How to Get More Google Reviews for Motels
Get more Google reviews with proven strategies designed for motels, roadside stays, and owner-operated properties.
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When to Ask for Reviews
Timing is everything. Asking at the right moment dramatically increases your review conversion rate.
Best Moment to Ask
When a road-tripper or family checks out and says the stay was clean and comfortable. Budget travelers are grateful when expectations are exceeded-they came in hoping for "good enough" and got something better. That genuine surprise is your golden window to ask for a review.
Worst Moment to Ask
During check-in when they're tired from driving, or if there were any issues with the room. Guests who just pulled off a long stretch of highway want their key and nothing else. If anything went wrong during the stay-even something small you already fixed-skip the in-person ask and let your follow-up text handle it.
Checkout Card + Thank You Text
Hand guests a simple printed card at checkout with a QR code linking directly to your Google review page. Include a friendly message like "Thanks for staying with us-we'd love your feedback!" Then send a same-day text thanking them for their visit and including the review link. Motels are personal-the owner often IS the front desk-and that one-on-one connection makes the ask feel genuine, not corporate. This two-touch approach catches guests while the stay is fresh and they're feeling good about hitting the road.
Motels are often owner-operated with a personal touch. The owner greets guests, handles complaints, and knows regulars by name. This personal relationship is a powerful advantage for getting reviews-guests aren't leaving feedback for a faceless brand, they're helping out the person who handed them their room key. Lean into that authenticity. A heartfelt ask from an owner carries more weight than a polished corporate email ever could.
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Start your free trialCopy-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
Hey, I'm really glad you had a good stay! If you've got a second, we'd love it if you could leave us a quick Google review. Here's a card with a QR code that takes you right there. It makes a huge difference for a small place like ours-thanks so much!
Email Script
Subject: Thanks for staying with us at [Business Name]!
Hi [Customer Name], Thanks for choosing [Business Name] for your stop. We hope the room was clean, comfortable, and exactly what you needed. If you have 60 seconds, we'd really appreciate a quick Google review. For a small, owner-run motel like ours, every review helps travelers find us and know what to expect. [Google Review Link] We hope to see you on your next trip through! Thanks, [Your Name] [Business Name]
SMS / Text Script
Hi [Customer Name], thanks for staying at [Business Name]! Glad we could be your stop on the road. If you have a sec, a quick Google review would mean the world to us: [Google Review Link]. Safe travels!
Who Should Ask
In most motels, the owner is the front desk, housekeeper, and manager rolled into one. If you have staff, make sure anyone working the desk at checkout knows how to make the ask. The personal, casual tone is key-guests chose a motel for the human touch, not a scripted hotel experience.
Training Tip
Keep it simple and genuine. Listen for cues like "This was way better than I expected" or "We'll definitely come back." Those are your green lights. If a guest seems in a rush to get back on the road, hand them the card with a smile and let the text do the heavy lifting later.
Follow-Up Timing
Send the SMS within 2-4 hours of checkout while the stay is still fresh. Budget travelers move fast and check into the next place by evening-catch them while your motel is still top of mind. If using email, send it same-day.
Where to Place Review Reminders
Make it easy for customers to leave a review by placing reminders where they already look.
Physical Placements
Room Door Hanger
A door hanger on the inside of the room door with a QR code and a friendly message like "Enjoyed your stay? Leave us a review!" Guests see it every time they come and go.
Front Desk Card
Small printed cards at the front desk with a QR code linking to your Google review page. Hand one to every guest at checkout with a personal thank-you.
Checkout Receipt
Print your Google review link or QR code directly on the checkout receipt. Guests take it with them and can scan later.
Parking Lot Signage
A weatherproof sign near the parking lot exit with a QR code and a message like "Had a great stay? Tell Google!" Catches guests one last time as they load up the car.
Digital Placements
Booking Confirmation Email
Include a subtle mention in your booking confirmation or pre-arrival email that you'd love their feedback after their stay. Plants the seed early.
SMS Follow-Up
A same-day text sent 2-4 hours after checkout thanking them for their stay and including a direct Google review link. Short, warm, and personal.
Google Business Profile Posts
Post regularly on your Google Business Profile highlighting recent improvements, clean rooms, or happy guest feedback. Invite travelers to share their experience.
Wi-Fi Landing Page
If you offer free Wi-Fi, add a review request with a Google link on the Wi-Fi login or splash page. Guests connect when they first arrive and see your ask right away.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about getting more Google reviews for your motels business.