Guest reviews are more than just feedback—they’re a powerful tool that can make or break your business. Whether you run a boutique hotel or a cozy restaurant, reviews shape how potential customers view your establishment. Positive reviews not only boost your reputation but also help you stand out in a crowded market.
But here’s the thing: many satisfied guests won’t leave a review unless you ask. That’s where a well-timed, thoughtful request can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll explore ten simple and effective ways to ask for reviews. Whether you’re looking to increase your ratings on Google, TripAdvisor, or Yelp, these tips will help you build trust with your customers and strengthen your online presence.
Why Ask for Reviews?
Reviews aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for any hotel or restaurant looking to grow. Today’s guests rely heavily on what others say before booking a room or reserving a table. In fact, studies show that most people won’t even consider a place without checking out its reviews.
But there’s more to it than just boosting your credibility. Reviews directly impact your search rankings, helping your business reach higher on platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, and even booking sites. The more positive reviews you have, the more visible and attractive your property becomes to potential guests.
Plus, asking for reviews shows you care about your customers’ experiences. It opens the door for valuable feedback, allowing you to improve and grow. And let’s not forget—the more reviews you have, the more opportunities you get to show off your exceptional service.
So, why not make asking for them a part of your routine?
The 10 Best Ways to Ask for Reviews
Now that we’ve covered why reviews are so important, let’s get into the practical side of things. Asking for reviews doesn’t have to be complicated, but the way you do it can make all the difference.
Here are ten simple, effective ways to request reviews from your guests without coming across as too intrusive.
1. Ask at the Right Time
In hospitality, timing is everything. The ideal moment to request a review is when guests are satisfied with their experience—either during checkout or soon after their stay.
Reaching out while their positive experience is still fresh increases the chances of receiving a glowing review.
2. Personalize Your Request
A personal touch goes a long way. When requesting a review, address your guest by name and mention a specific detail from their stay, such as a room upgrade or a service they enjoyed.
This adds a thoughtful, personalized touch, making the request feel less generic and more likely to prompt a response.
3. Train Your Staff to Ask
Your staff plays a key role in building guest relationships, so they’re perfectly placed to ask for reviews. Train them to make polite, friendly requests during checkout or while guests are waiting for their cab.
A simple “We hope you enjoyed your stay. We’d love it if you could share your experience online” can be very effective without feeling forced.
4. Use Email Follow-Ups
Sending a follow-up email after a guest’s stay is a great way to remind them to leave a review.
Keep the email short and personal, with a clear call-to-action and a direct link to your review platform (Google, TripAdvisor, etc.). The easier you make it, the more likely they’ll follow through.
5. Leverage Your Website and Social Media
Your website and social media are powerful tools for collecting reviews. Add a review request on your booking confirmation or checkout page, and use your social media channels to subtly encourage feedback. For example, a simple “We’d love to hear about your stay!” with a link to your review page can do wonders.
6. Offer Incentives
Offering a small incentive can give guests an extra nudge to leave a review. You can provide something like a discount on their next stay, a free drink at the bar, or a complimentary spa service.
Just make sure you’re ethically offering the incentive—encourage reviews for all experiences, not just positive ones.
7. Utilize SMS and WhatsApp
Many guests favor fast and simple communication, making SMS or WhatsApp ideal channels.
A polite message sent after their stay with a direct link to your review page makes leaving feedback effortless. Guests are more likely to respond when it’s just a tap away.
8. Place QR Codes in Your Hotel
Placing QR codes in convenient locations—like on the key card holder, at the front desk, or in the room—can make it super easy for guests to leave a review.
With just a scan, they’ll be directed to your review platform. It’s a simple, modern way to gather feedback without being intrusive.
9. Post-Stay Surveys
Send a short post-stay survey to guests through email or SMS to gather their feedback. At the end of the survey, include a prompt encouraging them to leave a public review on platforms like TripAdvisor or Google.
This approach allows you to gather useful insights for internal use while also promoting public reviews.
10. Loyalty Program Incentives
If you have a loyalty program, consider offering points or exclusive perks in return for a review. Guests who are already engaged with your brand are more likely to leave feedback when rewarded for their time.
By incorporating these strategies into your hotel’s routine, you can encourage more guest reviews in a natural and engaging way. Keep in mind that the aim is to make the process easy, convenient, and pleasant for your guests.
Best Practices
When asking for reviews, ensure the process feels natural and unobtrusive for your guests. Start by keeping your requests polite and respectful, whether in person or via digital channels like email or SMS.
It’s important to make the process simple, offering easy-to-follow steps or direct links to review platforms so guests can leave feedback without any hassle.
While it’s natural to hope for positive reviews, don’t focus solely on them. Encouraging all kinds of feedback—whether positive, neutral, or critical—demonstrates transparency and a commitment to improve, which builds trust with guests.
Another essential practice is to ensure you’re not overwhelming guests with multiple requests. One well-timed and considerate follow-up is often enough.
And finally, responding to reviews, especially negative ones, with a thoughtful, professional reply reflects well on your hotel and shows you truly value guest experiences.
Conclusion
Collecting guest reviews is essential to maintain a strong reputation and gain valuable insights for guest satisfaction.
By thoughtfully incorporating review requests into the guest journey, you create opportunities for genuine feedback that can help drive your hotel’s success. The key lies in striking the right balance—making it easy for guests to share their experiences without feeling pressured.
Start incorporating these practices today and watch your hotel’s reputation flourish, one review at a time. 🙂
