We Asked 100 Airbnb Guests What Annoyed Them the Most — Here’s What They Said

When you manage more than 50 Airbnb listings across Kavala, Nea Peramos, and Nea Iraklitsa, you hear a lot — from glowing reviews to honest frustrations. At Planbnb, we take every piece of feedback seriously. So we decided to go a step further: we directly asked 100 guests what had annoyed them most during Airbnb stays — both at our homes and elsewhere in Greece or abroad.

The answers didn’t just reveal what guests want. They gave us the roadmap to delivering 5-star experiences every time.

Let’s break down what they told us — and how we used that feedback to improve.

1. “Check-in instructions were unclear or stressful”

Even in the era of digital locks, many guests still struggle to find keys, parking spots, or understand how to get inside. For travelers arriving late or after a long journey, this is a make-or-break moment.

At Planbnb, we reworked every single check-in message across all listings. We now include video tutorials, Google Maps pins, parking details, and even local landmarks. Guests know exactly what to expect, even if they arrive at midnight. And for those who prefer it, we offer a personal check-in service — especially useful for older travelers or families.

2. “The place didn’t feel properly clean”

This was the most emotional complaint — even minor cleanliness issues quickly snowball into bad reviews. Guests want the home to feel fresh and untouched when they walk in.

That’s why we created our Planbnb Cleaning System. It includes multi-point checklists, post-clean inspections, and professional linen service. We even leave a small “cleaned and inspected” tag in every home, so guests feel confident from the first moment. The result? Fewer complaints, more glowing reviews.

3. “Wi-Fi was too slow — or didn’t work at all”

In 2025, slow internet is unacceptable, especially for remote workers and digital nomads. Several guests mentioned that listings had poor coverage or outdated routers.

So we upgraded. All Planbnb properties now have fast, stable Wi-Fi with signal repeaters where necessary. We test every router regularly and clearly state the internet speed in each listing. In high-demand homes, we even provide mesh Wi-Fi or backup routers.

4. “The beds were uncomfortable”

More than 40% of guests mentioned issues with mattresses — either too old, too soft, or too noisy. A bad night’s sleep guarantees a bad review, no matter how stunning the sea view is.

In the past year, we replaced dozens of mattresses across our listings with high-quality orthopedic models. We also added memory foam mattress toppers in homes that weren’t due for a full upgrade yet. And we never hide behind “it’s a personal preference” — we test every bed ourselves.

5. “The photos were misleading”

Some guests felt the place looked different — smaller, darker, or older — than it did online. This erodes trust and causes disappointment, even before they unpack.

As Airbnb managers in Kavala, we decided to invest in new photography for every single listing. Our professional shoots now use natural light, accurate angles, and include every room. We even show the surrounding area, so guests understand exactly what kind of experience they’re booking — whether it’s a beachfront maisonette or a cozy apartment near the old town.

6. “No local recommendations — we felt lost”

Travelers don’t want to feel like just another guest. They want local insight — where to eat, swim, walk, or find the best loukoumades. This was especially important for families and international guests.

We created a printed and digital Planbnb Guidebook, customized for each property. It includes hand-picked local tips from our team — the best seafood in Nea Peramos, quiet beaches near Palio Tsifliki, or hidden cafés in Kavala’s Panagia district. Every guest gets it upon arrival, and it’s also available online: www.planbnb.gr/local.

7. “There were too many rules — or none at all”

Guests want clarity, not chaos. Some complained about too many printed warnings around the house. Others said they had no idea what the rules were.

Our approach? Balanced communication. Each Planbnb property now includes a short, friendly House Manual with just the essentials: how to use the appliances, when to take out the trash, and who to call in case of issues. We keep it simple — and respectful. Guests feel informed, not policed.


What Happened Next

Since implementing these improvements, our guest satisfaction scores have gone up by 18%, and repeat bookings have nearly doubled. Properties with new mattresses and updated guidebooks see fewer cancellations and more 5-star reviews. In a competitive Airbnb market like Kavala and Nea Iraklitsa, these details matter.

At Planbnb, we don’t just manage listings. We manage experiences. And that starts by truly listening — not just to what guests say in reviews, but to what they really think.

If you’re a homeowner looking for a professional Airbnb manager in Kavala, we’d love to show you how we turn guest frustrations into 5-star solutions. Visit www.planbnb.gr to learn more.

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