Cool Vacation Rentals

Striving for Excellence: Understanding Airbnb Ratings and the Pursuit of 5 Stars

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When it comes to planning a memorable trip, finding the perfect Airbnb accommodation is often a top priority. To make informed decisions, guests rely on the valuable feedback provided by fellow travelers through Airbnb ratings. But have you ever wondered what those stars truly represent? In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between 4 and 5-star ratings, shedding light on the criteria that contribute to the overall rating. Our goal is to educate both guests and hosts about the importance of aiming for the coveted 5-star experience, and what it takes to achieve it.

The Significance of Airbnb Ratings

Airbnb ratings are the lifeblood of the platform. They not only guide guests toward exceptional stays, but also serve as a valuable feedback mechanism for hosts. The ratings are based on several factors, including cleanliness, accuracy of listing descriptions, communication, check-in, and overall experience. Let’s delve into why every star matters and why we believe that 5 stars should always be the goal.

4 stars: You Failed. Remove from Platform

Whaaat? While a 4-star rating may sound decent, in the context of Airbnb, it’s a signal that this listing fell short of expectations. It’s important to note that a 4-star rating can negatively impact a host’s overall standing on the platform, and too many 4 star ratings are grounds for removal. Here’s what it typically signifies:

  1. Good, but Not Great: A 4-star rating suggests that the experience was satisfactory, but there was room for improvement. It might mean the cleanliness was unacceptable, or that the communication was lacking.
  2. Unmet Expectations: For guests, a 4-star rating could imply that certain aspects of their stay didn’t match the listing’s description, were misrepresented, or the level of service anticipated was not met.
  3. Missed Opportunities: Hosts should view 4 stars as a missed opportunity to provide an outstanding experience that could have garnered a 5-star rating.

The Pursuit of 5 Stars: What It Entails

As Airbnb hosts, our ultimate goal is to deliver a 5-star experience to our guests. Here’s what we commit to ensuring when you stay at our property:

  1. Impeccable Cleanliness: Our cleaning standards are rigorous. We guarantee that our property is not just clean but immaculate, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all guests.
  2. Accurate Descriptions: We take great care in describing our property accurately, including all amenities and features, to manage expectations transparently.
  3. Prompt Communication: We understand the value of clear and timely communication. Whether it’s answering questions before arrival or assisting during the stay, we’re here for you.
  4. Smooth Check-in: We strive to make your arrival seamless, providing smart locks on all properties, along with detailed check in instructions. This ensures you have all the information and access you need.
  5. Personalized Experience: We go the extra mile to make your stay special. Whether it’s providing local recommendations, robust guidebooks, accommodating special requests, or offering thoughtful touches, your comfort and satisfaction are our priorities.

The Consequence of Sub-4.5 Ratings

It’s crucial to know that Airbnb sets high standards for hosts. If a host consistently receives an average rating below 4.5 stars, their listing may be at risk of removal from the platform. This underscores the importance of delivering top-notch service every time.

Superhost on AirBnB

In the world of Airbnb, the difference between 4 and 5 stars is passing vs failing. A 4-star rating suggests that while the lodging was satisfactory, this was a ho-hum experience. As hosts, we are committed to delivering 5-star experiences, consistently aiming for excellence in cleanliness, accuracy, communication, check-in, and overall guest satisfaction. Our goal is not just to meet expectations but to exceed them, ensuring your stay is truly exceptional. We often achieve Superhost status, which means ‘we go above & beyond to provide excellent hospitality‘. You can identify a Superhost by looking for the badge beneath the name on the host’s profile. We invite you to experience the Flower Den Retreats difference and join us on a journey of memorable accommodations and outstanding hospitality.

Remember, when you choose 5 stars, you’re choosing excellence, and that’s what we’re here to provide!

– Daniel, Angie, & the Flower Den tribe

Cool Vacation Rentals

Historical Vacation Rental in Toledo

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There’s so much to discover in Toledo – scenic lakes & rivers, scrumptious restaurants, history, culture…and now there’s a perfect setting: Flower Den Retreat’s latest offering, a stately historic mansion built in 1912! Centrally located in acclaimed Old West End, and freshly permitted as a vacation rental for the first time ever, this is definitely no ordinary place to sleep. The duplex has a rich history that dates pre-roaring 20’s, and it’s been the site of many memories, events, and happenings over the years.

The Perfect Toledo, Ohio Getaway

Traveling to Toledo, and afraid it will be boring? It won’t be! Let us spice things up for you with this beautiful timepiece property that will make you exclaim ‘WOW!’ when you pull up, and feel like you’ve stepped back in history with it’s hand picked one of a kind furnishings reminiscent of the early 1900’s.

Work Remote from Toledo

Are you a workcation type of person? More productive from different environments? We’ve got the fastest internet available and provide an inspiring space for you to get creative. Two dedicated working spaces – the antique desk in the front lounge or my personal favorite – the back window room! Toledo has a slogan ‘You’ll do better in Toledo’ – do you want to come and test it out?! Finish your work day early and take a stroll of breathtaking Old West End to nearby Agnes Jackson Arboretum.

Where to Stay in Toledo OH

This historic AirBnB is the perfect place to stay while you’re exploring all that Toledo has to offer. Do you travel for yearly conferences, events, and festivals that take place in Toledo, like:

Toledo Ohio annual Winter events

  • Old West End Tours de Noel
  • Lights at Toledo Zoo
  • Perrysburg Winterfest

Toledo Things to do in Fall

  • Susan G Komen walk
  • Black Swamp Arts festival
  • Toledo Zoo pumpkin patch
  • Walleye opening day

Toledo OH Spring happenings

Toledo Summer events

The Toledo Museum of Art

The Toledo Museum of Art is our must-visit favorite place while you’re in town. It’s home to a world-renowned collection of art, from ancient to modern pieces. You’ll find pieces from masters like Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Picasso, as well as contemporary artists like Warhol and Rothko.

The museum is also home to the Glass Pavilion, which is one of the COOLEST most architecturally impressive buildings in the city. The pavilion houses a permanent collection of glass art, as well as rotating exhibitions. You can see people blowing glass in real time… which you know we already love to do in our private glass studio AirBnB in Southern California!

If you’re into art, you’ll love coupling a stay at our historical home with the Toledo Museum of Art. Fun fact: our columns were inspired by the museum and the original owner Gustav Lay was an early contributor and member. Our pieces aren’t as great as the museum, but we picked each picture with care and consideration. The museum…now that’s a collection! It’s one of the best art museums in the country, and best of all, admission is FREE 🙂

It’s easy and affordable to book this historical Northeast Ohio vacation rental duplex. You’ll have access to the entire top level – over 1750 sq ft! Just follow this link to book your stay, or fill out the form below to make an inquiry.

Cool Vacation Rentals

RV Retreat – 16 ft Airstream Basecamp is now available for rentals

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Are you interested in the RV lifestyle? Have you heard of a Basecamp but never used one? If so, then we’re inviting you to try out our 16 ft Basecamp – now available for rentals in gorgeous Utah!

We traveled the country in 2021 in this cutie, and love how it fits pretty much anywhere. Here’s a pic from one of our favorite tiny lakeside spots along the upper peninsula of Michigan. Staying right on Lake Superior was absolutely fabulous, but it was a little tough to get back there…so…we recently added a lift kit and offroad tires for even more exploring.

Welcome to your RV Retreat – 16 ft Basecamp – a wanderlust’s traveling home in the wilderness.

Airstream Basecamp originally launched in 2007 and its redesign in 2017 became one of the most celebrated travel trailers in our towable lineup,” said Bob Wheeler CEO and President of Airstream. It was created for those who want to get out and explore nature in an easy-to-use, durable, and efficient vehicle.

Built by hand in Jackson Center, Ohio, USA by hundreds of talented craftspeople, each Airstream travel trailer is well thought out and takes approximately 350 hours to build.

Even though Basecamps are the smallest airstream out there, they pack a mighty punch! You’ve got

  • Air conditioning
  • Fans
  • Heater
  • Water heater
  • Solar
  • Queen sized bed
  • Kitchen that includes mini fridge, microwave, and 2 propane burners.
  • YES, there’s a bathroom
  • Plus a shower, with a pass through showerhead if you’d like to wash the pup outside, or shower amidst the wilderness. (This is a must try at least once in your life 😉

Come enjoy this new addition to our rental fleet – it’s the perfect RV for couples or solo travelers who are active outdoors and love camping out in style! Be prepared for everyone to ask you about the Basecamp at the gas station, and watch people pointing as you drive by, LOL.

We believe affordable accommodations on the go are the reason why so many people choose to live a remote lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for temporary housing while you’re working on your septic system, or want to take a tour to Moab, UT, now is a good time to get away. Currently, the RV is located in Helper, UT, and we offer options to deliver locally, to the following locations; or, you can come pick it up:

If you’d like to rent the RV just click this link. If you have any questions about our travels, please leave them in the comments below. We love hearing from folks who are interested in RVing. We hope you enjoyed this post and stop back for more!

Cool Vacation Rentals

Smitten over Stillwater & The Commander Grain Elevator

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Just….WOW! Sometimes this career path is so cool because we get exclusive access to vacation rentals & amazing new listings before anyone else. This was the case with some dear clients in Stillwater, Minnesota; Sally & Bill, who recently put the iconic Commander Grain elevator up for short term rentals on AirBnB. It was an honor & a pleasure they asked for our tips & feedback! 

Stillwater has such a fun downtown with tons of live music, libations, & energy. I was impressed by all the rooftop decks and restaurants with views of the Saint Croix River. Take an adorable trolley or a riverboat cruise, or opt for the trail loop over the river and through the woods into Wisconsin. There’s tons to do and see.

The property itself is unforgettable. Not only is it the focal point of Stillwater’s downtown, it’s a cornerstone of its history. Enter to the sweet smells of grain wafting through the air, and step up into the innovations of Sally’s father, architect Michael McGuire. He kept the charm and original wood walls of the grain silos, yet completely renovated the space for modern day living. The grain elevator was formerly his office, where he designed thoughtful living spaces for thousands.

Local art adorns the walls and the coffee table, and the design is both compelling & comfortable. The space is perfect for a weekend with friends or family offering 2 bedrooms and an upstairs outdoor deck, complete with views of the downtown, famous Stillwater lift bridge, and Saint Croix river. It was great to hear live music from the private deck, and bonus that both bedrooms have river views, too!

We walked to a spectacular dinner at Feller restaurant in the Lora Hotel, which is formerly a brewery. Daniel had a banana nut bread old-fashioned, and had to go back for more, LoL. Bill arranged an exclusive tour for us of the caves the brewery used to store the beer in (yes, caves!) and I officially fell in love with this town. Plus there’s Matt’s Basement coffee shop & tea lounge right below the rental – so quick & easy. Make sure to take a stroll & support the local restaurants & shops!

We didn’t get to experience Stillwater’s kayaking or the beaches this time, but we’ll surely be back to this historical gem again.