows you are a legal operator.
- Explain Fees Clearly: Be open about the Tourism Dirham Fee. If a guest is surprised by an extra tax, they may leave a negative review. explaining that this is a government rule builds credibility.
3. Offer Better Amenities
Competition in Dubai is high. A standard apartment is not enough; guests want a hotel-like experience. To get a 5-star review, you must exceed expectations.
Include these "Dubai Essentials":
- High-Speed Wi-Fi: This is necessary for remote workers.
- Premium Coffee: A capsule coffee machine is a standard expectation in luxury listings.
- Hotel-Quality Linens: Buy crisp white bedding and soft towels. Cleanliness is the main reason for negative reviews.
- Welcome Kit: A small basket with water, local dates, or a handwritten note makes guests feel special.
4. Meet Your Guests
Keyless entry is easy, but it can feel impersonal. For your first 5 guests, try to meet them in person.
Meeting the guest helps you:
- Build a Connection: It is harder for a guest to leave a bad review if they have met a friendly host.
- Explain the Home: You can show them how to use the AC and water heater, which prevents frustration.
- Verify ID: This helps with the mandatory guest registration process.
If you cannot do this yourself, consider using a management service to handle guest relations.
5. Reply Fast
Response time is important for guest satisfaction. Try to answer all messages within one hour.
- Pre-booking: Answer questions about location or amenities immediately.
- During stay: If a guest reports a small issue, reply instantly. Fast solutions can turn a potential problem into a 5-star review.
6. Ask for the Review
The timing of your request is important. Do not leave it to chance.
- The Check-In Check: 24 hours after arrival, ask the guest if everything is perfect. If there is an issue, fix it now.
- The Check-Out Message: On the morning they leave, thank them and mention you are a new host. A simple message works best: "Thank you for staying! As a new listing, a 5-star review helps us grow. Safe travels!"
- Review Them First: As soon as the guest leaves, write them a good review. Airbnb will tell them you reviewed them, which encourages them to review you back.
FAQ: Getting Started in Dubai
Do I really need to give a discount to my first guests?
Yes. Without reviews, your listing is a "risk" to travelers. The 20% New Listing Promotion is the best way to convince guests to choose your property over a competitor with many reviews.
Is DTCM guest registration mandatory?
Yes. You must register all guests in the DTCM portal. Failing to do so can result in fines. Professional hosts handle this automatically for owners.
What if my first guest leaves a bad review?
If a review is factually wrong, you can dispute it. However, prevention is best: ensure excellent cleaning and clear communication.
Should I manage the property myself?
Self-management saves fees but takes a lot of time. If you cannot handle late-night emergencies, a bad review is likely. Many owners start with an agency to ensure the listing gets good momentum.
Ready to Launch Your Dubai Holiday Home?
Getting your first 5 reviews is the foundation of a successful rental business. It requires time, attention to detail, and a focus on hospitality. If you want to skip the learning curve and ensure your property earns 5-star reviews from day one, we can help.
Get a Free Estimate today to see how much your property could earn with professional management.