Every host in the Airbnb community is aware of the Airbnb Superhost program. It’s a much sought-after title that hosts pursue, hoping to reap the rewards and benefits.
With over 4 million hosts on Airbnb, a Superhost badge adds great credibility to your listing. But how does having Superhost status benefit your business and is it worth the effort?
Read on to learn everything there is to know about Airbnb Superhost status and how to earn it.
What Is an Airbnb Superhost?
An Airbnb Superhost is an award given to hosts in recognition for consistently good reviews and guest experiences. Superhosts receive an orange badge on their rental listings, which shows that they have achieved it.
How Do I Become a Superhost on Airbnb?
Airbnb selects its Superhosts based on evaluating certain criteria. Hosts will be eligible to join the program once they have hit the following milestones:
- Hosted bookings at least 10 times a year, or 3 reservations with 100 nights booked.
- Maintained a response rate of 90% or higher.
- Maintained an overall rating of 4.8, and 80% of reviews on Airbnb being 5-star reviews.
- Have a cancellation rate of 1% or lower. Keep in mind that Airbnb may make exceptions under its extenuating circ*mstances policy.
If you manage to meet the criteria when Airbnb performs an assessment, you’ll qualify for Airbnb Superhost status. Airbnb performs these assessments several times a year. So if you don’t qualify on your first try, you’ll always have another chance. Airbnb will review your listing’s performance every 3 months to assess if it still meets the benchmarks for Superhost status.
You can also track your progress towards Superhost status via the Superhost section of your Airbnb dashboard. This area will show your activity over the past year and will also list the date of your next Superhost assessment.
How Can I Get a Superhost Badge?
As indicated by Airbnb’s definition of a Superhost, this status isn’t awarded to simply anyone. There are several targets you need to first hit to become a Superhost. Here are some suggestions to help you along on your journey:
1. Make it comfortable and clean
People who book with you on Airbnb choose your accommodation over a hotel. Thus, you need to provide an experience that rivals what they might find at a hotel. This means providing the amenities that they want most and making sure that your place and everything in it is always in good working order.
Also, hire professional cleaners who will pay close attention to often overlooked areas of your rental. Since it is private property and not a hotel, guests are much less likely to be forgiving if your place isn’t clean to their standards.
As 5-star reviews are essential to achieve Superhost status, you need to provide a perfect stay for your guests and keep your rental sparkling clean.
2. Leave reviews every time
You should always leave Airbnb guest reviews to encourage them to do the same for you. Airbnb requires at least 80% of your guests (over the total stays) to have left you a review to qualify as a Superhost. Your host rating also needs to be at least 4.8 or higher.
3. Keep up prompt and effective communication
Superhosts need to keep at least a 90% response rate to messages and should respond within 24 hours of a message being sent. If your response rate is lower than this, you won’t be eligible to join the Superhost program. Staying on top of messaging can be tough, especially if you have many properties receiving several messages a day.
If you’re struggling to keep track of your messages, an efficient solution is to use automation to create pre-set messages. Using triggered messages and responses can save you a lot of time while ensuring you maintain an excellent response rate.
4. Ensure high occupancy
To earn Superhost status, you need to show a high rate of occupancy and host at least ten reservations over a year. Focus your efforts on improving your booking rate to increase your occupancy.
To boost your occupancy rate, you should:
– Be realistic with pricing
Depending on your local housing market, prices may fluctuate during the year. If you want to maximize your bookings while also increasing your profits, you’ll need to be shrewd about your Airbnb pricing.
In order to stay competitive, you should regularly review your competitors’ rates and see how much they match your own. Make any tweaks or adjustments when necessary if your price is far above theirs.
During your high season when your booking rate is at its best, you can increase your rates to maximize your revenue. During your low season, you can offer discounts and special offers to attract more reservations. You can also use the same strategy to attract more bookings during the week.
– Market your property to keep your calendar full
You won’t get very far if you don’t have a target audience in mind when creating your Airbnb listings. Design your listing to appeal to both international and domestic travelers. This can include business travelers and families.
Make use of social media to expand your audience reach as much as possible. Marketing on visual platforms, such as Instagram and Pinterest, is a great way to attract fresh eyes to your listings.
You can also partner with local businesses in your area to offer paired discounts or promotions. From doing this, you get additional exposure from other businesses while offering more exposure for them at the same time.
– Avoid cancellations
If you want to qualify for the Superhost program, you need to have a cancellation rate of >1% (meaning only 1 cancellation for every 100 bookings). It may sound difficult to achieve, but try not to cancel bookings if they don’t fall under Airbnb’s extenuating circ*mstances.
5. Manage your properties efficiently
It’s all good and well to have ideas for wowing guests, but they won’t go far without effective property management strategies in place. How will you handle incoming and outgoing messages? How will Airbnb check-in be handled? Who will oversee the cleaning and maintenance of the property?
To ensure effective management of your business, iGMS vacation rental software is the ideal solution. iGMS manages your messaging, reviews, listing availability across various platforms, and more. With iGMS overseeing your business tasks and improving your response rate, you’ll be well on your way to achieving Superhost status!
Is It Worth It to Receive Superhost Status?
Although you should always strive to provide the best possible service, you may wonder if becoming a Superhost is worth the time and effort? Let’s take a look at the data revealed by AirDNA:
- Achieving Superhost status doesn’t mean an automatic increase in listing views. On average, hosts who became Airbnb Superhosts only noticed a 5% increase in weekly views of their listings.
- Although Superhosts have a lower average daily rate (ADR) of around 11% compared to regular hosts, they enjoy an 81% higher occupancy rate compared to normal hosts.
- Superhosts also earn 60% more daily revenue than regular hosts.
After analyzing the facts and figures above, it’s easy to see that achieving Superhost Status won’t lead to an instant increase in revenue. Superhosts are also savvy with their pricing and positioning in the market.
By using flexible pricing and maximizing their occupancy instead of rates, they can maintain a competitive edge. Becoming a Superhost won’t automatically mean you earn more, but it’s the first step towards generating greater revenue.
What are the Benefits of Being an Airbnb Superhost?
While becoming an Airbnb Superhost usually means a boost in Airbnb SERP rankings, there are other benefits that you may not be aware of.
As a Superhost, you’ll be able to receive more bookings. This is because guests will see a Superhost badge on your host profile and each of your listings.
Since guests usually look for the most reliable hosts on Airbnb to rent from, they’ll naturally consider your listings. You’ll also be included in a Superhost search filter that only displays Superhost listings in search results.
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An Increase in Airbnb Income
Another benefit of Airbnb Superhost status is an increase in Airbnb income. Your booking increase will lead to an increase in rental revenue. Having Superhost status also enables you to charge a slightly higher rate, due to your reputation for excellent service.
If you are able to maintain your Superhost status for one full year, you’ll receive a $100 travel coupon that you can apply towards your own Airbnb trip.
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Dedicated Support from Airbnb
Being a Superhost means you’ll also get priority support from Airbnb whenever you call or send a tweet to @AirbnbHelp. This can be a tremendous help for your business, allowing you to provide better support to your Airbnb guests.
You’ll become part of Airbnb’s exclusive group with access to new product releases and invitations to events at the company.
While you might not think that obtaining Superhost status is important, it’s clear that it does offer incredible benefits. However, most importantly, it provides assurance that you are doing a great job as a host. This can help relieve any worries you may have about meeting Airbnb’s standards for hosting.
Conclusion
As you can see, becoming an Airbnb Superhost requires a lot of commitment and dedication. But the long-term results and benefits can be well worth the continuous efforts.
Another smart investment for your business is automation. Vacation rental software, such as iGMS, uses automation functionality to run your business on autopilot. iGMS can streamline your daily business operations by:
- Managing multiple accounts and listings on the top vacation rental platforms from a single interface.
- Synchronizing reservations across multiple platforms to eliminate double-bookings.
- Using the unified inbox to organize your messages into a single feed and ensure prompt replies.
- Using automated templates and triggered messaging to improve guest communication.
- Automating the process of guest review send-outs.
- Create and assign cleaning tasks and track them to completion in real-time.
- Create tasks and manage team access control.
- Managing direct bookings using a direct booking management toolkit.
- Integrating your Stripe account to iGMS to securely process payments and create invoices.
- Creating essential reports on your business results within minutes.
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FAQs
An Airbnb Superhost is an award given to hosts in recognition for consistently good reviews and guest experiences. Superhosts receive an orange badge on their rental listings, which shows that they have achieved it.
Is being an Airbnb Superhost worth it? ›
Earn significantly more revenue
And more bookings ultimately mean that Superhosts will earn more revenue. According to Airbnb, Superhosts earn an average of 22% more than other hosts.
Do Airbnb Superhosts make more money? ›
From October 2021 to September 2022 Superhosts have collectively earned over $23 billion in income from hosting on Airbnb. In Q3 2022 the typical Superhost earned 64% more than a regular Host.
What is the difference between Airbnb Superhost and not? ›
For travelers. Not everyone is a Superhost. As a traveler, booking an Airbnb with a Superhost label means the owner of your property has met a series of requirements set by Airbnb. These distinguish hosts who are responsive and have high ratings, frequent reservations and few cancellations.
What is better than Superhost on Airbnb? ›
Airbnb Plus: All that and more
While Superhosts offer a high level of hospitality, Airbnb Plus Hosts provide even greater hospitality plus an exceptional physical space—one that's spotless, well-designed, and thoughtfully equipped. Airbnb Plus Hosts also enjoy a number of exclusive complimentary benefits.
Are Superhosts more trustworthy? ›
Arguably the biggest benefit of being an Airbnb Superhost is the prestige that accompanies that coveted badge. It acts as an extra user reassurance from Airbnb that this host is trustworthy, maintains high standards, they are easily contactable and they operate as Airbnb would ideally like their hosts to operate.
Do Superhosts make more money? ›
Although Superhosts have a lower average daily rate (ADR) of around 11% compared to regular hosts, they enjoy an 81% higher occupancy rate compared to normal hosts. Superhosts also earn 60% more daily revenue than regular hosts.
What is the downside of hosting an Airbnb? ›
It comes with a fee
Another fee is the service fee your guest will pay Airbnb when they book your property. This is usually around 13% of the total booking cost, but it varies depending on numerous factors. Although it's not something you pay, it might put your guest off booking.
What does Superhost status do? ›
As a Superhost, you'll receive a badge that will help you stand out from other hosts and listings in your area, all while building trust with potential guests. Superhosts are also more likely to be featured in Airbnb's promotional emails.
What percentage do Airbnb hosts pay to Airbnb? ›
Most Hosts pay a flat service fee of 3% of the booking subtotal. The subtotal is your nightly price plus any optional fees you charge guests, like a cleaning fee, and doesn't include Airbnb fees and taxes.
Completed at least 10 trips or 3 reservations that total at least 100 nights. Maintained a 90% response rate or higher. Maintained a less than 1% cancellation rate, with exceptions made for those that fall under our Extenuating Circ*mstances policy.
How many reviews do you need to be a Superhost? ›
How Many Reviews Does it Take to Be a Superhost on Airbnb? Becoming a Superhost does not depend on the number of reviews you manage to collect. On the other hand, you do have to maintain a 4.8 or higher average overall rating and meet a number of other criteria.
Do Airbnb have cameras? ›
Does Airbnb allow cameras? Yes, but only in common areas like living rooms and decks. The cameras must be out in the open, too, since hidden cameras aren't allowed.
What is needed to be Airbnb Superhost? ›
Superhosts have completed at least 10 stays in the past year or 100 nights over at least 3 completed stays. Your guests can feel confident staying with an experienced host.
What do Airbnb guests want the most? ›
Stock up on the essentials
Guests will expect to find toilet paper, hand and body soap, towels, and linens, so make sure your space is stocked with all of these essential amenities. Airbnb recommends offering a minimum of: One towel per guest. One pillow per guest.
How long does Superhost status last? ›
Superhost status is automatically revoked at the next review date if the host did not meet the performance standards during the most recent 12 months. Airbnb may, but is not obligated to, notify hosts of their Superhost status revocation.
Do I have to clean my Airbnb? ›
Treat your Host's home like your own
Cleanliness: Guests should not leave the listing in a state that requires excessive or deep cleaning (ex: with moldy dishes, soiled carpets, stains from pets, etc.).
Are there fake hosts on Airbnb? ›
With over four million hosts on Airbnb's platform, there are bound to be at least a few unscrupulous hosts looking to scam unsuspecting travelers.
Is it safe to book with a Superhost on Airbnb? ›
Another good sign is if someone has a Superhost badge on Airbnb—that means that they've maintained consistently high ratings (4.8+ out of 5) from their guests, completed at least 10 stays in the past year, have a cancellation rate of less than 1 percent, and have a 90 percent response rate to new messages within 24 ...
Do Airbnb hosts see you? ›
Before you book, a Host will only be shown your first name and identity verification status. Your full name and profile photo will be shared with the Host after your booking is confirmed.
A good cash on cash return varies depending on factors such as location and property type. However, an ideal Airbnb cash on cash return should be at least 8%.
How much do most Airbnb hosts make? ›
Average Annual Host Revenue By Arrangement Type: 2021/2020
| ARRANGEMENT TYPE | AVERAGE ANNUAL HOST EARNINGS 2021 | AVERAGE ANNUAL HOST EARNINGS 2020 |
|---|
| Entire Home | $14,498 | $8,749 |
| Hotel Room | $8,452 | $4,885 |
| Private Room | $5,260 | $2,994 |
| Shared Room | $2,158 | $1,536 |
The host pays a flat rate of 3% of the total booking cost and the guest pays a percentage of their reservation fee (this is somewhere between 5-20% depending on the length of stay, the location, and the cost of the reservation to start with).
Why is Airbnb not as popular? ›
Travelers piled on, too, sharing their own reasons for abandoning Airbnb: high prices, steep cleaning fees and a lack of service that stands in stark contrast to hotels. Travel agent Cierra Chesir is among the disenchanted.
How much profit do Airbnb owners make? ›
Tipalti, an accounting software company, just released data about the average annual earnings that Airbnb hosts make around the world, and the US is at the top of the list. With an average of $44,235 per year, US hosts flaunt the highest average annual earnings.
Do I lose Superhost status if I cancel? ›
Superhosts don't cancel confirmed reservations. It may seem obvious, but cancelling a guest's reservation can have serious implications on their trip. Cancellations you make under extenuating circ*mstances won't count against your Superhost status, but all other cancellations will.
How do I maintain Superhost status? ›
Superhost is a status given by Airbnb to outstanding hosts that meet these 4 criterias:
- You have a 4.8+ overall rating (out of 5)
- You have hosted 10+ stays in the past year.
- You have less than a 1% cancellation rate (this basically means: never cancel a confirmed reservation on your end)
- You maintain a 90% response rate.
Airbnb Superhost Bonus + $100 Credit
When you maintain your Airbnb Superhost status for 4 quarters in a row, you earn a $100 bonus credit on your account.
What makes a good Airbnb property? ›
Detail. Successful hosts are all about details. In addition to stocking the place with necessities, you should consider having board games, books, movies and entertainment options for your guests. Additionally, be sure the kitchen has condiments, coffee, and tea.
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month? ›
What Is the Average Airbnb Host Salary by State
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay |
|---|
| South Carolina | $59,378 | $4,948 |
| Nebraska | $59,362 | $4,946 |
| Idaho | $59,279 | $4,939 |
| California | $58,143 | $4,845 |
46 more rowsRenting through Airbnb could be more lucrative than renting to a long-term tenant, depending on your location. Your costs may be higher if you rent through Airbnb, since you'll be expected to provide furnishings, keep the place clean, and pay utilities.
How many stars do you need to be a Superhost on Airbnb? ›
To become a Superhost on Airbnb, you need to have at least a 4.8 overall rating based on your reviews. That being said, the number of reviews you have on Airbnb doesn't matter as much as the quality of reviews. Hosts must maintain very close to a 5-star rating to make the Superhost cutoff.
Does it matter how many guests at Airbnb? ›
The more people, the more your furniture and items are being used and the more likely they are to become worn or even break. Unexpected guests could leave you with costly repairs, meaning more downtime for your property. Your guests might throw unauthorized parties.
How many times can Superhost cancel? ›
Airbnb Superhost are consistent with their bookings they receive and honour them. To achieve this, you must not have more than 1 cancellation per 100 reservations. In the event that you need to cancel due to unforeseen circ*mstances, exceptions may be made with Airbnb's extenuating policy.
What does a red star mean on Airbnb? ›
I just used Airbnb as a guest recently and one change I noticed is that when writing a review, Airbnb is explaining what each star means as follows: 1 star = Terrible. 2 Star = Bad. 3 Star = OK. 4 Star = Good.
Why check the mirrors at Airbnb? ›
If you're security-minded, you probably check your hotel or Airbnb before you get comfortable. Part of this might mean checking the mirror for hidden cameras. You may be able to spot them just by searching around the frame, or you can use tools that detect light and radiofrequency.
How do I check for bed bugs on Airbnb? ›
Check for Signs of Bed Bugs
- Red and itchy bites, often in zigzag lines, small clusters, and straight rows.
- Blood stains on sheets, mattresses, and bed frames, resembling rust spots.
- Brown exoskeletons on the bed, shed by bed bug critters as they mature.
- Bed bugs themselves, which can be seen with the naked eye.
How to Spot Hidden Cameras
- Scan the Environment Thoroughly to Look for Unfamiliar Devices or Gadgets. ...
- Turn off all the Lights in the Room to Spot Night Vision Cameras. ...
- Use your Mobile Phone to Locate Hidden Cameras. ...
- Check every Mirror in the Room for Hidden Spy Cameras.
Superhost Benefits – Superhosts status is pretty much guaranteed to boost your Airbnb business, but as well as bringing you in more money, Airbnb offer other rewards. If you keep your Superhost status for a year, Airbnb will give you a $100 coupon to spend on their site, contributing towards your next holiday or trip.
How can you lose Superhost status on Airbnb? ›
During each assessment period, we'll find out if a Host has hit all the requirements within the past year. If so, they'll continue rocking it as Superhosts, or they'll become one if they're not already. If they miss a requirement, they'll lose the title.
Cleaning is removing dust and dirt from surfaces, such as floors and countertops. Make sure you: Sweep, vacuum, dust, and/or mop areas before sanitizing. Wash dishes and laundry on the highest heat setting possible.
How many towels do I need for my Airbnb? ›
I usually provide 2 bath towels (and an extra hand towels and 2 washcloths) per person for up to 4 nights. If a couple only stays 2 nights, I don't stress if there's only one extra bath towel in the closet with 2 hanging in the bathroom but i try to provide one extra if it's easy. They're not all usually used.
Do airbnbs provide towels? ›
Whether or not an Airbnb rental provides towels depends on your host. However, most Airbnb hosts will provide you with towels since it's a basic amenity that all guests require.
Does Superhost mean anything on Airbnb? ›
What does a Superhost provide? Being an Airbnb Superhost is about providing outstanding hospitality, which means being highly-rated, experienced, reliable, and responsive. And while each Superhost has their own unique style, they've earned their status by meeting, and often exceeding, guest expectations.
Is Superhost better than plus? ›
What is the difference between an Airbnb Plus and a Superhost? The main difference between an Airbnb Plus and a Superhost status is that an Airbnb Plus status needs to be applied, while a Superhost status will be automatically granted once a host has completed 10 stays or three reservations totalling 100 nights.
How is Airbnb Superhost calculated? ›
A rating of 4.8 or higher
Based on your reviews over the past 12 months, you'll need to have an overall rating of 4.8 or more. This is calculated from the date guests leave their reviews, not on the final day of their stay.
Should Airbnb provide toilet paper? ›
Essential amenities are the basic items that a guest expects in order to have a comfortable stay. These include: Toilet paper. Soap (for hands and body)
Can I leave my clothes in my Airbnb? ›
You don't have to hide your clothing - this is optional but of course, you might need to consolidate or pack away some items to leave room for your guests' clothes. Provide some empty hangers, clothing rack, and/or an empty drawer.
Should you do the dishes in an Airbnb? ›
Load and run the dishwasher before you go. Respect your host and their time by washing any dishes you've dirtied. It's also a good idea to wipe down counters and leave the kitchen as you found it.
Will Airbnb refund for dirty room? ›
Eligible travel issues listed under Airbnb's policy
If a guest arrives and finds that the property has not been cleaned (i.e. dirty sheets, rubbish lying around) they have a right to request a refund. This also relates to safety issues such as infestations, broken locks, or extreme mold.
The biggest problems Airbnb Hosts deal with? The most common problems vacation rental hosts deal with are regulations, local laws, parties, excessive turnovers, unmanageable guests, not knowing your market and finding better guests.
Will Airbnb refund you if you get scammed? ›
Will Airbnb refund you if you get scammed? Yes, with Aircover, Airbnb will refund you if you choose not to book a similar rental in these instances: If the host cancels your booking within 30 days of check-in. If you can't check in to the Airbnb and the host can't help.
Is it worth being a Superhost? ›
As a Superhost, you'll be able to receive more bookings. This is because guests will see a Superhost badge on your host profile and each of your listings. Since guests usually look for the most reliable hosts on Airbnb to rent from, they'll naturally consider your listings.
Does Airbnb allow cameras inside? ›
Airbnb prohibits security cameras or recording devices that are in or that observe private spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, or sleeping areas. You must indicate the presence of all security cameras or other recording devices in or around a listing, even if they're not turned on or hooked up.
Can Airbnb host see my picture? ›
If a guest chooses to provide a profile photo, that profile photo won't be displayed to the host as part of the booking process until after the booking is confirmed.
Why do Airbnb hosts decline? ›
If your reservation request is declined and the listing for the stay shows that it's still available, the host's calendar may not be up-to-date or they may want reservations of a different length or time.
How do I protect myself as an Airbnb host? ›
Stay Safe as an Airbnb Host
- 1) Be a Friendly Airbnb Host: Connect with Your Guests. ...
- 2) Take Insurance Seriously. ...
- 3) Get to Know the Renters. ...
- 4) Have Others Help Keep Watch. ...
- 5) Set Out Clear Rules and Expectations. ...
- 6) Don't Forget Your Home Network Security. ...
- 7) Use a Security System in Off-Limit Areas.
To qualify for an Airbnb Superhost badge, you must: Host at least 10 trips, or have 3 reservations that total at least 100 nights. Maintain a 90% response rate or higher. Maintain a 1% cancellation rate (1 cancellation per 100 reservations) or lower.
What are the perks for being an Airbnb host? ›
Benefits Of Becoming An Airbnb Host
- Earn Additional Money. Having extra income is the most obvious benefit of being an Airbnb host. ...
- Enjoy Freedom And Flexibility. ...
- Incredible Tax Advantages. ...
- Diversify Your Investments. ...
- Meet New People When Airbnb Hosting. ...
- Learn New Skills. ...
- You Don't Have To Do The Hard Work.
Airbnb Superhost Bonus + $100 Credit
When you maintain your Airbnb Superhost status for 4 quarters in a row, you earn a $100 bonus credit on your account.
Those who achieve Airbnb Superhost status reap benefits such as improved search placement, better booking conversions, and even more revenue, according to Airbnb. Many guests—perhaps yourself included—are simply more likely to book with a Superhost than a regular host.
What percentage do Airbnb hosts make? ›
The host pays a flat rate of 3% of the total booking cost and the guest pays a percentage of their reservation fee (this is somewhere between 5-20% depending on the length of stay, the location, and the cost of the reservation to start with).
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts? ›
your revenue. Let's have a look at a few stats shall we: Only 19.4% of hosts achieve Superhost status. 80% of Airbnb hosts receive a 4.5+ star rating.
What is a good Airbnb income? ›
North America is the highest earning region – the average Airbnb host in North America makes $41,026 in host earnings on Airbnb in 2021. Asia-Pacific is the 2nd highest earning region, with an average host earnings of $14,629 in 2021. In Europe the average host made $13,567 in Airbnb earnings in 2021.
Do Airbnb hosts get all the money? ›
It is meant to cover any expenses they incur in supporting and processing your guest's transactions. The host fee is based on the booking subtotal (nightly rate + cleaning fee + any additional guest fee, minus any security deposit or Airbnb fees and taxes incurred) and is automatically deducted from the host payout.
Does everyone make money on Airbnb? ›
Many homeowners and renters can make money on Airbnb. All you need is the desire to provide a fantastic experience for your guests by ensuring they feel comfortable and welcome. It's a great way to make a little money on the side or pay off your mortgage early.
How many 5 star reviews do I need to become a Superhost? ›
Airbnb superhost requirements
Commitment: No cancellations (barring extenuating circ*mstances or IB cancellations) Guest satisfaction: At least 80% of reviews are 5-star. Experience: Hosted at least 10 completed trips.
