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How to Get More Google Reviews for Hotels

Get more Google reviews with proven strategies designed for hotels, resorts, and boutique properties.

When to Ask for Reviews

Timing is everything. Asking at the right moment dramatically increases your review conversion rate.

Best Moment to Ask

At checkout when a guest spontaneously mentions they loved their stay, the room, or a specific amenity. They're already verbalizing satisfaction and in a great mood. Strike while the iron is hot-this is your golden window before they leave and get distracted by travel.

Worst Moment to Ask

During check-in when they're tired from travel, or if they've mentioned any issues during their stay (even if you resolved them). Wait until you're confident the experience was genuinely positive before asking.

In-Room Review Card + Checkout Desk Ask

Place an attractive review card on the nightstand or desk in every room with a QR code linking directly to your Google review page. Include a short, friendly message like "Loved your stay? Scan to share!" Then, at checkout, the front desk reinforces the ask for guests who clearly enjoyed themselves: "We noticed you left the review card-if you have a moment, we'd love to hear about your stay!" This two-touch strategy is subtle, non-pushy, and highly effective.

Hotels have a captive audience. Guests spend hours in their rooms with downtime to spare. Unlike restaurants or service businesses where you get seconds to ask, hotels can use in-room materials to plant the seed early, then reinforce it at checkout. The key is making the ask feel like part of the hospitality experience, not a sales pitch.

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Copy-Paste Scripts to Ask for Reviews

Use these word-for-word scripts to ask happy customers for reviews. Customize the [bracketed] details for your business.

In-Person Script

I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay with us! If you have a moment, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a quick Google review. There's a QR code on the card in your room, or I can text you the link right now if that's easier.

Email Script

Subject: Thanks for staying with us at [Business Name]!

Hi [Customer Name], Thank you so much for choosing [Business Name] for your recent stay. We hope you had a wonderful experience and that we made your trip memorable. If you have 60 seconds, we'd be so grateful if you could share your feedback on Google. Your review helps us improve and helps future guests discover what makes our hotel special. [Google Review Link] We hope to welcome you back soon! Warm regards, [Your Name] [Business Name]

SMS / Text Script

Hi [Customer Name], thanks for staying with us at [Business Name]! We hope you loved your visit. If you have a moment, we'd appreciate a quick Google review: [Google Review Link]. Safe travels!

Who Should Ask

Front desk staff are the primary touchpoint, but housekeeping and concierge can also play a role. Front desk should ask at checkout, while concierge can mention it when guests rave about their experience or ask for local recommendations.

Training Tip

Role-play the ask during team meetings so it feels natural, not scripted. Teach staff to listen for verbal cues like "We loved it here" or "This was such a great stay." Those are green lights to ask. Also, empower them to skip the ask if a guest seems rushed or unhappy.

Follow-Up Timing

Send the email or SMS within 12-24 hours of checkout while the experience is still vivid. Wait longer than 48 hours and their memory fades, along with their likelihood of leaving a review.

Where to Place Review Reminders

Make it easy for customers to leave a review by placing reminders where they already look.

Physical Placements

In-Room Review Cards

Small, elegant cards placed on the nightstand or desk with a QR code to your Google review page. Include a friendly message inviting them to share their experience.

Checkout Desk Signage

A professional sign at the front desk thanking guests and inviting reviews. Include a QR code for easy scanning.

Key Card Sleeves

Print a review request on the back of key card sleeves with a QR code. Guests see it every time they grab their key.

Elevator Posters

Eye-level posters in elevators showcasing recent 5-star reviews and inviting guests to share theirs. Captive audience, high visibility.

Digital Placements

Post-Checkout Email Campaign

Automated email sent 12-24 hours after checkout, thanking them for staying and including a direct link to leave a review.

SMS Follow-Up

Text message sent same-day or next-day after checkout if you collected their phone during booking. Keep it short, friendly, and appreciative.

Booking Confirmation Emails

Include a subtle mention in your pre-arrival or post-stay emails encouraging guests to share their experience on Google.

Google Business Profile Posts

Regularly post on your Google Business Profile inviting happy guests to leave reviews. Highlight recent upgrades, amenities, or positive feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting more Google reviews for your hotels business.

Should I ask every guest for a review at checkout?
No. Train your front desk team to read the guest's mood and only ask when they're clearly happy. If a guest mentioned issues (even if resolved), had a neutral checkout, or seems rushed, skip the ask. Let your email follow-up handle those cases instead.
What if someone leaves a bad review?
Respond quickly and professionally. Acknowledge their concerns, apologize sincerely, and offer to make it right. A thoughtful response shows future guests that you care about the experience and handle issues gracefully-which can actually build trust.
How do I get more reviews from business travelers?
Business travelers are often repeat guests and short on time. Focus on convenience: QR codes in rooms and a quick mention at checkout. Also, send a follow-up email that evening or the next day-they'll have time to review while traveling or back at the office.
Can I offer a room upgrade or free night in exchange for a Google review?
No. Offering a room upgrade, complimentary night, or loyalty points in exchange for a review violates Google's policies and risks having reviews flagged or removed. Instead, focus on timing and convenience: a warm checkout conversation paired with a post-stay email makes the ask feel natural. Guests who had a memorable stay are genuinely motivated to share-especially when you include a direct link that takes seconds to use.
How many reviews should a hotel aim for each month?
Start with 10-20 new reviews per month. Hotels with 200+ reviews see significantly higher trust and booking rates. Consistency matters-regular reviews signal an active, reputable property.
Should our hotel respond to every guest review on Google?
Yes. Travelers compare hotels side by side, and a property that replies to every review-thanking a couple for highlighting the spa, or addressing a noise complaint with a clear fix-signals attentive management. Future guests see those replies as a preview of the service they will receive. Personalized responses also let you highlight amenities, seasonal offers, and neighborhood keywords, which strengthens your local search visibility.
What if a guest leaves a review on TripAdvisor or Yelp instead of Google?
That's still valuable, but gently encourage Google reviews specifically because they directly impact your Google Business Profile ranking and visibility. You can mention "We'd especially love a Google review" in your follow-up email.
How do I handle reviews that violate Google's policies?
Flag them to Google through your Business Profile. If the review is fake, spam, off-topic, or violates policies (like containing profanity or personal attacks), Google may remove it. Also respond publicly to set the record straight.
Can I automate post-checkout review requests for hotel guests?
Yes, and for hotels it is practically essential. Guests scatter to airports and other cities the moment they check out, so a manual ask at the front desk is your only in-person shot. Automated post-checkout emails ensure every guest receives a review request within hours of departure, when the stay is still top of mind. Reply Champion lets you schedule those emails, filter guests through a star-rating gate so only satisfied travelers reach Google, and route any complaints to your team privately-all tracked in a single dashboard across every property.