Airbnb Guest Favorite Badge vs. Superhost Status
Airbnb’s Winter 2023 release introduced new features aimed at improving the experience of the guests and helping hosts stand out in a competitive market. Among these updates are the Guest Favorite Badge and enhancements to the long-standing Superhost Status. While both designations highlight exceptional hosting, they cater to different aspects of the guest experience. The Guest Favorite Badge focuses on properties that consistently receive rave reviews for their unique amenities, standout features, and memorable stays.
On the other hand, Superhost Status remains a trusted indicator of overall hosting excellence, including responsiveness, high ratings, and commitment to providing a superior guest experience. For U.S.-based hosts navigating this update, understanding the differences between these badges can help you better position your listing and attract your ideal guests.
In this article, we’ll break down the new features, explore their significance, and provide actionable tips for hosts to achieve either—or both—of these accolades. Whether you’re a seasoned Superhost or a new host striving to stand out, understanding these badges is essential for optimizing your Airbnb strategy. Let’s dive into the specifics and help you make the most of Airbnb Winter 2023 updates.
What Is the Airbnb Guest Favorite Badge?
The Guest Favorite is a newly introduced feature in Airbnb Winter 2023 release. This badge is awarded to properties that guests consistently rank as exceptional based on unique experiences and standout amenities. Unlike Superhost, this highlights the property rather than the host, making it particularly valuable for listings with distinctive features.
Awarded based on guest reviews praising specific property amenities or experiences.
Helps properties with unique characteristics (e.g., a treehouse or oceanfront view) stand out.
No direct application—Airbnb determines eligibility from guest feedback.
Boosts visibility by showcasing a property's strengths on the platform.
Emphasizes memorable stays over general hosting performance.
These highlights make the Guest Favorite a powerful marketing tool for hosts with standout properties.
What Is Superhost Program?
Superhost remains the gold standard for hosting excellence in the platform. It rewards hosts who meet strict criteria for responsiveness, ratings, and overall service quality. While not tied to property features, this status reflects a host’s commitment to creating seamless experience of the guests.
Requires a minimum 4.8-star rating from guests.
Hosts must complete at least 10 stays per year or earn $10,000+ in booking value.
Cancelations should not exceed 1% without valid reasons.
Rewards include increased visibility and booking discounts for personal stays.
Reflects hosting consistency and guest satisfaction.
Superhost Status is ideal for hosts who want to be recognized for their reliability and high standards.
Key Difference: Superhost And Guest Favorite Badges
While both accolades signify excellence, their focus and eligibility criteria differ significantly. The Guest Favorite is property-focused, while Superhost is host-focused.
Guest Favorite: Emphasizes unique property features and exceptional experience of the guests.
Superhost: Highlights hosting consistency, responsiveness, and reliability.
Guest Favorite is awarded based on guest reviews; Superhost requires meeting strict performance metrics.
Properties with the Guest Favorite attract guests seeking unique, high-quality stays.
Superhosts often appeal to guests prioritizing trust and reliability over unique features.
Understanding these differences helps hosts determine which accolade aligns better with their hosting goals.
Requirement For The Guest Favorite Badge On Your Property
Securing the Guest Favorite requires a focus on creating memorable guest experiences. From unique amenities to personalized touches, these efforts make your property stand out.
Invest in standout features like hot tubs, stunning views, or unique décor.
Encourage guests to leave detailed reviews highlighting their favorite aspects of your property.
Provide thoughtful touches like welcome kits or local recommendations.
Regularly update your listing photos to showcase your property’s best features.
Actively respond to guest feedback and improve where necessary.
With these strategies, you can elevate your property to "Guest Favorite" status.
How To Earn Superhost Status?
Earning Superhost involves consistent effort and attention to Airbnb hosting criteria. This designation rewards hosts who provide reliable, high-quality stays.
Respond to guest inquiries within 24 hours to maintain high responsiveness.
Focus on achieving 5-star reviews by exceeding guest expectations.
Avoid cancellations unless absolutely necessary, as they significantly impact eligibility.
Maintain accurate listing descriptions to align guest expectations with reality.
Prioritize cleanliness, comfort, and safety to enhance guest satisfaction.
Achieving Superhost Status showcases your dedication to providing exceptional service.
Which Hospitality Badge Is Right for You?
Deciding between the Guest Favorite and Superhost depends on your hosting goals. Each badge offers unique benefits and caters to different guest expectations.
Choose the Guest Favorite if your property offers standout features or a unique experience.
Aim for Superhost to highlight your consistent, reliable hosting skills.
Both can complement each other, attracting diverse guest demographics.
Focus on what aligns with your listing’s strengths and your hosting strategy.
Remember, earning either enhances visibility and increases booking potential.
Both contribute to greater success as an Airbnb host.
Manage Airbnb’s Badges For Hosting & Revenue Success
Airbnb Winter 2023 updates provide exciting opportunities for U.S. hosts to enhance their listings and attract more guests. The Guest Favorite and Superhost cater to different aspects of hosting, allowing hosts to highlight their unique strengths. Whether your property offers breathtaking views or you excel in guest service, both of these provide valuable recognition and increased visibility.
Understanding the criteria for each helps you create a focused hosting strategy that aligns with your goals. By earning these accolades, you can differentiate your listing in a competitive market and build trust with potential guests. Guests increasingly rely on these two in choosing properties, making it crucial for hosts to pursue these designations. Remember, exceptional hosting is about balancing unique experiences with reliability and high standards.
Invest in your property and guest experience, and you’ll see the rewards in higher bookings and guest satisfaction. Take advantage of Airbnb badges to elevate your hosting game in 2025 and beyond.
About Us
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 January 2025