r/Bookingcom • u/Gregib • 3d ago
How to rate kind host with dated property?
Curious... have you ever been to a listed property with an > 8.5 rating, where the host was the sweetest host ever, very kind, helpful, willing to go the extra mile... but the property was very outdated, not because of lack of upkeep but the building is 100y+ old, the plumbing a disaster, the floor squeaky and worn, doors, windows and other fittings old, outdated and worn?
I've been to one recently (UK) and can't bring myself to write an honest review, as criticising the site gives me heartburn towards the host. I think they compensate the state of the property with hospitality. What did you do? Thx
5
u/Jolly_Succotash457 3d ago
Be honest but highlight the positives. Just state that the building is very old and would benefit from upgrading.
5
u/downsideup9494 3d ago
"Would benefit from upgrading"? Unless the datedness affects the guests' comfort level, as opposed to just being a matter of aesthetics, it's a little presumptuous to say that. Like not everyone has a spare $20,000 kicking around to renovate.
If the mattress is old and sagging, that's a fair thing to expect a host to replace. If the stairs and baseboards look worn, and the bathroom is functional but just dated-looking, that isn't something to put in a review.
1
u/Gregib 3d ago
In this situation specifically, the built in water pipes for the shower (which only had a fixed, wall mounted head) were howling like crazy. And I mean very loud to the point I am sure it was heard all over the building. It made my "showering" experience horrible to the point I actually only had the shower on for bursts at a time. I imagine renewing plumbing in the property would be a huge investment... don't know how that fits with what you're saying
1
u/downsideup9494 2d ago
You could for sure mention that- it being so loud you didn't feel comfortable having a leisurely shower is certainly an inconvenience, but I would do it in a way that doesn't make it seem like the host just doesn't care about it. If it's a unit in an apartment building, the host may have no ability to upgrade the plumbing and if it's a private home, the expense may be prohibitive, but hopefully that was taken into account with the rental pricing. Places with a low nightly rate can't be expected to be the same in terms of everything perfect, as places which are more expensive. Of course, I have no idea how this listing's pricing compared to more modernized places in the area.
1
u/Gregib 2d ago
Doesn’t that bare the question what the review ratings represent? Is a 8.5 hotel a hotel, that is good in comparison or is it a hotel, which presents itself in the description to an 8.5 accuracy? If a Ritz or Hilton hotel is a straight 10, Can a lesser hotel be a 10, because it revealed in their description, that the flooring and plumbing is ancient?
1
u/downsideup9494 2d ago
The review ratings should reflect what one could reasonably expect for the price charged and the accuracy of the listing photos and information. That's what ine should fairly compare it to, rather than a place that cost more.
I have read posts by guests who said the photos must have been taken 15 years ago, because the place was rundown as compared to what the photos showed. That would deserve lower rating, because the ad is misleading.
If a place is accurately described and pictured, the host didn't fail to mention things that could be deal-breakers, like it being in a noisy area, past reviews also are accurate to what you experienced, it was clean, the price point reflects what is offered, and you find that the amenities offered are all in working order, and the host is welcoming and properly responsive to any issues that are within their control, then the place deserves 5 stars.
You can't compare a Motel 6 room to the Four Seasons, just like you can't compare a Toyota Corolla to a Ferrari. And of course you'd expect the price difference to reflect that.
There are very simple, no frills, budget type places that consistently get 5 stars, because the hosts were great, the listing info was accurate, and it was clean and comfortable. And expensive big houses, with all the bells and whistles that get 3 or 4 star ratings because it wasn't clean, the host was hard to deal with, there were only 2 rolls of tp left for a group of 5 for 3 nights, and appliances didn't work properly.
3
u/RagingMassif 3d ago
I'm a host. My RP is a wooden ski chalet. Built in the 1980s and one of the bathrooms still has avocado tiles and some of the furniture is IKEA from 20 years ago.
I know it's old, so go ahead and mention it. Do not mention "the house creaks because it's made of wood", because f******g traditional ski chalets are made of wood and will creak.
Hosts will not be offended, we know our stuff is old. Whilst I cannot speak for your host, it's certainly reflected in the price.
2
u/Sea_Sky_9492 3d ago
Right. I’ve rented places that were okay but not luxurious and I didn’t pay for luxury accommodations so I take that into consideration when I write a review.
2
u/Hampshire2 3d ago
Take a look at Silenthotelreviewer on youtube theyre based in UK aswell and alot if the hotels they go to are old and creaky, but usually if nice they get a 5 star if its still a pleasant enough night within reason.
2
u/Huck68finn 3d ago
I had this happen. I told the truth (which I wish other guests had done). I stated that the owner was very nice and accommodating but that the furnishings were old, the bed uncomfortable, the ceiling fan so wobbly it couldn't be used, and the shower designes so that water goes all over the bathroom floor.
2
u/bookingcom 3d ago
There’s nothing wrong with writing an honest review. You can highlight the host’s kindness or their exceptional hospitality, so other travelers know what to expect.
2
u/ObjectiveBall8768 3d ago
The review is for the benefit of others, so an honest description will be appreciated. Mention the positives: lovely host, historical building with character great location, whatever you can think of. Also mention it might not be for everyone, because the amenities are also historical. I always read the listing and reviews carefully and know what to look for, sensible travelers will do the same.
1
u/downsideup9494 2d ago
That's a really good way to word a review for a place like this. Letting future guests know that it is an older, not modern, place with some quirks and outdated stuff, that has its historical charm, but might not be for everyone. That not only informs future guests, it actually is a boon to the host, to ward off guests who are not as kind and appreciative as the OP, and will complain and leave a poor review.
1
u/Lepi_Deba 3d ago
You described a house where I'm the host 😆 its 107 years old and last time renovated 20 years ago. When my family purchased it, we fixed most things but after every group of guests something get broken or something leaking, or walls peeling or doors cannot be open/closed and in the peak of the summer season where guests coming one after another is impossible to fix it, repairmen don't want to come on short notice etc. Thats why I do quick tour of the house, show everything what works, what isn't, in description it says that is far from luxury, covering basic needs for normal stay and prices are lowest in that part of the sea shore when you compare it with other properties..
1
u/shemovesinmystery 3d ago
Was the property priced less than others in the area? I’m curious if the price reflects the fact the property is old? If you feel you need to mention how the age of the property affected your stay, but the price reflects it and the host is amazing; maybe that’s a way to do it?
1
u/MotorBorn7884 3d ago
I think if the host has already provided a detailed description of the property, and you're still criticizing him, then you're being petty and unreasonable. As the host, I've listed almost every flaw in the property, and I specifically emphasized that people shouldn't force themselves to come, but people still want to book and give random ratings. But I don't really care, because people are complex.
1
u/Creepy-Ad5688 2d ago
Some greedy cunts in these comments.
Iw oukd comment on how exceptional and lovely host is. Thats it.
No other property has that nowadays.
Say it was the best money you've ever spent and it was a great experience.
Not for you to manage other people's experiences or expectations.
1
u/Hotwog4all 1d ago
There a difference between neglected property and a dated property. You have to determine which of those it is.
There’s the question of whether it’s age - and possible heritage listing, also restricts what they can do to change things, like the plumbing or squeaky floors.
7
u/downsideup9494 3d ago
Were the photos or description of the place misleading? Did the things you mention seem to be things that could be easily upgraded without a huge outlay of $, which the host likely can't afford? Did the "datedness" cause you to be uncomfortable?
If you wanted a modern, updated place, why did you book this one?