Hotel guest reviews are essential to building trust, boosting visibility, and driving bookings. Discover the best review platforms and proven strategies to encourage guests to share five-star feedback for your hotel.
Key Takeaways
- Hotel guest reviews are essential for building trust, boosting visibility, and attracting more guests.
- Focusing on top review sites helps maximize exposure and credibility.
- Delivering exceptional service and strategically requesting feedback can lead to more positive reviews.
When guests rate their stay, they’re eager to share their experiences, making it essential to direct that feedback to the right platforms. Positive hotel guest reviews are a powerful tool for attracting new guests and increasing visibility. For travelers, reviews build trust and help narrow down choices as a key decision-making factor. By encouraging feedback and delivering a memorable experience, hotels can create a strong and positive online presence that sets them apart.
Let’s dive into why reviews are so impactful, explore the best ways to gather them, and highlight which review sites to focus on for maximum impact.
Why Reviews Matter for Hotels
Online reviews are critical in today’s digital landscape. Not only do they build credibility, but they also act as social proof for potential guests. Positive reviews can draw in new guests, improve your search engine rankings, and create a lasting impression on travelers. A consistent collection of strong reviews helps position your hotel as a trusted choice, increasing the likelihood that potential guests will pick your property over others.
Best Hotel Review Websites to Focus On
Each platform offers unique features and attracts different types of audiences for hotel guest reviews.
1. Google Reviews
Google Reviews are indispensable for visibility. Reviews on Google significantly impact your search ranking and determine how your hotel appears on Google Maps, which is often where travelers begin their hotel search. A well-maintained Google profile with updated information and quality images attracts potential guests and helps you stand out in search results.
Tip: Make it easy for guests to leave Google reviews by sharing a direct link in your post-stay messages. Even a short message with a thank-you note and a review request can prompt them to share their feedback.
2. Tripadvisor
As one of the largest travel review platforms, Tripadvisor remains a popular go-to for potential guests looking for recommendations. Its community-driven focus means millions of travelers rely on Tripadvisor reviews to choose accommodations. The site’s vast audience provides your hotel with plenty of exposure to potential guests actively seeking trusted advice and feedback.
Tip: Keep your Tripadvisor profile updated with recent photos, amenities, and accurate descriptions. Encourage guests to share their experiences on Tripadvisor by mentioning the site when you follow up after their stay.
3. Booking.com
Booking.com is a trusted platform for many travelers, and its reviews have strong credibility because they’re verified by actual guests. Many travelers book their accommodations directly through Booking.com, making it a valuable platform for gathering feedback. Positive reviews on Booking.com can make your hotel more appealing to new guests browsing the site.
Tip: After guests check out, send a follow-up message inviting them to leave a review on Booking.com. A quick thank-you message or a small reminder to share their thoughts can motivate satisfied guests to rate their experience.
4. Expedia and Hotels.com
Expedia and Hotels.com, both part of the Expedia Group, share reviews across a wide network, extending your hotel’s reach to travelers on multiple platforms. With a strong presence in North America, these platforms attract a broad audience, making them valuable for any hotel that works with their booking services.
Tip: Encourage guests who book through these sites to leave feedback. Mention these platforms during their stay, and follow up with a friendly reminder to share their experience after check-out.
5. Facebook
Facebook combines social interaction with the ability to leave reviews, creating a unique and engaging platform for guest feedback. With Facebook, reviews reach not only potential guests but also followers within their social network. Positive Facebook reviews help boost your brand’s visibility and credibility in a familiar social environment.
Tip: Use Facebook to encourage guests to share positive experiences by highlighting reviews and engaging with feedback. You can also post reminders after special events or promotions to prompt followers to leave a review.
Ready to improve your guest experience?
How to Get Great Reviews from Your Guests
Knowing where to get reviews is one step, but gathering five-star feedback requires a proactive approach. Here are some practical ways to inspire guests to share their experiences and leave rave reviews.
1. Provide Exceptional Service
A memorable experience is the foundation of every positive review. From a warm welcome at check-in to attentive service during the stay, every interaction leaves an impression on your guests. Aim to exceed expectations with gestures that go the extra mile, whether it’s a welcome gift, a handwritten note, or simply attentive service.
Example: Consider offering small welcome gifts or personalized notes to create a lasting memory for guests.
2. Ask for Feedback at the Right Time
Timing matters when it comes to requesting reviews. Instead of asking for feedback while guests are packing up, consider sending a friendly message after check-out. With platforms like DigitalGuest, you can automate post-stay messages, gently prompting guests to share their feedback without feeling pressured.
Example: Send a thank-you email with a direct link to review sites, letting guests know their opinions are valued.
3. Respond to Reviews—Both Positive and Negative
Engaging with guest feedback demonstrates that you genuinely care about each stay. Thanking guests for positive reviews is always appreciated, but it’s also essential to respond to constructive feedback. A thoughtful response to a negative review can often turn a disappointed guest into a loyal one by showing your commitment to improvement.
With the DigitalGuest feature – Guest Feedback, responding to guest reviews is easy. You can craft personalized responses to make each guest feel valued, or use pre-made templates for efficiency. Recognizing the power of positive online reviews, DigitalGuest has made it simple to amplify your positive feedback. When guests leave a favorable review, you can encourage them to share it on key platforms like Google and Tripadvisor, helping to boost your hotel’s online reputation.
Example: If a guest raises a concern, thank them for their honesty and explain how you’re addressing it. Personalized responses highlight your attention to detail and dedication.
4. Make It Easy to Leave a Review
The simpler it is for guests to leave a review, the more likely they are to do so. Use DigitalGuest to share direct links to popular review platforms in your follow-up messages. By providing quick access to review sites, you increase the chances of guests taking a moment to share their thoughts.
Example: Place a QR code on in-room materials or at the reception desk, allowing guests to scan and review instantly.
5. Use Positive Reviews as Social Proof
Leverage your best reviews as social proof to encourage future bookings. Highlight glowing reviews on your website, social media pages, and other marketing materials to show potential guests what they can expect. Positive testimonials from satisfied guests create a powerful message about the quality of your hotel.
Example: Feature a “Guest Reviews” section on your homepage or add a highlight on your Instagram page dedicated to testimonials.
6. Learn from Reviews to Improve
Reviews provide valuable insights into what guests appreciate most and where there’s room for improvement. Regularly review feedback on each platform to identify common themes and adjust your service based on what guests are saying. Consistently adapting and improving based on guest feedback creates a better experience for future visitors.
Example: Use recurring feedback to guide team training, adjusting your approach to address frequent comments or requests from guests.
Conclusion: Building a Positive Feedback Cycle
Guest reviews are a reflection of the experiences your hotel provides. Focusing on service, timing, and follow-up can help you gather strong hotel guest reviews on top platforms and establish your hotel as a trusted choice. Each review provides an opportunity to connect with guests, learn from their feedback, and elevate your service. With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to building a positive feedback loop that enhances your reputation and attracts more guests.
Ready to take your guest experience to the next level? Book a free demo with DigitalGuest to see how our platform can help you engage with guests, encourage positive reviews, and create memorable stays.
