How to Get More TripAdvisor Reviews for Your Hotel: 11 Proven Strategies

TripAdvisor reviews can make or break a hotel's success. With 463 million travelers visiting TripAdvisor each month to research accommodations, your review count and rating directly impact visibility, bookings, and revenue. Hotels with more reviews rank higher in search results, appear more trustworthy, and convert browsers into bookers at significantly higher rates.

But here's the challenge: most guests don't leave reviews unless prompted. Research shows that only 5-10% of satisfied guests voluntarily share their experience. The hotels that dominate TripAdvisor rankings aren't just delivering great experiences, they're systematically encouraging reviews through proven strategies.

This guide reveals the 11 most effective tactics hotels use to generate more TripAdvisor reviews while staying compliant with platform policies.

Why TripAdvisor Reviews Matter for Hotels

Before diving into strategies, let's understand why TripAdvisor reviews deserve your focused attention.

The TripAdvisor Ranking Algorithm

TripAdvisor's popularity ranking algorithm considers multiple factors:

• Review quantity: More reviews signal popularity and reliability
• Review quality: Higher ratings improve your position
• Review recency: Fresh reviews indicate current performance
• Review velocity: Consistent review flow signals active engagement

Hotels with 50+ reviews rank significantly higher than those with fewer than 20, even if ratings are similar. This creates a visibility advantage that compounds over time.

The Booking Impact

The numbers tell a compelling story:

Moving from 10 reviews to 50 reviews can triple your conversion rate. For a 30-room hotel, that difference translates to thousands in additional monthly revenue.

Strategy 1: Master the TripAdvisor Review Express Tool

TripAdvisor's Review Express is your most powerful tool for generating reviews. This feature allows you to email guests directly through TripAdvisor's platform, requesting feedback after their stay.

How to Set Up Review Express

1. Log into your TripAdvisor Management Center
2. Navigate to "Review Express" under the Reviews section
3. Upload your guest list (name, email, check-out date)
4. TripAdvisor sends automated review requests on your behalf

Review Express Best Practices

Timing is everything: Upload guest information within 24-48 hours of checkout. TripAdvisor sends the request 3-5 days after checkout, the optimal window when the experience is fresh but guests have returned home.

Segment your list: Only include guests who had positive interactions. If a guest complained during their stay, resolve the issue first before requesting a review.

Upload consistently: Make Review Express part of your weekly routine. Hotels that upload guests every Monday see 40% higher review generation than those who upload sporadically.

Track your results: Monitor which weeks generate the most reviews. This helps identify seasonal patterns and optimal timing.

Strategy 2: Train Your Front Desk Team

Your front desk staff are your review generation frontline. A well-trained team can double your review count without feeling pushy or transactional.

The Three-Touch Approach

Touch 1 - Check-in: "We're on TripAdvisor, and guest feedback helps us improve. If you have a great stay, we'd love to hear about it."

Touch 2 - Mid-stay: During a casual interaction, ask "How's everything going? Is there anything we can do to make your stay even better?"

Touch 3 - Check-out: "Thank you for staying with us. If you enjoyed your experience, we'd appreciate if you'd share it on TripAdvisor. It really helps other travelers find us."

What NOT to Say

Avoid these phrases that violate TripAdvisor policies:

• "Leave us a 5-star review" (soliciting specific ratings)
• "We'll give you a discount if you review us" (offering incentives)
• "Only leave a review if it's positive" (selective solicitation)

Instead, focus on genuine requests for honest feedback. TripAdvisor's algorithms detect review manipulation, and violations can result in penalties or removal from the platform.

Strategy 3: Perfect Your Review Request Timing

When you ask for reviews matters as much as how you ask. Different guest segments respond to different timing strategies.

Leisure Travelers

Optimal timing: 5-7 days after checkout

Leisure travelers need time to return home, unpack, and process their trip. Requesting too early (1-2 days) catches them mid-travel. Waiting too long (14+ days) means the experience fades from memory.

Business Travelers

Optimal timing: 2-4 days after checkout

Business travelers move quickly and prefer immediate follow-up. They're often planning their next trip within days and are more likely to leave reviews while the experience is top of mind.

Extended Stay Guests

Optimal timing: 3-5 days after checkout

Guests who stayed a week or longer need slightly more time to decompress. However, their extended experience gives them more to share, often resulting in detailed, valuable reviews.

Strategy 4: Create Review-Worthy Moments

The best way to get more reviews is to give guests something worth reviewing. Hotels with the highest review counts consistently deliver memorable experiences that guests want to share.

Surprise and Delight Tactics

Welcome amenities: A handwritten note with local recommendations and a small treat (cookies, local chocolates) creates an immediate positive impression.

Personalized service: Reference guest preferences from previous stays or booking notes. "We remembered you prefer a higher floor" shows attention to detail.

Unexpected upgrades: When occupancy allows, surprise guests with room upgrades. This single gesture generates more reviews than any other tactic.

Local expertise: Provide insider recommendations that guests can't find online. Create a custom neighborhood guide with your favorite spots.

The Photo Opportunity Factor

Guests who take photos during their stay are 3x more likely to leave reviews. Create Instagram-worthy spaces:

• Unique lobby design elements
• Rooftop or scenic views
• Stylish room details
• Signature food or beverage presentations

When guests share photos on social media, they're primed to also share written reviews on TripAdvisor.

Strategy 5: Respond to Every Review (Yes, Every Single One)

Responding to reviews doesn't just show appreciation, it actively encourages more reviews. Hotels that respond to 90%+ of reviews receive 35% more reviews than hotels that rarely respond.

Why Response Rates Matter

When potential guests see active engagement, they perceive:

• Accountability: The hotel takes feedback seriously
• Responsiveness: Issues get addressed quickly
• Care: Management values guest experiences

This creates a feedback loop. Guests see their reviews matter, so they're more motivated to contribute.

Response Templates That Work

For positive reviews:

Thank you for sharing your experience at [Hotel Name]. We're thrilled you enjoyed [specific detail they mentioned]. Our team works hard to [relevant service aspect], and it's wonderful to know we succeeded. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.

For negative reviews:

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We sincerely apologize for [specific issue]. This doesn't reflect our standards, and we've [action taken]. We'd appreciate the opportunity to make this right. Please contact us directly at [email/phone].

For more detailed guidance on crafting effective responses, see our guide on crafting review replies that win back guests.

Strategy 6: Leverage Your Email Marketing

Your existing email list is an untapped review generation channel. Guests who've already opted into your communications are more receptive to review requests.

Post-Stay Email Sequence

Email 1 (Day 3): Thank you email with subtle review mention

"We hope you enjoyed your stay. If you have a moment, we'd love to hear about your experience on TripAdvisor."

Email 2 (Day 10): Direct review request (only if they didn't review)

"Your feedback helps us improve and helps other travelers discover us. Would you mind sharing your thoughts on TripAdvisor?"

Email 3 (Day 20): Final gentle reminder

"We noticed you haven't had a chance to review your recent stay. We'd still love to hear from you if you have a moment."

Email Design Best Practices

• Clear CTA button: "Write a Review" button linked directly to your TripAdvisor review page
• Mobile-optimized: 60% of review requests are opened on mobile devices
• Personalized: Include guest name, stay dates, and room type
• Brief: Keep the email under 100 words

Strategy 7: Display TripAdvisor Widgets Prominently

TripAdvisor widgets on your website serve as social proof and subtle review requests. Guests who see your reviews displayed prominently are 25% more likely to leave their own review.

Strategic Widget Placement

Homepage: Display your TripAdvisor rating and recent reviews above the fold

Booking confirmation page: After guests book, show reviews and include a "We'd love your review after your stay" message

Post-stay thank you page: If guests return to your website after their stay, display a review request

Email signatures: Add a small TripAdvisor badge to staff email signatures

For implementation guidance, check out our article on adding review widgets to your website.

Strategy 8: Train Housekeeping and Service Staff

Front desk isn't the only team that influences reviews. Housekeeping, maintenance, and food service staff all create review-worthy moments.

Housekeeping Excellence

Attention to detail: Perfectly arranged amenities, crisp bed corners, and spotless bathrooms get mentioned in reviews

Personal touches: Leaving a handwritten note or arranging towels creatively creates memorable moments

Proactive service: Noticing and addressing issues before guests report them prevents negative reviews

Empowering All Staff

Train every team member to:

1. Identify unhappy guests: Recognize signs of dissatisfaction early
2. Resolve issues immediately: Empower staff to fix problems without manager approval
3. Mention TripAdvisor naturally: "We're always working to improve based on guest feedback on TripAdvisor"

Strategy 9: Create a Review Generation Dashboard

Tracking your review generation efforts helps identify what works and what doesn't. Create a simple dashboard to monitor:

• Weekly review count: Track trends over time
• Review Express upload rate: Ensure consistent guest list uploads
• Response rate: Maintain 90%+ response rate
• Average rating: Monitor quality alongside quantity
• Review sources: Identify which strategies generate the most reviews

Key Metrics to Watch

For comprehensive reputation tracking across all platforms, consider using a centralized hotel reputation management system.

Strategy 10: Address Negative Reviews Proactively

Negative reviews don't just hurt your rating, they discourage other guests from leaving positive reviews. Guests think "Why bother leaving a good review when there are so many bad ones?"

The Recovery Process

Step 1 - Respond publicly: Acknowledge the issue and apologize sincerely

Step 2 - Take it offline: Invite the guest to discuss privately

Step 3 - Resolve the issue: Offer a genuine solution or compensation

Step 4 - Follow up: After resolution, politely ask if they'd consider updating their review

When to Flag Reviews

TripAdvisor allows you to flag reviews that violate policies:

• Fake reviews: From people who never stayed
• Competitor sabotage: Suspicious patterns from competing properties
• Profanity or threats: Inappropriate language
• Extortion attempts: Demanding compensation for review removal

For detailed strategies on handling problematic reviews, read our guide on handling fake and unfair reviews.

Strategy 11: Avoid Common TripAdvisor Policy Violations

TripAdvisor actively monitors for review manipulation. Violations can result in penalties, ranking drops, or removal from the platform.

Prohibited Practices

Never do these:

• Offer incentives (discounts, upgrades, freebies) in exchange for reviews
• Write fake reviews or ask friends/family to review
• Selectively solicit only positive reviews
• Pressure guests to remove negative reviews
• Create multiple accounts to review your own property
• Pay for review generation services

What IS Allowed

You CAN:

• Ask all guests for honest feedback
• Use Review Express to request reviews
• Respond to all reviews professionally
• Display TripAdvisor widgets on your website
• Train staff to mention TripAdvisor naturally
• Track and analyze your review performance

Implementing Your Review Generation System

Now that you understand the strategies, here's how to implement them systematically.

Week 1: Foundation

• Set up TripAdvisor Review Express
• Create email templates for review requests
• Train front desk staff on the three-touch approach
• Install TripAdvisor widgets on your website

Week 2: Process Development

• Establish weekly Review Express upload schedule
• Create response templates for common review types
• Set up review monitoring alerts
• Develop your review generation dashboard

Week 3: Team Training

• Train all staff on review-worthy service moments
• Role-play review request scenarios
• Establish response time goals (within 24 hours)
• Create accountability for review responses

Week 4: Optimization

• Analyze which strategies generate the most reviews
• Adjust timing based on guest segment response rates
• Refine email templates based on open and click rates
• Celebrate wins with your team

Measuring Success

Track these metrics monthly to gauge your review generation success:

Quantity metrics:

• Total reviews received
• Review velocity (reviews per week)
• Review Express conversion rate

Quality metrics:

• Average rating
• Percentage of 4-5 star reviews
• Response rate to reviews

Business impact metrics:

• TripAdvisor ranking position
• Click-through rate from TripAdvisor to your website
• Booking conversion rate from TripAdvisor traffic

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, hotels make these review generation mistakes:

Asking too aggressively: Requesting reviews multiple times per stay feels pushy. Stick to the three-touch approach.

Ignoring negative reviews: Unresponded negative reviews compound. Address every review within 24 hours.

Inconsistent effort: Uploading Review Express lists sporadically creates uneven review flow. Consistency matters.

Focusing only on quantity: A sudden spike in reviews with declining ratings hurts more than helps. Maintain quality.

Forgetting small hotels: Small properties (under 20 rooms) can compete by focusing on personalized service that generates detailed, enthusiastic reviews.

For small hotel owners, our guide on review replies for small hotels and B&Bs offers tailored strategies.

The Long-Term Review Generation Mindset

Getting more TripAdvisor reviews isn't a one-time project, it's an ongoing commitment to guest experience and systematic follow-up.

The hotels that dominate TripAdvisor rankings share these characteristics:

• Consistency: They request reviews from every guest, every time
• Quality focus: They prioritize experience quality over review quantity
• Responsiveness: They respond to reviews within hours, not days
• Continuous improvement: They analyze feedback and make operational changes
• Team alignment: Every staff member understands their role in generating reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many reviews should a hotel aim for per month?

Small hotels (under 30 rooms) should target 10-15 reviews monthly. Mid-size hotels (30-100 rooms) should aim for 20-30 reviews. Large hotels (100+ rooms) should generate 40+ reviews monthly. These targets maintain consistent review velocity while staying within natural guest volume.

Is it against TripAdvisor policy to ask for reviews?

No, asking for reviews is allowed and encouraged. What's prohibited is offering incentives, soliciting only positive reviews, or pressuring guests to change negative reviews. You can ask all guests for honest feedback.

How long should I wait after checkout to request a review?

The optimal window is 3-7 days after checkout. This gives guests time to return home while the experience remains fresh. Business travelers respond better to 2-4 day follow-up, while leisure travelers prefer 5-7 days.

What if a guest leaves a negative review?

Respond within 24 hours with a sincere apology and explanation of corrective actions. Take the conversation offline to resolve the issue. After resolution, you can politely ask if they'd consider updating their review, but never pressure them.

Can I remove negative reviews from TripAdvisor?

You cannot remove legitimate negative reviews. However, you can flag reviews that violate TripAdvisor policies (fake reviews, profanity, extortion attempts). TripAdvisor investigates flagged reviews and removes those that violate guidelines.

How do I get my first reviews when I'm a new hotel?

Focus on Review Express for your first guests, create exceptional experiences worth sharing, and personally ask satisfied guests during checkout. Consider a soft opening with friends, family, and local influencers (disclosed as such) to generate initial reviews.

Should I respond to every review, even short positive ones?

Yes. Responding to all reviews shows active engagement and encourages future guests to leave reviews. Keep responses to brief positive reviews short but genuine: "Thank you for your kind words. We're delighted you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you back soon."

What's the best way to handle a review that contains false information?

Respond professionally, stating the facts without being defensive. Flag the review if it violates policies. Example: "We appreciate your feedback, though we'd like to clarify that [factual correction]. We're committed to [relevant service standard] and regret we didn't meet your expectations."

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