If you’re already thinking about how to get more reviews on TripAdvisor, you’re ahead of most businesses. For hotels and restaurants, reviews aren’t just compliments—they’re key to building trust, increasing bookings, and staying competitive in a saturated market.
According to our Local SEO stats report, 93% of consumers using online reviews to influence their buying decisions and 87% trusting them as much as personal recommendations platforms like TripAdvisor. This has become critical in shaping where travellers choose to stay or dine.
And with over a billion reviews and millions of users each month, visibility on TripAdvisor can directly impact your bottom line.
In this guide, I’ll share ethical, proven strategies to help you TripAdvisor reviews—from optimizing your profile to training your staff—so you can turn every guest into a vocal advocate for your business.
Why Do TripAdvisor Reviews Matter?
Let me be straightforward with you—TripAdvisor reviews aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re business critical. I’ve worked with dozens of hotel and restaurant owners, and I can tell you firsthand: if you’re not actively collecting and responding to reviews, you’re missing out on bookings, visibility, and even local SEO traction.
Today’s travellers rely heavily on peer validation. In fact, report from Tripadvisor Insights found that hotels in the top 10% of their rankings saw double the conversion rates compared to lower-ranked competitors. That’s a massive opportunity.
And let’s not forget the search algorithm. Your TripAdvisor ranking isn’t random—it’s calculated based on factors that you can directly influence.
According to TripAdvisor’s own ranking criteria, listings with frequent, high-quality, recent reviews and thoughtful owner responses are ranked significantly higher. Visibility on the platform is crucial because TripAdvisor appears on the first page of Google results for 99% of destination searches.
4 Key Ranking Factors of TripAdvisor That You Must Know
Let’s talk about something most business owners overlook: TripAdvisor doesn’t just list businesses randomly. It uses an algorithm called the Popularity Ranking, which determines where your property appears in search results. And if you’ve ever wondered why your competitor down the street shows up above you—even though you have a nicer place—it likely comes down to these four specific factors.
These aren’t guesses. TripAdvisor has clearly outlined what influences their rankings, and I use this as my playbook when helping hospitality businesses grow. Here’s what you need to focus on:-
1. Quality of Reviews
This one’s straightforward. The higher your average rating, the better. But it’s not just about the number of stars—TripAdvisor also evaluates how detailed and helpful the reviews are. A five-star review that says “Nice” doesn’t carry the same weight as one that describes the excellent service, room condition, or food quality. Aim to give your guests memorable moments they’ll naturally want to talk about.
Pro Tip: Encourage guests to share specifics. A quick reminder like, “We’d love it if you shared what you enjoyed most” can make a big difference.
2. Recency of Reviews
TripAdvisor rewards businesses that stay active and current. Why? Because recency signals reliability. A glowing review from last year doesn’t reassure a traveller nearly as much as a similar one from last week.
I always tell clients: if your last review is more than a month old, you’re leaving rankings and revenue on the table. Try to maintain a weekly flow of reviews if possible—even just 2 to 3 a week can make a noticeable impact.
3. Quantity of Reviews
Volume matters. Businesses with a larger pool of reviews are seen as more credible by both TripAdvisor and your future guests. TripAdvisor wants to showcase listings with a solid track record of guest feedback.
In my experience, businesses with over 100 reviews tend to outperform their peers, even if their average rating is slightly lower. So don’t stress over the occasional 4-star. Instead, focus on volume and consistency.
4. Consistency Over Time
TripAdvisor’s algorithm doesn’t like rollercoasters. A burst of reviews followed by months of silence can hurt your rankings. It wants to see that you’re continually delivering great service and that guests are consistently willing to talk about it.
I advise setting up a simple strategy: use tools like TripAdvisor Review Express to ensure a constant, ethical flow of feedback. Your goal should be to collect reviews naturally and steadily, rather than all at once.
7 Ways to Get More Reviews on TripAdvisor
1. TripAdvisor Review Express
Let me start with one of the easiest tools TripAdvisor gives you: Review Express. I always recommend this to my clients because it’s free, automated, and surprisingly effective. TripAdvisor Review Express lets you send custom-branded review request emails to guests after their stay or visit.
You can personalize the email with your logo, tweak the message to reflect your tone, and even choose from over 30 languages to match your guest profile. This tool lives right inside your TripAdvisor Management Center. Use it to follow up after checkout—it’s timely, polite, and highly effective.
2. Use QR Codes to Get Reviews
Now here’s a game changer I use with many of my restaurant and hotel clients: QR code-based review collection. If you’ve ever wished guests could leave a review with one quick scan—this is it.
I highly recommend using Krofile, a simple but powerful tool that helps you generate custom QR codes that lead directly to your TripAdvisor review page. No links to send, no emails to collect—just scan and review. It’s incredibly efficient, and honestly, it removes a lot of friction from the process.
Here’s how I use Krofile with clients:
- Print the QR code and place it on tables, front desks, room key folders, or even printed receipts.
- Combine it with a message like: “Enjoyed your stay? A quick review would mean the world to us!”
- It’s especially perfect for restaurants—guests are sitting, satisfied, and have their phones out. That’s your window.
Imagine a guest finishing their meal, scanning a simple card, and leaving a five-star review before they even ask for the check. That’s how seamless it can be.
Pro Tip: Use short, branded messages to gently nudge guests: “Loved your experience? Let others know on TripAdvisor!” Paired with a QR code, it becomes a powerful call to action.
3. TripAdvisor Stickers
This one’s old-school—but it works. TripAdvisor provides free “Review Us on TripAdvisor” stickers that you can order from your business dashboard. I suggest placing them in high-traffic areas: at the entrance, on the reception desk, near restrooms, or on checkout counters.
Why? Because visual prompts work. TripAdvisor reports that businesses displaying their free stickers and signage see an increase in review volume and customer engagement.
According to ReviewTrackers, prominently showing TripAdvisor stickers at your location can boost customer reviews and trust, especially when paired with friendly verbal reminders from staff. You can learn more about how physical cues improve review conversions here.
Quick Tip: Customize your sticker placement with your audience in mind—put one in your elevator if you’re a hotel, or on the dessert menu if you’re a restaurant.
4. Incentivize Feedback — Without Violating Platform Guidelines
Offering a small, non-monetary incentive can significantly boost the number of customer reviews — as long as it’s ethical and aligns with platform policies (e.g., Google, Yelp, Facebook often restrict direct incentivization). Facebook often restrict direct incentivization).
Ethical Ideas to Encourage Reviews:
- Loyalty Program Points: Give users points or perks that contribute to a broader reward system, without requiring a positive review.
- Exclusive Content: Offer access to helpful guides, early-bird deals, or free downloads after a review submission.
- Entry into a Giveaway: Let customers enter a raffle for a small prize after they leave a review — again, not tied to whether the review is positive or negative.
What to Avoid:
- Don’t offer money or discounts for only positive reviews.
- Avoid phrasing like “Leave us a 5-star review and get a reward” — this violates most review platforms’ terms.
Pro Tip: Include this request after a successful interaction, like a resolved customer support ticket, a delivered product, or a completed service — when satisfaction is highest.
5. Train Your Staff to Ask for Reviews
One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to get more TripAdvisor reviews is to empower your team to ask guests personally. I always tell business owners: your staff are your biggest ambassadors.
When a guest has just had a great experience, that moment is golden. Train your staff with polite, confident scripts like, “We’d love if you could share your experience on TripAdvisor—it really helps us improve and reach more guests.”
Make this part of your daily routine—whether it’s at checkout, when handing over the bill, or during a warm goodbye. Remind your team not to sound robotic or pushy but to be genuine and thankful.
Role-play these scenarios in team meetings so everyone feels comfortable and natural. This personalized ask often converts hesitant guests into eager reviewers.
6. Choose the Right Time to Ask
Timing can make or break your review request. I’ve seen many owners ask too late, when guests have already left, or too early, before the experience feels complete. The sweet spot? Right at checkout or immediately after a guest shares a compliment or positive comment.
If a guest says, “We loved the service,” that’s your cue. You can respond, “Thank you so much! If you have a moment later, we’d really appreciate a review on TripAdvisor—it helps us keep delivering great experiences.” If you wait until the guest is walking out the door or after they’ve gone home, the motivation to leave a review often fades.
For hotels, a quick reminder at checkout or a follow-up email that day works best. For restaurants, train staff to listen for those happy moments and gently ask right then and there.
7. Respond to Every Review
Once those reviews start rolling in, don’t just let them sit there. I always stress that responding to reviews—good or bad—is a game changer. When you reply, you show you care about your guests and value their feedback. This builds trust not only with the reviewer but with every potential guest reading your responses.
For positive reviews, a simple “Thank you for your kind words, we’re thrilled you enjoyed your stay/meal!” goes a long way. For negative reviews, stay calm and professional. Thank the guest for their feedback, apologize if necessary, and invite them to reach out offline so you can resolve any issues.
Here’s a quick tip: keep your tone warm, personal, and solution focused. This can turn a negative impression into a positive one and shows future guests you’re committed to great service. Plus, TripAdvisor’s algorithm favors businesses that engage with their reviewers, helping your ranking.
How to Respond to TripAdvisor Positive Reviews — Real Example from a Top Hotel
I wanted to show you a real-world example of how some of the best hotels on TripAdvisor handle their reviews — and why it matters so much for your business.
I searched for the highest-ranked hotels in the US on TripAdvisor, and London House Chicago caught my eye. This hotel has earned an impressive 4.7-star rating from over 4,500 reviews, ranking #4 out of 213 hotels in Chicago — a strong testament to their consistent quality.
Breaking down their ratings:
- Location: 4.9
- Rooms: 4.7
- Value: 4.5
- Cleanliness: 4.8
- Service: 4.7
- Sleep Quality: 4.7
Set inside the iconic London Guarantee & Accident building, right on the Chicago River and steps from major attractions, LondonHouse blends historic charm with modern amenities.
Their rooms feature high-tech designs and large HDTVs, while guests enjoy rooftop bars, a spa, and fitness center.
What impressed me most was how attentively they respond to their reviews. For instance, one recent guest wrote:
“Amazing amazing amazing, stay here! The best room service, the best check-in experience, the best bellmen and all-around happy nice helpful staff… I did not want to leave!”
Here’s the hotel’s reply:
“Hi Sarah — Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that every part of your stay left such a great impression. We’ll be sure to share your feedback with the entire team. It was a pleasure to have you as our guest, and we look forward to welcoming you back next time you’re in Chicago.”
What makes this response stand out?
- They address the guest by name, which personalizes the reply.
- They highlight the specific positives mentioned (room service, check-in, staff), showing they genuinely read and appreciate the details.
- The tone is warm and grateful, making the guest feel valued.
- They mention sharing the feedback with their team, reinforcing a culture of service excellence.
- They end by inviting the guest back, keeping the relationship open for future visits.
When it comes to less favorable reviews, LondonHouse maintains a calm, professional tone — thanking guests, apologizing where appropriate, and encouraging private communication to resolve concerns.
This kind of response not only helps repair relationships but also signals to potential guests that the hotel cares deeply about guest satisfaction.
The takeaway for you:
Responding thoughtfully to every review—positive or negative—builds trust and strengthens your reputation. It shows potential guests that you value their experience, and it can improve your ranking on TripAdvisor.
How to Respond to Negative TripAdvisor Reviews — Learning from Real Examples
Negative reviews are tough to face, but how you respond can turn a bad situation around—or make it worse. I checked some of the lowest-rated hotels on TripAdvisor and found The Inn at Boynton Beach with a 2.6-star rating from 426 reviews — it’s clear they’ve had some serious challenges. Their scores reflect issues in cleanliness, service, and overall value.
Here are a few real guest comments:
- One guest praised the front desk staff member, saying:
“Ms. Darlene from the front desk is a very sweet and wonderful caring person… I will go there again just for her because she’s very understandable and very sweet.”
- But others shared harsh criticism:
“Rooms are disgusting. Front desk staff is rude. We had no water for over 24 hours and they laughed at me saying it’s not their problem. No compensation given.”
- And another described a terrifying rat problem, poor room condition, and an unpleasant smell throughout the hotel.
These reviews tell a story of inconsistent service and serious facility issues that hurt the hotel’s reputation deeply.
What You Can Learn and Do Differently
1. Address Every Review Promptly and Professionally
Whether positive or negative, reply with empathy and respect. For instance, thank guests for highlighting staff members like Ms. Darlene. For complaints, acknowledge the problem and apologize sincerely without being defensive.
2. Take Responsibility and Offer Solutions
If a guest reports an issue, own it openly and share what steps you’ll take to fix it. For example:
“We are sorry to hear about the water outage you experienced. We have addressed this with our maintenance team to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Please reach out to us directly so we can make it right.”
3. Show You’re Listening and Improving
Publicly demonstrate your commitment to quality by explaining ongoing or planned improvements. This builds trust even among readers who haven’t stayed with you yet.
4. Avoid Excuses or Blame
Comments like “it’s not our problem” or laughing off complaints only escalate negative perceptions and hurt your ratings.
5. Keep Communication Open
Invite guests to contact you offline to resolve concerns personally. This helps prevent long public disputes and shows professionalism.
6. Maintain Cleanliness and Safety Standards
Nothing undermines a hotel faster than hygiene and safety issues like pests. Invest in regular maintenance and inspections — reviews mentioning rats or dirty rooms are hard to recover from.
Managing Reviews on TripAdvisor — Pro Tips
- Monitor your TripAdvisor Management Center daily. Spot problems early and respond fast.
- Train your staff to provide excellent service consistently. Small gestures can create positive reviews that balance out negatives.
- Encourage happy guests to leave honest reviews. Use tools to generate easy QR codes and links.
- Don’t incentivize reviews, but do create moments where guests want to share their great experience naturally.
- Respond to every review. This shows you value feedback and care about your guests.
The key takeaway: Negative reviews happen, but your response can either salvage your reputation or deepen the damage. Stay calm, be honest, and commit to making things better. That’s how you build trust and turn guests into loyal customers.
3 Common Mistakes You Need to Avoid
When it comes to growing your TripAdvisor reviews, I’ve seen some common pitfalls that can actually hurt your business more than help it. Let me walk you through these mistakes and why you need to steer clear of them.
1. Fake Reviews
I get it — the temptation to boost your ratings quickly is real. But fake reviews aren’t just unethical; they can seriously damage your credibility. TripAdvisor uses sophisticated algorithms and manual checks to spot fake or suspicious reviews. In fact, studies show that up to 25% of online reviews are considered fake or misleading across platforms (BrightLocal, 2023).
If you get caught, TripAdvisor can remove your reviews, or worse, suspend your business account. Instead, focus on earning genuine feedback from real guests — that’s what builds long-term trust.
2. Offering Incentives or Bulk Review Requests
Some businesses try to speed things up by offering freebies or discounts in exchange for reviews or by asking every guest repeatedly for a review at checkout. But TripAdvisor’s policies are very clear: incentivizing reviews violates their guidelines and can lead to penalties.
According to a 2022 report by ReviewTrackers, businesses that stick to organic review collection see 35% higher trust from consumers compared to those offering incentives. Plus, bombarding guests with requests can feel pushy and damage the guest experience.
3. Ignoring Feedback — Positive or Negative
Ignoring reviews, especially negative ones, is a huge missed opportunity. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that responding to reviews can increase your likelihood of booking by 12% on average.
When you don’t engage, potential guests may think you don’t care about their experience. Instead, respond promptly, thank guests for their feedback, and address concerns openly. This shows you’re committed to improvement, which actually encourages more people to book.
Start Getting More Tripadvisor Reviews
If you want my honest advice, getting more genuine TripAdvisor reviews isn’t about tricks — it’s about timing, being thoughtful, and making it easy for your guests. When you ask at the right moments, train your team to be confident and polite, and always respond to reviews, you build real trust that brings more bookings.
I also recommend using a tool like Krofile. It makes creating review QR codes and managing feedback super simple, so you can focus on what you do best—delivering great guest experiences.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you managed without it. Ready to boost your TripAdvisor reviews? Let’s get started!
