Hi faheem,
To clarify, I do seek and want reviews…I don’t “need” them but I do want them; that is, provided they are 5-star ones. [grin]
I do have a lot of excellent reviews, nearly 70 five-star and 3(?) four-star; nothing lower. Many travelers mention in their inquiry that the reviews tipped the scale for them in choosing my rental, so for me I cannot discount the importance of reviews.
Having so many reviews is ridiculous because we all know travelers don’t read much and they may scan only the first few. But the number is impressive and the more recent the review, the more weight it carries.
After a guest departs, I snail mail a handwritten (handmade) thank-you card and include a short blurb requesting a review of their stay if they are so inclined. It’s a one-time only request and if they choose not to submit one, that’s okay by me. I am sure that if I sat on my hands, I wouldn’t have received but a handful of reviews.
l do share every review with the housecleaner because it keeps her on her toes (I must have a toe fetish) and she is really the backbone of the success of my rental.
What I was saying in this thread is that I am not a fan of asking guests for their opinions and suggestions on how I can improve my rental to give them an optimum experience. Phooey on that. I’m not a masochist and I’m much too sensitive to criticism. My policy is more towards, you don’t like what you see? Then get outta’ my store. (ha!)
To be fair, when I first started self-managing my rental, I did ask feedback from guests for improvements, etc., so I do understand when one is a newbie. But with time, one gains confidence and the fawning and bowing and scraping and wringing of hands are thrown to the side with vigor.
According to many owners, todays’ guests have changed. The polite and grateful guest is more of a rarity and current-day guests have taken on an air of entitlement and power. I call it the new breed of the “monster guest”. I am doing my part by not contributing to the proliferation of the monster guest and am not relinquishing any power or soliciting input on how I run my rental.
(Note to self: Do not check computer when getting up for a drink of water.)