Leaving Reviews for STR owners

[Kyle McVay]

We are LTR folks and we recently stayed at an STR in Austin, TX on a getaway. The pictures of the STR were deceptive and the house was dirty (we found dip, a used pregnancy test on the floor by bathroom trashcan, floors weren't mopped, things ripped off the wall, no hot water in the kitchen sink). I'm not sure if we should leave a bad review or if I should just contact the guy and tell him or just focus on the positive?

 He has other bad reviews mixed with reviews that focused on only the good things like the amazing view and the awesome million dollar homes in the neighborhood. 

The other thing I thought about is he is giving STR's a bad name because the place in unkempt and it is literally surrounded by GORGEOUS multimillion dollar homes.

How badly do bad reviews effect an STR?

[Bruce Woodruff]

I would leave a bad review. No need to contact the owner first (IMHO). It is ultimately on them, whether they are self-managing or they hired the PM company.

There is zero excuse for you having to stay in a dirty gross place and starting your vacation off on a bad note. A few bad reviews and whoever is in charge will wake up.

It won't hurt the host too much...they should have dozens, if not more, decent reviews so a bad review won't lower the average that much...