Ultimate Reviews Guide: Boost Your Ratings with 10 Smart Ways to Ask Guests for Feedback

Guest reviews do more than provide feedback — they wield a lot of influence when it comes to how your business is perceived. Be it a small hotel or restaurant, reviews will assist potential clients in deciding. Positive reviews help enhance credibility, attract more guests by showing the suite is a desirable place to stay and higher search rankings for Google, TripAdvisor and Yelp.

But guests who are satisfied rarely review unless prompted. That’s where an intentional, well-timed request can be so impactful. In this blog, we’ll outline ten straightforward and strategic ways to inspire guests to spread the word about what they’re experiencing.

Why Ask for Reviews?

Reviews are not something you like to have—they are needed for your growth. Much of that influence comes from the online word-of-mouth guests use before booking a room or making a reservation. The more good reviews you have, the more it helps your visibility and credibility. In addition, guest comments offer important information for ongoing enhancement.

10 Best Ways to Ask for Reviews:-

Here are ten practical and non-intrusive ways to request guest reviews.

1. Ask at the Right Time

Timing is crucial. The best time to request a review is when guests are satisfied—either during checkout or soon after their stay. This increases the chances of receiving a glowing review.

2. Personalize Your Request

Personalized requests have a better response rate. Address guests by name and mention a specific aspect of their stay, such as a room upgrade or an excellent dining experience. This adds a thoughtful touch and makes the request more compelling.

3. Train Your Staff to Ask

Your staff interacts with guests daily, making them ideal for requesting reviews. Train them to make polite, friendly requests during checkout or while guests wait for transportation. A simple, “We hope you enjoyed your stay. We’d love if you could share your experience online,” can be very effective.

4. Use Email Follow-Ups

A well-crafted follow-up email can remind guests to leave a review. Keep it short, friendly, and include a direct link to your review platform. Making the process easy increases participation.

5. Leverage Your Website and Social Media

Use your website and social media to request reviews subtly. Add a review link on your booking confirmation and checkout pages. Posting reminders like “We’d love to hear about your stay!” on social media can also encourage feedback.

6. Offer Incentives

Incentives, like discounts on future stays or free drinks, can motivate guests to leave reviews. Ensure that incentives are ethical and encourage honest feedback rather than just positive reviews.

7. Utilize SMS and WhatsApp

Since many guests prefer quick communication, sending a polite SMS or WhatsApp message with a direct review link makes it easy for them to leave feedback.

8. Place QR Codes in Your Hotel

Displaying QR codes in convenient spots—like on key card holders, at the front desk, or inside rooms—allows guests to scan and leave a review effortlessly.

9. Post-Stay Surveys

Send guests a short survey via email or SMS. At the end of the survey, include a prompt directing them to leave a public review. This approach gathers valuable insights while also increasing review numbers.

10. Loyalty Program Incentives

If you have a loyalty program, offer points or exclusive perks in exchange for a review. Guests who are already engaged with your brand are more likely to participate.

Also Read: Role of Personality Development and Staff Training

Best Practices:-

• Keep review requests polite and unobtrusive.
• Provide easy-to-follow steps and direct links to review platforms.
• Encourage all types of feedback to demonstrate transparency and a commitment to improvement.
• Avoid overwhelming guests with multiple requests. A single, well-timed follow-up is sufficient.
• Always respond to reviews, especially negative ones, in a professional and thoughtful manner.

So, Are You Implementing These ways To Boost Your Guest Reviews:-

Collecting guest reviews is essential for maintaining a strong reputation and improving guest satisfaction. Thoughtfully integrating review requests into the guest journey encourages genuine feedback while enhancing your hotel’s credibility.

For those in the hospitality industry looking to refine their approach, NFCI Kangra, a premier hotel management institute, trains future hoteliers in best industry practices, including guest engagement and reputation management.

Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your hotel’s reputation flourish—one review at a time!