TLDR: Getting more hotel reviews is about more than just asking at checkout, it’s about weaving feedback opportunities into the guest experience. In this guide, we explore strategies that work for hotels of any size, from boutique inns to large resorts. You’ll learn how to use personalized follow-ups, in-room QR codes, and loyalty perks to encourage guests to share their experiences. We’ll cover timing, tone, and platform strategy, why Yelp matters more for iOS users, why Google is dominant for Android and desktop, and how to balance both. You’ll also see how to run small incentives, build review walls, and train staff to naturally invite feedback without it feeling scripted. The goal is to make leaving a review an easy, natural extension of a guest’s stay, while also capturing private feedback first to resolve any issues. Tools like VisibleFeedback help by routing happy guests to public reviews and addressing problems before they become public. Implementing these steps consistently will not only increase review volume but improve your ratings across platforms.

How Hotels Can Get More Reviews

Why Reviews Are Your Hotel’s Lifeblood

For hotels, reviews aren’t just vanity metrics, they’re one of the most influential factors in booking decisions. Potential guests rely on the experiences of others, and a single bad or glowing review can tip the scales. The trick is not just to get reviews, but to get them consistently and across all major platforms. Google dominates desktop and Android searches, while Yelp is heavily integrated into iOS devices via Apple Maps. If your scores are lopsided, you could be losing a whole segment of travelers.

1. Timing Is Everything

The best time to ask for a review is when the guest is still feeling positive about their stay. That could be after a great breakfast, a smooth check-out, or a personal touch from staff. Waiting too long risks losing momentum, while asking too early might mean they haven’t experienced the best of your hospitality yet.

2. In-Room QR Codes

Placing a small, well-designed card or placard with a QR code in each room makes leaving a review effortless. This can link directly to a private feedback tool like VisibleFeedback, which then routes happy guests to public review sites and keeps unhappy ones in a private loop for resolution.

3. Personalized Follow-Up Emails

A generic “Please review us” email is easy to ignore. Instead, reference their specific stay, mention the room type, the reason for their visit (if known), or a highlight you noticed. A personal touch makes the request feel genuine.

4. Incentivize Without Buying Reviews

While you can’t (and shouldn’t) pay for positive reviews, you can incentivize participation. For example:

• Monthly drawings for a free night’s stay
• Complimentary drink vouchers for completing a review
• Bonus loyalty points

5. Train Your Staff to Invite Feedback Naturally

Front desk and concierge teams can be trained to recognize satisfied guests and extend a friendly review invitation. This should never feel scripted, it should sound like part of the conversation.

6. Use Multiple Platforms

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Ensure you’re building reviews on Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and any niche travel platforms relevant to your area. This broad approach captures different audiences.

7. Build a ‘Review Wall’

Showcasing glowing reviews in your lobby or on your website not only celebrates happy guests but also reinforces the value of leaving feedback. People love seeing their words displayed, it makes them more likely to participate.

8. Capture Feedback Before Checkout

Even the happiest guest might have had a small hiccup during their stay. Use tools like VisibleFeedback to collect real-time private feedback, giving you a chance to address any issues before they appear online.

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9. Leverage Social Media Highlights

With guest permission, feature snippets of their reviews in Instagram stories or Facebook posts. Tagging them adds a personal touch and increases the likelihood of shares.

10. Seasonal Campaigns

Tie review requests into seasonal events, like summer getaway promotions or holiday packages, so guests feel part of something timely and special.