The Secret to Getting 5-Star Reviews? It Starts Before Your Guests Even Arrive.

In the world of short lets, reviews aren’t just a nice bonus — they’re your most visible currency. For landlords with a flat to let Cambridge-based, a glowing guest review can be the tipping point that turns a browser into a booker. But more than that, reviews help you refine your hosting, build trust, and attract better, more consistent guests.

Whether you’re offering a short term let in Cambridge or managing multiple flats to let Cambridge UK-wide, learning to prepare for — and capitalise on — guest feedback can elevate your entire letting strategy.

Before the Stay: Set Expectations to Avoid Disappointment

Five-star reviews don’t begin after check-out. They begin the moment a guest lands on your listing.

Start with accurate, up-to-date photos that reflect your property in its current state. If your listing promises modern design but shows dated décor, you’re setting yourself up for a disappointed guest.

Be clear and specific about house rules. Include them in your listing and again in your welcome pack. Is the flat pet-free? No parties? Are there quiet hours? Clear rules avoid conflict.

Send a pre-arrival message with Wi-Fi details, check-in instructions, transport tips, and even restaurant recommendations. The more confident a guest feels before they arrive, the more positive their stay is likely to be.

At Cambridge Stays, we ensure every property letting Cambridge landlords entrust to us comes with a fully branded, accurate, and welcoming guest communication system.

During the Stay: Focus on Cleanliness, Comfort, and Communication

Guest satisfaction is shaped in the details.

Cleanliness should be non-negotiable. One dusty corner or stained towel can turn a positive stay into a complaint. Use trained cleaning teams and provide turnover checklists to ensure nothing is missed.

Comfort matters. Add thoughtful extras like blackout blinds, quality linens, a stocked tea station, or a few local books. These are low-effort, high-impact details guests love.

Communication is your superpower. Quick replies — even to simple questions — show guests they’re cared for. Consider automated replies for common queries or WhatsApp check-ins for a personal touch.

Properties to let Cambridge-wide that prioritise these in-stay details consistently perform better on review platforms.

After the Stay: Ask for Reviews and Handle Feedback Gracefully

Once the stay ends, don’t be shy — ask for the review. Timing is key: a message sent 12–24 hours after checkout is ideal. Thank the guest, ask if everything was satisfactory, and kindly request their feedback.

If the review is glowing, reply with gratitude. It reassures future guests that you’re responsive and gracious.

If it’s critical, respond calmly and constructively. Acknowledge their points, explain any context, and if needed, note changes you’ve implemented. Never argue. Prospective guests read your replies — and they’re often judging your professionalism more than the reviewer’s tone.

Letting agents Cambridge landlords rely on don’t always manage this process — but at Cambridge Stays, we make it part of the service.

Cambridge Stays Turns Feedback into Booking Fuel

We don’t just collect reviews — we analyse them. Our team at Cambridge Stays monitors feedback across platforms, identifies improvement opportunities, and helps landlords act on what matters most.

Whether you manage one flat to let in Cambridge or a collection of short let Cambridge apartments, we fine-tune the guest experience to boost visibility, credibility, and trust.

Reviews aren’t just a mirror — they’re your best growth tool.

Ready to Let Reviews Work for You?

The right review at the right time can do more than any ad campaign. Cambridge Stays helps landlords transform every guest stay into a five-star marketing asset.

Let us guide your hosting toward higher ratings, stronger retention, and the credibility that books your next guest.