Among Airbnb’s many features, one has recently taken the spotlight—and it’s one every host should be aware of: the Guest Favourite Badge. If you haven’t noticed it on your listing yet, now’s the perfect time to take a look. You might already have it!
This badge isn’t just decorative. It can influence your listing’s visibility, attract more bookings, and even redefine your hosting goals. So, what exactly is it—and how can you earn it?
What Is the Guest Favourite Badge?
The Guest Favourite Badge is Airbnb’s way of recognising homes that guests truly love. Rather than being awarded solely by Airbnb staff or algorithms, it’s grounded in real guest experiences. Drawing on hundreds of millions of reviews, ratings, and data points related to guest satisfaction and reliability, Airbnb assesses listings daily to identify those that consistently deliver outstanding stays.
Today, more than two million listings worldwide have earned this special badge—making it a trusted symbol of quality for travellers. There are two types of Guest Favourite badges: a white badge and a gold badge. Homes with the gold badge represent the top 10% of listings, based on exceptional ratings, glowing reviews, and proven reliability.
While plenty of Kahuana homes have earned the Guest Favourite badge, we’re especially proud that Loulou Beach House Elegance has been awarded the prestigious gold badge—placing it among the 10% most loved homes on Airbnb.
Why This Badge Matters
When guests are browsing Airbnb, listings with the Guest Favourite Badge stand out—literally. These properties often appear higher in search results, and guests can even filter their searches to show only “Guest Favourites.”
In many ways, this new badge is starting to take the spotlight from the longstanding Superhost title. While Superhost status still holds value, the Guest Favourite Badge offers a more direct reflection of consistent, real-time guest satisfaction.
What Does It Take to Become a Guest Favourite?
Unlike some awards, the Guest Favourite Badge can’t be applied for—it’s earned. Airbnb’s system continually monitors listings to assess their eligibility, based on guest experiences and how reliably the property performs.
To be considered, your listing must meet the following criteria:
✔ A minimum of five guest reviews
✔ An average rating of 4.9 stars or higher
✔ High scores for:
o Smooth check-in process
o Cleanliness
o Accuracy of listing description
o Communication
o Location
o Value for money
✔ Fewer than 1% of bookings cancelled by the host
✔ No recent complaints relating to quality or reliability
A Shift in Airbnb’s Strategy?
The introduction of the Guest Favourite Badge signals a strategic shift in how Airbnb highlights top tier stays. With growing competition in the short-term rental market and increased guest expectations around value, Airbnb is using this guest-driven badge to inspire higher service standards—without enforcing price caps.
In essence, this badge creates friendly competition among hosts. To earn or keep it, you need glowing reviews, and to get those, you need to deliver memorable guest experiences at competitive prices.
The result?
✔ Happier guests
✔ More visibility for hosts
✔ Greater potential for bookings
Tips to Boost Your Badge Potential
If you’re aiming to earn (or maintain) the Guest Favourite Badge, here are a few ways to help set your listing apart:
• Review your pricing strategy: Especially for newer listings, competitive pricing can help generate early momentum with positive reviews.
• Focus on the experience: Guests consistently reward great communication, a spotless space, accurate listings, and a smooth check-in process.
• Encourage feedback: A gentle reminder to leave a review—combined with thoughtful touches during a guest’s stay—can lead to high-scoring feedback.
The Bottom Line
The Guest Favourite Badge isn’t just a shiny icon—it’s a powerful signal that tells the world your property consistently delivers. In a competitive landscape where every edge counts, this recognition can make a real difference in attracting bookings and building guest trust.
So go ahead—check your listing. You might already be a Guest Favourite. And if not, now’s the perfect time to start working towards it. At Kahuana, we’re here to help you get there—from styling and guest-ready setups to delivering the kind of hospitality that earns glowing reviews. Let’s make your home one of the most loved on Airbnb.
