From iconic addresses that are practically a part of the city’s identity like the Ritz-Carlton and The Plaza to hip new openings with skyline views, this year’s hotels in NYC offer plenty to choose from. And even amidst old-world building revamps and Covid-related closures, you’ll find the city’s hospitality scene remains as strong as ever.
But which hotels are truly worth the money? The answer might surprise you. A recent survey from CivicScience revealed that a majority of people trust none of the top hotel review sites.
Tripadvisor is the 900-pound gorilla in the room, and it’s no wonder—the site features millions of reviews on hotels, airlines, experiences, and restaurants. But TripAdvisor’s lack of verification means anyone can write a review, regardless of whether they’ve actually stayed at the property in question. Savvy travelers are often skeptical of these unverified reviews, and they’re right to be.
Luckily, there are some ways to increase the credibility of your hotel’s reviews. Start by ensuring that your hotel’s website and social media profiles are updated regularly with current photos, descriptions, and amenities. It’s also important to have a consistent branding across all platforms, and to encourage guests to leave feedback on popular hotel review sites. The more positive testimonials your hotel has, the more likely you are to convert potential guests into bookings.
In the age of fake news and biased journalism, it’s more important than ever to prioritize authenticity in your marketing. While some hotels might be tempted to take shortcuts like buying Google reviews, doing so can damage their reputation and hurt their business in the long run. By prioritizing quality over quantity, you can build a trustworthy brand that attracts more visitors and increases your GMB profile’s ranking.
How to write a good hotel review
While it might seem obvious, the key to writing a good hotel review is to be specific. Describe your experience with the check-in and checkout process, hotel facilities and services, and any other details that help travelers decide if your hotel is worth their money.
It’s also important to be transparent about any issues that you have encountered. By being open about your hotel’s shortcomings, you can reassure potential guests that your team is working hard to improve the guest experience.
Finally, remember to thank your guests for their feedback! A simple “thank you” goes a long way to making your guests feel valued and increasing their likelihood of writing a review. Additionally, it’s a good idea to provide guests with easy-to-find links to the major hotel review sites in your follow-up emails. This makes it as easy as possible for them to share their experience with your hotel.
