How to Prevent Bad Reviews (Before They Happen)

When you stay at a hotel, the staff can often tell how you're feeling. They see your expression, your body language, and they’re trained to respond. Whether it’s an extra towel, a room change, or a local tip, they can act in the moment.

But at a vacation rental or micro-resort, there’s no front desk. No daily interaction. No subtle signals to pick up on.

So how do you know what your guest is thinking?

You ask—while they’re still on site.

One habit has made a big difference in our guest experience and our reviews: sending a short message the morning after check-in. It gives your guests a chance to speak up. It shows you’re paying attention. And if something needs fixing, you can do it immediately.

Here’s the exact message we send:

Hi {guest name},

We hope you had a great night’s sleep and settled in well.
We’re checking in to see if everything is up to your expectations so far.

Also, here’s a list of our favorite places to eat: [Insert Yelp Collection Link]

If there’s anything you need or any way we can make your stay more comfortable, let us know.

Your hosts

Most responses are warm and positive:
“Everything’s great, thank you” or “We love it here!”

But occasionally, a guest shares something useful—a small issue, a question, or a request you can handle right away. When you act quickly, it can turn a potential complaint into a memorable moment of hospitality.

This is where the feedback loop matters. It gives you a chance to improve the stay while it’s still unfolding. You’re no longer guessing what the guest thought after they’ve checked out. You’re shaping their experience in the moment, while it still counts.

The restaurant list adds another layer of care. It helps your guest explore the area and feel more at home. If you’re in a remote location, you might send it before check-in instead—but sending it with this message makes it feel timely and helpful.

This process works especially well for longer stays, but it can help with any guest who has time to settle in.

Ask early. Listen carefully. Act fast.

That one message can improve the entire stay.