Travel Tips
Written by
BookYolo Team
Are you wondering, “Should You Book A 4.7 Listing On Airbnb?” Many travelers see a 4.7-star rating and worry it isn’t as good as a perfect 5-star review. This blog will show how the Airbnb rating system works and what a 4 star or 4.7 listing really means for your stay.
Get the facts before booking your next vacation rental!
Understanding Airbnb's Rating System

Airbnb employs a rating system to assist guests in making informed choices. Each listing receives an overall score based on guest reviews, reflecting their experiences with the space and host.
How the rating system works
Guests rate each Airbnb listing after their stay using a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Each guest gives scores in categories like cleanliness, accuracy, value, communication, and location.
The platform then averages these ratings to create the overall rating you see on the listing. Even one 4-star review or unfavorable review can drop an Airbnb host’s average below a perfect score.
Hosts need at least a 4.8 overall rating out of five to keep Superhost status. If many guests give less than 5 stars or leave critical feedback often, the platform may remove that Airbnb listing or even delist it completely.
My first 4-star review dropped my rating from 5.0 to 4.9 instantly, showing how every guest’s expectations matter for your rating staying high and helping future guests feel confident in booking.
The significance of a 4.7-star rating
After you learn how the rating system works, it becomes clear that a 4.7-star review on Airbnb is more than just an average score. Most guests give 5 stars if they have a good experience and only drop to 4 or lower for specific issues like noise, worn-out furniture, bad reviews about cleanliness, or missing house manual information.
On Airbnb, many listings never get higher than a 4.7 because even small complaints lead people to give 4 instead of 5 stars in every category.
Superhosts must hold at least a 4.8 average rating to keep their status by Airbnb’s rules in June 2023. A listing with a consistent 4.7 star rating can still be above a four star overall hotel experience but may not stand out as much in search rankings as five star reviews do.
Some potential guests see anything below five stars as negative—even though thousands of short-term rental hosts work hard for each positive rating.
Airbnb says only one bad review among dozens can pull your average down fast.
A place with hundreds of ratings at exactly 4.7 has likely had mostly satisfied travelers who found few major problems during their stay; some may simply avoid giving all five stars unless everything was perfect.
Pros of Booking a 4. 7 Listing on Airbnb
Booking a 4.7 listing on Airbnb often leads to positive guest experiences. You can find competitive prices that make these options appealing compared to 5-star listings.
Generally positive guest experiences
Many guests rate 4.7 stars on Airbnb because they enjoyed their stay and felt the listing matched their expectations. Reviews often mention clean spaces, friendly hosts, and smooth check-in processes.
I once stayed at a 4.7-star apartment in Miami; my host responded quickly to every question and even shared local restaurant tips that improved my trip.
A 4.7 star review means most people had an easy booking process and found few serious problems with the property or host. The difference between a 4-star review and a 5-star rating may come down to small details like softer towels or faster Wi-Fi instead of major issues.
Guests tend to give good reviews when listings meet descriptions on the Airbnb platform, especially in popular travel spots where occupancy rate stays high due to positive feedback from past travelers.
Competitive pricing compared to 5-star listings
A 4.7 listing often costs less than a 5-star option. Guests can save money while still enjoying quality stays. This competitive pricing attracts travelers who seek good experiences without overspending.
Many popular destinations offer these listings, making them more accessible.
Travelers appreciate that they might receive superb service and amenities at a lower price point. Even though guests gave some of these places a rating of 4 stars, they still report positive experiences.
Budget-conscious visitors can feel assured booking affordable options like this one on Airbnb.
Good availability in popular locations
A 4.7 listing often has good availability in popular locations. These properties attract many travelers due to prime spots and convenience. Guests appreciate that they can find a place near attractions, beaches, or city centers without needing to pay top dollar like for 5-star listings.
Popular areas often fill up quickly, but a 4.7 rating gives flexibility with bookings. Travelers may discover hidden gems in these listings while enjoying competitive pricing too. This balance makes it easier for guests looking for an enjoyable experience without breaking the bank on premium options.
Cons of Booking a 4. 7 Listing on Airbnb
Booking a 4.7 listing on Airbnb may lead to minor cleanliness issues or service hiccups. Guests sometimes encounter experiences that vary from what they expect, creating uncertainty in their stay.
Potential for minor issues in cleanliness or service
Guests might encounter minor issues with cleanliness or service at a 4.7 Airbnb listing. Many hosts work hard to maintain their properties, yet some details can slip through the cracks.
For instance, a guest gave a review mentioning that they found dust on some surfaces upon arrival. Such small annoyances may happen in places where high standards are expected.
Service inconsistencies can also arise at listings with this rating. A 4-star review might mention that response times from the host vary greatly between guests. One visitor experienced quick replies, while another waited hours for assistance.
These types of reviews indicate potential risks for travelers who value flawless service during their stay.
Risk of inconsistent experiences
A 4.7 listing may come with a risk of inconsistent experiences. Some guests find minor issues with cleanliness or service at these properties. One traveler mentioned they had a great stay, but the next guest reported problems with maintenance.
This variability can affect the overall experience for new guests.
Expectations can also differ among visitors. While some might overlook small flaws, others could be more critical, especially if they hoped for a five-star experience. Ratings reflect various guest opinions; thus, a four-star review doesn't guarantee satisfaction for every traveler who books that property.
How to Evaluate a 4. 7 Listing Before Booking
Before you book, read the guest reviews closely. Check for any recent updates or improvements made by the host to get a clearer picture.
Read guest reviews thoroughly
Reading guest reviews offers valuable insights. Guests often share their experiences with a 4.7 listing. A review may highlight issues that a host can fix, like cleanliness or service quality, affecting your stay.
Pay attention to trends in the feedback. If multiple guests mention similar concerns, it could signal potential problems.
Look for positive comments too; they show what others liked about their stays. A good number of reviews boosts confidence in the listing's overall rating as well—more than just one person's opinion matters here.
Consider both star ratings and written feedback to guide your decision on booking a 4-star review property or aiming for something higher, like a 5-star rating from the Airbnb community.
Check for recent updates or improvements by the host
Hosts often make changes to their listings. Check the listing for recent updates or improvements. Look for mentions of renovations or new amenities. Hosts might add photos that show upgrades or enhancements.
I stayed at a 4.7 listing where the host recently updated decor and appliances. These changes made my stay more comfortable and enjoyable. A good host will share any progress, so keep an eye out for these details in the description.
Small updates can indicate that hosts care about guest experiences and are eager to get 5-star reviews.
Assess photos and listing descriptions
Evaluate the photos and listing descriptions carefully. High-quality images often show what to expect during your stay. Look for clear, well-lit pictures that capture different areas of the property.
A thorough listing description highlights amenities, nearby attractions, and any special features.
Read details about cleanliness and maintenance in the text. Listings with a 4-star rating might have some minor issues. Check guest reviews for mentions of problems like outdated furnishings or inconsistent service.
These insights help you make an informed decision before booking your stay.
Conclusion
Booking a 4.7 listing on Airbnb can be a smart choice. Guests often have positive experiences with these listings. They usually cost less than 5-star options but still offer comfort and convenience.
Just pay attention to reviews and recent updates from hosts. A 4.7 rating might give you the perfect balance of quality and value for your stay.
FAQs
1. How do Airbnb ratings work for listings with a 4.7 score?
A 4.7 rating means most guests gave the property high marks, but not all reviews were perfect. Some travelers may have left a 4 star review or even a negative rating.
2. Is booking an Airbnb with less than a 5 star rating risky?
Booking a listing rated below five stars, like one at 4.7 or even 4 stars overall, does not mean it is bad. The review system allows different ratings from each guest based on their experience.
3. What should I consider before choosing a place with a first 4 star review?
Check how many total reviews exist and read what past guests think about the stay; some people rate harshly and give you a four for small reasons that others would ignore.
4. Can hosts get removed from the platform if they receive too many low ratings?
If hosts often get negative ratings such as repeated three star or poor response rates, their listing could be removed from the platform to help guests find better options.
5. How can I ensure I get great value when booking an Airbnb with less than five stars?
Follow these five tips: Read recent reviews closely; look for consistent feedback; check if any issues repeat; see how hosts respond to problems; compare similar properties so your decision to stay meets your needs as both traveler and reviewer seeking value in every rating you see.
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