How to Earn the Airbnb Guest Favorites Badge

Key Takeaways

• 2.1 million properties, or 43% of listings that are eligible for the Guest Favorites badge, earn the distinction of being one of Airbnb’s most-loved properties.
• Half of Guest Favorite properties have fewer than 35 reviews, meaning newer listings still have a strong chance of earning the badge.
• Single-property hosts and Superhosts are more likely to earn a Guest Favorites badge for their property.

You know those Airbnb listings that just seem to have it all? The ones with glowing reviews, happy guests who keep coming back, and that effortless charm you can’t quite put your finger on? Well, Airbnb has a name for them: Guest Favorites.

The Guest Favorites badge isn’t just a nice pat on the back—it helps listings rank higher in search results, attract more bookings, and even command higher nightly rates. But here’s the catch: Not every highly rated listing gets one.

Airbnb determines Guest Favorites based on guest ratings, reviews, reliability, and listing performance. Some properties earn the Guest Favorites icon quickly, while others—despite great reviews—are left wondering why they didn’t make the cut.

If you’re looking to earn a Guest Favorite badge on Airbnb (or keep the one you’ve already got), this guide will walk you through how Airbnb makes the call, what factors matter most, and what steps you can take to improve your chances.

What Is the Guest Favorite Badge on Airbnb? 

The Guest Favorites badge is Airbnb’s way of spotlighting the most-loved homes, using ratings, reviews, and reliability data from over half a billion trips to determine which properties consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences. These properties stand out in search results, attract more bookings, and can even justify higher nightly rates.

Currently, there are 2.1 million listings worldwide with a Guest Favorites badge. These properties benefit from:

• A "Guest Favorite" tag in search results, making them more visible to travelers
• A wreathed Airbnb Guest Favorite icon on the listing page, signaling trust and quality
• A dedicated search filter, allowing guests to browse only Guest Favorite homes—giving these properties a competitive edge

How does Airbnb determine Guest Favorites? 

Every day, Airbnb evaluates eligible listings, comparing them to other properties both globally and within their country to determine which qualify for the Guest Favorites badge. The decision is based on a mix of factors related to overall guest experience, quality, and reliability, including:

• Overall star ratings and guest feedback
• Category ratings for cleanliness, check-in, accuracy, host communication, location, and value
• Host cancellation rates (frequent cancellations can hurt eligibility)
• Guest-reported quality issues (Airbnb considers customer service reports)
• A minimum of 5 reviews in the past 2 years

Here’s the bottom line: If your accuracy and check-in ratings aren’t near perfect, don’t expect a badge. Our data shows that Guest Favorite listings consistently score close to a 10 in both categories, proving that guests care most about a smooth, hassle-free experience—from the moment they book to the moment they arrive.

Cleanliness and value? They still matter, but there’s a little more wiggle room. We see slightly lower averages (9.95 and 9.92), meaning you don’t need perfection—but you do need to keep standards high.

And location? Surprisingly, it’s the least important factor. Guests might love a prime spot, but they’re willing to overlook it if the overall experience is exceptional.

So, if you’re chasing that Guest Favorite badge, focus on nailing the details that matter most. A seamless check-in and spot-on listing accuracy aren’t just nice extras—they’re non-negotiables. Miss the mark, and you might miss out.

What Is the Difference Between Guest Favorites and Superhost? 

Guest Favorites is for a specific property, while the Airbnb Superhost badge refers to the performance of the host themselves. 

While they do draw from similar criteria, a single property becomes a Guest Favorite by being loved by the majority of its guests, while a host becomes a Superhost when they demonstrate exceptional service across all of their listings. 

That means a host can be a Superhost without having any Guest Favorite properties, and a host with multiple listings might only have one or a few that earn the Guest Favorite badge. Each property is evaluated separately based on guest ratings, reviews, and reliability data—so just because a host has one Guest Favorite, it doesn’t mean all their listings will qualify.

A host can be a Superhost without any Guest Favorite listings, and a host with multiple properties might have only one that earns the badge. But here’s where it gets interesting—72% of Guest Favorite listings are run by Superhosts, proving that better hospitality leads to better ratings, which leads to more badges. That said, 28% of Guest Favorite listings aren’t Superhost properties, so while it’s possible to earn the badge without it, being a Superhost clearly gives you an edge.

Who Is Most Likely to Earn the Guest Favorites Badge?

Earning the Guest Favorite badge isn’t random—it comes down to ratings, reviews, and how well you deliver on guest expectations. While Airbnb doesn’t reveal its exact formula, AirDNA data shows that high ratings, strong reviews, and hands-on management are key factors in securing the badge.

Listings with higher ratings 

Even small rating differences have a massive impact on badge eligibility.

• Listings with a 4.7–4.85 rating only have a 16% chance of earning Guest Favorite status.
• A slight boost to 4.85–4.95 increases the chance to 69%—more than four times higher.
• A perfect 5.0 rating? Your odds skyrocket to 92%.

This means if you’re hovering in the 4.7–4.8 range, even minor improvements—like refining check-in, communication, or accuracy—can dramatically increase your badge chances.

New listings that nail their first reviews

The first 15 reviews carry outsized weight in determining whether a listing earns Guest Favorite status. Hosts who secure consistent five-star reviews early on have a significantly higher chance of getting the badge, while those who start with lower ratings may find it harder to catch up. By the time a listing reaches 35+ reviews, the odds stabilize, meaning those first few stays set the tone for long-term success. For new hosts or recently listed properties, this makes first impressions everything—nailing check-in, cleanliness, and communication from day one can make all the difference in securing the badge.

Smaller hosts who go above and beyond for guests 

If you’re a smaller host, you’ve got an edge. 55% of single-unit hosts and 48% of hosts with 2–5 units earn the Guest Favorite badge, likely because they can:

• Be more hands-on with guest interactions
• Offer a more personalized, high-touch experience
• Maintain better quality and consistency across their listings
• Keep on top of everyday property maintenance issues 

With fewer properties to manage, smaller hosts have more control over the details that matter most—leading to stronger reviews, higher ratings, and a better chance of earning the badge.

Big hosts can win too—If they get the details right

Managing more properties doesn’t mean you’re out of the running for badges—but consistency is everything. While smaller hosts have an edge, some professional property managers in the U.S. still have 50% or more of their listings earning Guest Favorite status.

We've compiled a list of the top 20 U.S. property managers by the percentage of their properties boasting a Guest Favorite or top 1, 5, or 10% badge. What do they have in common?

They don’t let size get in the way of quality. Large-scale hosts who prioritize guest experience, maintain high standards, and stay reliable prove that it’s not about how many listings you have—it’s about how well you run them.

You'll notice that all of these property management companies operate on a regional or smaller scale, meaning that their portfolio of properties are located in close proximity. This makes it easier for hosts to regularly check in on properties and address issues quickly. Waco Creekside Resort, number 8 in the rankings, takes it to the next level. They own and operate all of their properties on a single site, allowing them to control the quality of services and the guest experience down to every last detail.

Of the 20 featured property managers, three are located in the Sedona area of Arizona, two in Branson, Missouri, and five in Florida. Florida is home to two of the largest Airbnb markets in the U.S. based on monthly average listings (Orlando and Miami), so it's no surprise that some of the best property managers are found in the sunshine state.

The best in the business nail the details across multiple properties, delivering seamless check-ins, spotless stays, and five-star experiences that earn badges at scale.

Why Unique Stays Dominate the Guest Favorites List

Some property types are more likely to earn the Guest Favorites badge than others—especially unique stays that create memorable guest experiences. 51% of unique listings earn a Guest Favorites Badge, with traditional house/villa listings coming in at a close second at 49% of total listings. Travelers on Airbnb are often drawn to properties that offer something different from traditional accommodations, and the data reflects that.

These property types have the highest percentage of listings that qualify for a Guest Favorite badge:

• 75% of boats 
• 71% of barns
• 60% of guest suites
• 58% of shipping containers
• 57% of guest houses

Why do these properties stand out? Guests tend to seek out unique experiences and leave stronger, more enthusiastic reviews for stays that offer something beyond a typical home or apartment.

But not all alternative stays are guaranteed to earn Guest Favorite status. The flip-side of the trend is that some unconventional properties struggle to meet guest expectations. For example, only 14% of boats and camper/RV stays hold the badge. Factors like limited amenities, space constraints, and the challenges of maintaining consistency in off-grid locations may make it harder for these listings to achieve the same high ratings as other unique stays.

For hosts, this means that while having a distinctive property can be an advantage, ensuring a great guest experience, clear expectations, and reliable amenities is what ultimately makes a listing Guest Favorite-worthy.

No Guest Favorites Badge Yet? Here’s What Might Be Holding You Back

Think your listing deserves a Guest Favorites badge, but it hasn’t made the cut? You’re not alone.

Surprisingly, 700,000 properties with ratings of 4.85+ (97-99 on Airbnb’s scale) don’t have the badge—even though they meet the general rating criteria. That means high ratings alone aren’t enough. Airbnb’s selection process goes beyond star ratings, and certain hidden factors could be keeping your listing from earning the badge.

Even if your property has glowing reviews, these issues might be holding it back:

• Host cancellations – A history of cancellations (even just one or two) can impact eligibility.
• Check-In & accuracy ratings – Airbnb weighs individual category ratings, and lower scores in check-in or listing accuracy can be a red flag.
• Guest-reported issues – Guest complaints filed through Airbnb’s customer support, even if not reflected in public reviews, may prevent a listing from qualifying.

If your listing hasn’t earned the badge yet, it’s worth looking beyond your overall rating to see where you can fine-tune the guest experience—because sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest difference:

• Keep cancellations to a minimum by ensuring your calendar is always up to date.
• Refine your check-in process with clear instructions and easy access, like keyless entry.
• Double-check listing accuracy so guests know exactly what to expect before they arrive.
• Resolve guest complaints quickly to prevent minor issues from escalating into Airbnb reports.

How to Get a Guest Favorite Badge on Airbnb

Guest Favorites has become a hot-button issue for many hosts. Those who already have the badge feel pressure to keep it, and those who have yet to earn it want to do everything they can to receive it.

While there is no silver bullet to getting a Guest Favorite badge on Airbnb, there are some essential ways to improve your guest experience and, as a result, increase your chances of snagging that elusive badge. 

The badge isn’t just for looks, either. So far, guests are more likely to book Guest Favorite properties and are willing to pay more for them. Want one for your property? Here’s where to start: 

1. Optimize your listing 

A Guest Favorite-worthy stay starts with a clear, compelling, and accurate listing. Guests book based on what they see and read, so if the experience doesn’t match the expectations you set, they’re more likely to leave lower ratings—one of the biggest factors in badge eligibility.

What to focus on:

• Listing accuracy — If your home is on a busy street, say so. If the pool is seasonal, make it clear. Guests who know what to expect are far more likely to leave five-star reviews.
• Airbnb Search-Engine-Optimization — A well-optimized listing title, strong description, and detailed amenity list don’t just help Airbnb’s search algorithm—they also make it easier for guests to find exactly what they want.
• Calendar syncing — If you’re managing multiple booking platforms, syncing your calendar (on both Airbnb and VRBO for example) ensures availability stays accurate and reduces the risk of cancellations—something that can disqualify you from earning the badge.

2. Get more reviews

Your overall rating isn’t the only thing that matters—the number of reviews you have plays a big role in earning the Guest Favorites badge. Even just a few extra reviews can make a real difference, especially if you’re starting out.

Here’s what the data shows:

• A small 0.15-star boost (or 3 points on Airbnb’s scale) can increase your chances of earning the badge by 50%.
• Half of all Guest Favorite listings have fewer than 35 reviews, proving that newer listings can still earn the badge.
• Every 40 reviews (about 80 bookings), overall rating tends to dip slightly due to natural variation in guest feedback—so building strong reviews early on is key.

If your listing is close to qualifying but hasn’t earned the badge yet, focusing on increasing your review count—and ensuring guests leave strong ratings—may be the missing piece. Encouraging feedback, providing a seamless guest experience, and delivering on expectations can help tip the scales in your favor. 

3. Check out the competition

Not sure why your listing hasn’t earned the Guest Favorites badge? A great way to figure it out is by looking at what Guest Favorite properties in your area are doing differently.

Since Airbnb displays the Guest Favorites badge in search results, you can do some quick research by checking out:

• What amenities top-rated listings offer that you don’t
• How their pricing compares to yours—are they charging more or less?
• How their listing title, photos, and descriptions stand out

Instead of guessing, AirDNA’s comp set feature lets you take a deeper dive into how your property compares to similar high-performing listings in your market. You’ll get data-backed insights on pricing, occupancy rates, and guest preferences—helping you make informed decisions, not just hunches.

4. Upgrade your amenities 

The right amenities strategy can be the difference between an average stay and a Guest Favorite-worthy experience. Travelers don’t just book based on price or location—they also pay close attention to what a listing offers. Well-chosen amenities can attract more bookings, improve guest satisfaction, and lead to higher ratings, all of which impact your chances of earning the badge.

But not all amenities carry the same weight. AirDNA data shows that certain amenities consistently drive more revenue and improve booking performance. Among winter amenities, a hot tub will pay for itself in a matter of months in certain markets.

If you’re not sure which amenities actually matter in your market, AirDNA’s amenities filter allows you to see what high-performing listings in your area offer. Investing in the right amenities—ones that guests are actively searching for—can help increase bookings, improve reviews, and push your listing closer to Guest Favorite status.

5. Go the extra mile 

Earning the Guest Favorites badge is about creating an exceptional, welcoming experience that guests genuinely appreciate. The best hosts make their listings feel effortless, from a smooth check-in to small but meaningful touches that show thoughtfulness. A personalized welcome note, a stocked coffee station, or a few local snacks can instantly make a guest feel at home.

Communication also plays a big role. Quick responses, proactive recommendations, and a willingness to help—without being intrusive—can turn a standard stay into a standout one. Anticipating needs, like having extra blankets, travel-size toiletries, or pet-friendly supplies, adds to the sense of care. Even simple gestures, like acknowledging a guest’s birthday or anniversary, can leave a lasting impression.

Guests don’t just remember the space—they remember how they were treated. A little extra effort often leads to better reviews, more repeat bookings, and a stronger chance of earning the Guest Favorites badge.

FAQs

What does "Guest Favorite" mean on Airbnb?

The Guest Favorite badge shows that a property is truly loved by travelers. Airbnb awards this badge to listings that get exceptional ratings and reviews. It's their way of highlighting the 2.1 million most outstanding places to stay worldwide, based on data from over half a billion trips.

How is a "Guest Favorite" badge different from "Superhost" status?

Guest Favorite vs Superhost comes down to what they measure. Superhost status focuses on the host themselves - their response rates, cancellation history, and service across all their properties. The Guest Favorite badge is about a specific property and how guests enjoy staying there. Only 15% of U.S. listings have both badges, showing they're quite different recognitions.

Can you lose your Guest Favorite badge on Airbnb? 

Yes, Airbnb reviews badge status regularly, and a property can lose its Guest Favorite badge if its performance drops. Factors that could lead to losing the badge include:

• A decline in overall rating or guest satisfaction
• An increase in cancellations or negative guest feedback
• Fewer recent reviews, as Airbnb evaluates listings based on ongoing performance

To keep the badge, hosts need to maintain high ratings, ensure a seamless guest experience, and avoid cancellations.

What are the gold Guest Favorite Airbnb badges?

The Guest Favorite gold Airbnb badge represents the elite tier of Airbnb properties. These listings rank in the top 1%, 5%, or 10% of eligible places and receive special recognition with a gold trophy icon, a gold Guest Favorites badge, a highlight at the top of their listing page, and a special label above their reviews. This premium distinction makes these properties stand out even more to potential guests.

What do Airbnb guests want most in a property?

What Airbnb guests want most is to be treated well and have a memorable experience. They value properties where hosts are attentive, communication is clear, and the stay exceeds expectations. This could explain why unique stays like treehouses (53%) and farm stays (51%) are more likely to earn Guest Favorite badges - they offer distinctive experiences that guests love to rave about. However, the basics still matter: cleanliness, accuracy, and reliability remain essential to earning those coveted five-star reviews.