At StellarStay, we know that most guests want to leave helpful and honest reviews — and we love that! Reviews guide future travelers and help hardworking hosts improve.
But there’s one rating category that often causes a bit of confusion (and, sometimes, a little unintentional harm):
VALUE
Let’s talk about what it really means — and how to rate it in a way that’s both fair and kind.
😊 What Does “Value” Really Mean?
Airbnb defines this as:
“Did the experience match what you paid?”
It’s not about whether the price was low — it’s about whether your stay felt worth it for the price you paid.
So even if the nightly rate seemed high, if the house was spotless, had great amenities, easy check-in, responsive hosts, and gave you a great trip… that’s excellent Value!
😬 Why 4 Stars in Value Can Still Hurt
We totally understand: maybe you had a lovely stay, but thought the price could have been slightly lower — so you gave 4 stars in Value.
You didn’t mean anything bad by it!
But here’s the tricky part:
Airbnb’s system treats 4 stars like a red flag 🚩
Even a few 4s can prevent a listing from staying in good standing — and that affects search results, bookings, and the livelihoods of everyone involved.
🏡 Behind Every Stay Is a Whole Team of Real People
It’s easy to forget, but your stay is made possible by a network of dedicated people, including:
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💻 IT and operations folks working behind the scenes
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💬 Hosts and co-hosts answering your messages at all hours
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🧼 Cleaning teams who prep the home from top to bottom
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🛠️ Contractors, handymen, and restockers
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🏠 Homeowners who carry costs like mortgage, insurance, and taxes
And many times, guests get discounted rates — especially for midweek stays, off-season visits, or last-minute bookings.
So when someone has a great time, but still clicks 4 stars on Value, it really stings. 💔
🤔 Before Rating “Value,” Ask Yourself:
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Did I enjoy my stay overall?
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Was the place clean, safe, and comfortable?
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Did I receive everything I was promised (or more)?
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Would I return at this same price?
If the answer is yes — that’s 5-star Value, even if you wished it cost less. (Don’t we all? 😉)
🌟 Let’s Keep Travel Joyful — For Everyone
At the end of the day, your review helps others decide where to stay and helps teams like ours keep delivering excellent hospitality.
So if your experience was positive, please reflect that in your Value rating. It truly means the world to us 💛 — and it helps ensure more guests get to make great memories, just like you.
♻️ Posted Too Soon? Here’s a Kind Fix
If you’re reading this after already submitting your review — and you’re now realizing that your lower star rating might’ve done more harm than intended — you’re not alone! Unfortunately, Airbnb doesn’t allow you to edit or update a review once it’s been posted.
However, there’s still a way to help:
✅ You can request to remove your review entirely by calling Airbnb at 1-844-234-2500 or by visiting this help article. Let them know you’d like your review taken down because it doesn’t reflect your actual experience as fairly as you had intended.
Removing your review takes just a few minutes — but it can make a huge difference for the hosts, housekeepers, tech teams, and property owners who rely on each and every star to keep doing what they love.
Thank you for being a thoughtful traveler 💛
With gratitude,
The StellarStay Team ✨
