Repify
To get more Google reviews for a hotel, ask every guest at check-out and again in a post-stay email sent within a day of departure. Place a QR code that opens your Google review form in rooms and at reception, train front-desk staff with a short script, and reply to every review. Do not offer upgrades or discounts in exchange for reviews.
Travelers compare hotels across booking sites, but many also check Google Maps before confirming, especially for independent and boutique properties. Your Google rating appears right next to your location, your photos and your direct booking link, so a strong, recent set of reviews can tip guests toward booking directly instead of through an intermediary.
Hotels have a long relationship with each guest: booking confirmation, arrival, the stay itself, check-out and the trip home. That gives you several chances to ask, but it also means the request can get lost among other messages. This guide explains how to place a clear, polite review request at the right moments, and how front desk, housekeeping and management each play a part.
Step by step
- Copy your Google review link. In your Google Business Profile, use "Ask for reviews" to get a short link. Use it in every email, card and QR code so guests skip the search and land straight on the review form.
- Ask at check-out. Check-out is the natural closing moment. Train front-desk staff to ask how the stay went and, regardless of the answer, mention that an honest Google review helps the hotel.
- Place QR codes in rooms and at reception. Add a QR code to the welcome card, the desk in the room or the key card sleeve, and a small display at reception. Guests often scan in the evening when they have time to write.
- Send a post-stay email. Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours of departure with a single, clear review link. Keep it separate from marketing newsletters so the request is not buried.
- Involve housekeeping and concierge. Guests often mention housekeepers or concierge staff by name in reviews. Let these teams know that a friendly interaction is the best review driver, and allow them to point guests to the in-room QR card when asked for feedback.
- Reply to every review. Respond to each review with details from the stay, thank guests for specific compliments and address complaints about noise, cleanliness or check-in calmly. Future guests read these replies when deciding where to book.
- Measure by channel. Compare reviews per week with occupancy and track which channel drives them: check-out, room card or email. Repify generates a QR code in your brand color and a printable poster that opens your Google review form, and counts every scan so you know whether in-room cards are being used.
Reply examples
In-room welcome card
Review: Printed card on the desk or nightstand.
Suggested reply: We hope you are enjoying your stay. If you have a moment, scan this code to share your experience on Google. Honest feedback helps us improve and helps other travelers find us.
Front-desk check-out script
Review: Said by reception while settling the bill.
Suggested reply: Thank you for staying with us. If you have a minute on the way home, we would really appreciate a Google review. You will also find the link in the email we send you today.
Post-stay email
Review: Email sent the day after check-out.
Suggested reply: Dear Mr. Lopez, thank you for choosing Hotel Mirador. We hope you had a comfortable stay and a safe trip home. Would you share your experience on Google? It takes a minute: [review link]. We look forward to welcoming you back.
Mistakes to avoid
- Offering a free upgrade, late check-out or discount on the next stay in exchange for a Google review.
- Sending the review link only to guests who rated the stay highly in an internal survey, which is review gating.
- Asking staff or their friends to post reviews of the hotel.
- Burying the review request at the bottom of a long promotional newsletter.
- Leaving complaints about cleanliness or noise unanswered for weeks.
Frequently asked questions
When should a hotel ask guests for a Google review?
At check-out in person and again by email within 24 hours of departure. The stay is still fresh, and guests often have travel time to write a review.
Is it allowed to ask hotel guests for reviews on Google and booking sites at the same time?
Yes, you can mention both, but a single clear link usually performs better. If Google visibility matters for direct bookings, lead with your Google review link.
Can a hotel offer a discount for leaving a Google review?
No. Google does not allow incentives for reviews, including discounts, upgrades or perks. Ask all guests neutrally and let the stay speak for itself.
How should a hotel respond to a negative Google review?
Reply promptly and politely, acknowledge the specific issue, explain what has been done to fix it and invite the guest to contact you directly. Avoid arguing or sharing private booking details in public.