Airbnb Guest Favorite vs. Superhost Status

As Airbnb continues to enhance its platform with new features, the Winter Release of 2025 has brought exciting updates that impact both hosts and Airbnb guests. Among the most anticipated changes is the introduction of superhost and guest favorite badges. The Guest Favorite Badge, which runs alongside the well-known Superhost Status. While Superhost Status has long been a symbol of excellence for hosts, the Guest Favorite Badge introduces a new layer of recognition that highlights properties guests have most positively rated.

The key difference lies in the type of recognition: Airbnb Superhosts Status rewards vacation rental superhost with a listing of having consistent, attain high-quality service and hospitality, while the Guest Favorite Badge gives prominence to homes on Airbnb that guests have highly rated, regardless of the host overall performance. This article compares these two badges, helping hosts understand the differences, benefits and how they can use both features to increase bookings and elevate their Airbnb presence in 2025.

Let’s dive deeper into what these badges mean for Airbnb hosts, how they can be achieved, and why they matter for your rental business. Whether you're a seasoned host or just getting started, understanding these distinctions will give you an edge in a competitive traveler market.

Introduction To The Guest Favorite Badge

The introduction of the New Guest Favorites Badge is an exciting development for hosts of Airbnb. For the first time, properties can be celebrated independently of their host overall performance. This gives guests another way to identify exceptional listings based on location and value, previous customer experiences and specifically search for guest favorites.

Under this, there's also a badge that serves as a helpful tool for hosts who may not yet have Superhost Status but consistently provide a positive experience through their property’s features and amenities. This section explores the key features of this badge and how it can impact your property’s visibility and appeal on Airbnb wether you get a good or bad review.

What is the Guest Favorite Badge?

The badge is a new feature introduced in Airbnb Winter Release 2023. This badge is awarded to Airbnb properties that have consistently received high ratings according to guests, making them stand out among others in the same area of loved homes on Airbnb. Unlike Airbnb Superhost Status, which is based on a host overall performance, this badge reflects the hospitality experience and satisfaction with most-loved homes of the property itself.

• Awarded to properties, not hosts: The badge is for properties with outstanding guest ratings and the property has had established beyond to provide excellent hospitality, rather than for the host overall rating performance.

• Influences guest decisions: This badge can help guests make decisions faster when choosing between multiple listings higher in search.

• High guest satisfaction: It is a direct reflection of positive hospitality experience and hosts' feedback excellence across all their listings.

• No host performance criteria: Unlike Superhost, it does not require hosts to meet certain service-related benchmarks.

• Available to all hosts: Any host can earn the badge as long as their property meets the rating requirements.

• Badge visibility: Properties with this badge are more likely to feature a badge in search results of the Airbnb platform and recommendations which could help guest find the right property they want.

Introduction To Superhost Status

Achieving Superhost status is the gold standard for Airbnb hosts as part of Airbnb's superhost programme. This prestigious badge recognizes a host’s commitment to guest satisfaction, reliability, and professionalism. Unlike the Guest Favorite Badge, Superhost Status requires hosts to meet specific criteria related to responsiveness, 4.8 to 5-star guest reviews, and overall booking behavior.

Maintaining this status can lead to increased bookings, higher guests' trust, and additional promotional opportunities on the platform and filter that allows travellers to specifically search for Superhost Status properties only. In this section, we’ll delve deeper into how Superhost Status is earned and why it is so valuable for your Airbnb business.

What is Superhost Status?

Superhost Status is one of the most prestigious badges highlighted on your listing page of Airbnb. Achieving Superhost status signifies that a host has consistently provided excellent service to their guests with high marks, maintaining high ratings and a strong record of top-rated hospitality. This status is determined by a combination of factors such as response rate of host communication on guest messages, review scores, seamless tenant check-in experience and guest inquiries, addressing guest or host cancellations and booking history.

• Awarded to hosts: Superhost status is based on the host overall performance and hosts who go have a commitment to guest satisfaction.

• Strict criteria: You're a Superhost if you meet specific Airbnb's requirements and thresholds for response time, cancellations, reviews, and booking consistency. Superhost criteria remain strict in these factors' reliability data.

• Increased visibility: Superhosts receive better placement in search results and are more likely to attract potential guests on the million of active listings on the platform.

• Promotes trust: The Superhost badge is a symbol of reliability and excellence for both guests and hosts.

• Renewed performance quarterly: Superhost status assessment periods are reviewed on the assessment dates every three months and hosts must continue meeting the criteria to maintain it to become a superhost automatically through meeting the requirements by the assessment date of the calendar.

• Exclusive perks: Superhosts receive benefits such as special customer support and promotional opportunities from Airbnb.

Introduction To The Differences Between Guest Favorite Badge & Superhost

Understanding the differences between the Guest Favorite Badge and Superhost Status is crucial for hosts who want to optimize their Airbnb presence. Each badge has its own unique benefits, and knowing which one you can aim for—or how to achieve both—can give your listing a competitive edge.

In this section, we’ll compare the two badges head-to-head and explore which is right for you, based on your hosting style and property characteristics. By the end, you’ll know how to maximize both badges’ potential.

Guest Favorite Badge vs. Superhost: Key Differences

While both the Guest Favorite and Superhost Status are valuable recognitions on Airbnb listing page, they differ significantly in the way they are earned and what they represent. This section breaks down the key differences between the two badges, helping hosts understand which one they might be able to achieve and how they can leverage both for success.

• Award criteria: The Guest Favorite Badge is based solely on guest ratings, while Superhost Status takes into account multiple hosts-related metrics who go above and beyond on the hospitality.

• Focus on property vs. host: The Guest Favorite Badge highlights the property’s appeal, while Superhost Status focuses on the host's ability to provide excellent service.

• Visibility and ranking: Both badges offer increased visibility, but Superhosts are more prominently featured in search results.

• Eligibility requirements: Superhost Status has stricter eligibility requirements, including maintaining a high response rate and low cancellation rate.

• Impact on bookings: While both badges can lead to more bookings, Superhosts are generally more trusted by guests for consistent service.

• Complementary badges: Hosts can earn both badges simultaneously, maximizing their property's potential for bookings and guest trust.

How To Achieve The Guest Favorite Badge

Achieving the Guest Favorite Badge is all about providing an exceptional guest experience. While the requirements are less stringent than those for Superhost Status, consistently high ratings are necessary to earn this new recognition. Here’s what you need to focus on to achieve this badge.

• Deliver outstanding guest experiences: High ratings are based on guest satisfaction with your property and its amenities.

• Create an inviting and comfortable environment: Ensure your property is clean, well-maintained, and offers thoughtful amenities.

• Encourage reviews: Prompt guests to leave positive feedback after their stay.

• Focus on property details: Attention to details like decor, comfort, and small touches can make a significant difference.

• Manage guest expectations: Clearly communicate the property’s features and address any concerns quickly.

• Regularly update your property listing: Keep your listing up-to-date to reflect the best version of your property.

Introduction to Achieving the Guest Favorite Badge

Earning the Guest Favorite Badge is within reach for many Airbnb hosts, especially those who focus on creating a memorable guest experience. Unlike Superhost Status, which relies heavily on host metrics, the Guest Favorite Badge rewards properties that stand out based on guest ratings alone.

In this section, we’ll discuss the steps you can take to increase your chances of earning this badge and how to leverage positive reviews to boost your property’s visibility.

How To Maintain Superhost Status

Maintaining Superhost Status requires consistent effort and dedication to high-level guest service. Unlike the Guest Favorite Badge, which is awarded based on property ratings, Superhost Status is awarded to hosts who meet strict criteria for reliability, responsiveness, and overall guest experience.

• Respond quickly to guests: Superhosts must maintain a high response rate, ideally within an hour.

• Minimize cancellations: Hosts should avoid canceling bookings, as this negatively affects Superhost eligibility.

• Provide exceptional guest experiences: Consistently achieving high guest ratings and reviews is critical for maintaining Superhost status.

• Keep up with cleanliness: A clean and well-prepared property is a must for Superhost status.

• Stay active on Airbnb: Regular bookings and positive reviews help maintain your standing.

• Review Superhost criteria regularly: Check your performance and metrics quarterly to ensure you're meeting the standards.

Introduction to Maintaining Superhost Status

Once you’ve earned Superhost status, the work isn’t over. To maintain this prestigious badge, you’ll need to meet Airbnb’s performance metrics consistently. This includes ensuring that your response rate, review score, and cancellations meet the platform's high standards.

In this section, we’ll outline the key actions you must take to keep your Superhost status active and continue enjoying the benefits that come with it.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, both the Guest Favorite Badge and Superhost Status are valuable tools for Airbnb hosts aiming to increase their bookings and build trust with guests. While the Guest Favorite Badge highlights properties that have received exceptional guest reviews, Superhost Status is a broader recognition of the host's overall commitment to quality service.

Both badges complement each other and can be achieved simultaneously, giving hosts a powerful advantage in a competitive market. Whether you’re focusing on improving your property’s guest experience or ensuring consistent hosting performance, these badges serve as important indicators of excellence. By understanding the differences between the two, hosts can tailor their efforts to maximize the benefits of both recognitions.

Achieving or maintaining either badge requires a focus on the guest experience, attention to detail, and consistent performance. With the right strategy, both badges can significantly enhance your visibility, bookings, and overall success on Airbnb. Embrace these badges as part of your strategy to stay ahead in the evolving short-term rental market.

About Us: KeyNest

It is vital for any hosts to sustain an efficient key management access to ensure your listing gets maintained in the Airbnb platform. That is why KeyNest, a leading smart key exchange service, is designed to simplify and secure the management of property access for hosts, property managers, and guests. With a network of thousands of partner locations worldwide, KeyNest ensures that keys are safely stored and easily accessible 24/7, providing a seamless solution for short-term rental hosts, including those on platforms like Airbnb.

Since its inception, KeyNest has revolutionized how property access is handled, eliminating the need for in-person handovers and providing an efficient alternative to traditional lockboxes or smart locks. Trusted by property managers across the globe, KeyNest's robust system ensures keys are always secure while maintaining accessibility.

Want to know more about KeyNest?

KeyNest offers you a convenient service for storing and exchanging your property keys. You can drop off a key at any of the 7,000+ locations in our network, so there’s one such Point located next to your property. 

Guests, cleaners or contractors can then collect the key securely from a KeyNest Point or KeyNest Locker  which is usually open 24/7. You'll be notified each time the key is picked up or returned, and you can even customize check-in and check-out times. By leveraging technology and a global network of locations, KeyNest continues to redefine property management, offering solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of the rental market..

KeyNest has an ever-expanding global network of locations located just minutes from your property. To find out more you can contact us. 

Neil Beltran 27 December 2024