The Importance of the First Five Reviews
Launching a holiday home in Dubai is an exciting investment. However, every new host faces the same challenge: trust. When travelers look for places in Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina, they usually choose properties with stars. A listing with zero reviews is often seen as a risk, even if the photos are beautiful.
Getting your first 5 reviews on Airbnb is not just about looking good. It is the signal that tells the system your property is real and reliable. Once you get these reviews, your listing appears in more search results. Guests feel safer booking with you. In the competitive UAE market, speed is very important.
Here are simple strategies to get those first reviews quickly while keeping high standards.
1. Use the "New Listing" Promotion
Airbnb knows that new listings are harder to sell. To help, they offer a "New Listing Promotion." This lets you give a 20% discount to your first three guests.
It might be tempting to charge full price immediately. However, think of this discount as a marketing cost. A lower price encourages guests to take a chance on a new place. In exchange for a good deal, guests are often happier and more willing to leave a positive review.
2. Turn 2025 Compliance into Trust
In 2025, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has strict rules for holiday homes. This includes QR code permits and SIRA-approved smart locks. Do not hide these rules. Use them to show you are professional.
International travelers worry about safety. In your listing, clearly state that your property is:
- Fully Licensed: Mention the DET permit and the QR code at the entrance.
- Secure: Highlight the mandatory Keyless smart lock system.
When you show that you follow Dubai’s laws, you prove you are a professional operator. This builds trust and encourages bookings from responsible guests.
3. Make Check-in Smooth
The check-in experience is crucial. If a guest cannot find the building or the key fails, you might lose your 5-star rating immediately.
Dubai is moving toward digital hospitality. Guests must be registered in the DET system on arrival. Use this to make things easier:
- Send clear photo guides via WhatsApp or the Airbnb app.
- Use contactless check-in tools so guests can upload IDs before they travel.
- Test your smart lock code before every arrival.
A perfect arrival is very valuable to travelers arriving on late-night flights. It is a common reason for 5-star reviews.
4. The "Dubai Standard" of Cleanliness
In Dubai, "clean" means perfect. The standard here is set by 5-star hotels. Holiday home guests expect the same level of hygiene. Cleanliness is the most important category for good reviews.
To ensure you get top marks:
- Hire professional cleaners with hotel experience.
- Ensure bed linens are crisp, white, and pressed.
- Check details like balcony glass and AC vents for dust.
If you manage this yourself, be very strict. If you use a management service, ensure they offer hotel-grade housekeeping.
5. Add a Local "Wow" Factor
To get a guest to write a review, you need to exceed their expectations. A generic welcome is okay, but a Dubai-style welcome is memorable.
Consider a small welcome kit:
- A small box of premium dates.
- Bottled water (essential in the desert climate).
- A card with a QR code linking to a map of your favorite local cafes.
These small touches show you care. Guests frequently mention these details in reviews, which helps convince future bookers.
6. Be Clear About Fees
Unexpected costs create bad reviews. Dubai hosts must collect the "Tourism Dirham" fee. This is a nightly charge based on the number of bedrooms.
Do not ask for this fee as a surprise at the door. Clearly state in your listing that this fee is mandatory by law. You can include it in your daily rate or collect it separately, but you must be honest. When guests feel informed, they rate the "Value" category higher.
7. The Review Loop Strategy
The best way to get a review is to give one first. Airbnb’s system is reciprocal.
- Step 1: As soon as the guest checks out, leave them a 5-star review.
- Step 2: The guest gets a notification: "Your host has left you a review." They cannot read it until they write one for you.
- Step 3: Curiosity often makes them write a review immediately to see what you said.
Send a polite message thanking them for their stay. Mention that as a new host, their feedback helps you grow. Most guests are happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get the first 5 reviews?
With the "New Listing" promotion and active management, many Dubai hosts get their first 5 reviews within 4 to 6 weeks. It depends on the season and your prices.
Can I ask friends to book my property to leave reviews?
No. Airbnb has strict rules against fake reviews. Bookings must be genuine. However, you can encourage real guests to leave feedback by providing great service.
What if my first review is negative?
If you get a bad review, reply professionally. Explain the steps you took to fix the issue. Future guests look at how you respond to problems as much as the review itself.
Do I really need a smart lock in Dubai?
Yes. Under current regulations, SIRA-approved smart locks are mandatory for licensed holiday homes. This ensures safety and makes check-in easier.
Conclusion
Getting your first 5 reviews on Airbnb requires good pricing, following Dubai’s quality standards, and great hospitality. Once you bridge this trust gap, your listing will gain momentum. This allows you to slowly increase your prices and revenue.
At LUXE Vacation Homes, we specialize in launching new properties that perform well from day one. If you want to skip the hard work and ensure your property earns 5-star status instantly, contact us today.
Curious about how much your property could earn once it is fully optimized? Get a free revenue estimate now.