In today’s travel world, especially with platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, guest reviews carry immense weight. For B&B hosts, a single negative review can feel devastating—not just to business, but emotionally too.

Take Rachel, a longtime B&B host in Cornwall, England. She’s run her seaside bed and breakfast for over six years, taking pride in clean rooms, cozy vibes, and a freshly prepared breakfast. But one summer, a review nearly broke her spirit.

A guest left a 2-star rating—not for cleanliness, food, or service, but because the seagulls were too loud at 5 AM.

Rachel was shocked. “What could I do about nature?” she asked. “I even provide earplugs in each room!” Still, the low rating dragged down her overall score and impacted bookings that season.

This kind of review stings because it’s out of the host’s control. Yet, it teaches a valuable lesson: managing expectations matters. Rachel now adds a note in her welcome message and listing description: “We’re lucky to be close to nature—expect the sounds of waves, wind, and yes, a few cheeky seagulls.”

The takeaway? Not all negative feedback is truly about the host. Sometimes it’s about mismatched expectations. Proactively sharing details—both charming and challenging—can go a long way toward earning five-star reviews.

So, if you’ve received an unfair B&B review, you’re not alone. The best defense is transparency, communication, and a touch of humor. And yes—keep offering those earplugs.