Ever stayed at a hotel that blew you away or one that made you question your life choices? Either way, leaving a hotel review helps future travelers decide where to stay and gives hotels valuable feedback on what they’re doing right or wrong. A well-written review is not saying, “It was great!” or “Worst stay ever.” It is to give clear, useful details that help others know what to expect.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a review for a hotel on Google, what makes a good or bad review, and the best way to share your experience without sounding like an overly dramatic movie critic.
- What Makes a Good Hotel Review
- How to Write a Review on Google
- Writing Reviews That Actually Help
What Makes a Good Hotel Review
A good hotel review does more than just say, “Nice place!” or “Terrible experience!” It gives useful details that help future guests make informed decisions.
. Be Specific About Your Stay
Instead of writing, “The room was nice,” try something more descriptive:
“The deluxe king room was spotless, with fresh linens, a soft mattress, and a balcony overlooking the ocean.” “The bathroom had high-end toiletries and a rainfall shower, making it feel like a mini spa.”
Details like this paint a clear picture for other travelers.
. Talk About Service and Amenities
Did the staff go above and beyond? Was the pool as good as the website promised? A hotel review should highlight the little things that made or broke your stay.
. Mention Any Issues Fairly
Not every stay is perfect, but even a bad hotel review should be constructive.
The goal is not just to complain, it’s to provide useful feedback that hotels and travelers can act on.
. Keep It Balanced and Honest
Even if your stay wasn’t ideal, highlight both the good and bad. If the hotel reviews on Google are all extremes either “best ever” or “worst ever” it’s hard to trust them. A balanced review is always more helpful.
How to Write a Hotel Review on Google
If you had a great or not-so-great hotel stay, leaving a Google hotel review helps other travelers know what to expect. But how do you write a review that’s actually useful? Here’s how to do it right.
1. Find the Hotel on Google
First, search for the hotel’s name in Google. You should see its Google Business profile pop up on the right (or at the top on mobile). Scroll down until you see the “Write a Review” button. Click it to get started.
2. Rate Your Experience (★☆☆☆☆ – ★★★★★)
Google requires you to leave a star rating before you write your review. Be honest:
- ★★★★★ = Amazing experience, highly recommend
- ★★★★☆ = Great, but a few small issues
- ★★★☆☆ = Decent, but some things could be improved
- ★★☆☆☆ = Below expectations, wouldn’t return
- ★☆☆☆☆ = Major problems, do not recommend
Your rating sets the tone for your review, so make sure it matches what you write.
3. Write a Detailed, Balanced Review
Google reviews are most helpful when they’re detailed. Instead of a vague “Nice hotel” or “Wouldn’t stay again,” get specific. Even if you’re writing a bad hotel review, keep it constructive.
4. Add Photos (Optional but Helpful!)
If you have photos of your room, the pool, or the breakfast spread, add them! People love seeing real images before booking. Just to make sure they’re clear.
5. Post & Check Back Later
Once you’re happy with your review, hit “Post” and you’re done! Google might ask if you want to update your review later, this is useful if the hotel improves or if you notice new issues during your stay.
Writing Reviews That Actually Help
A well-written review does more than just vent frustration or praise the comfy pillows. It guides travelers, helps hotels improve, and even influences industry standards. So, how do you write a review that actually makes an impact?
1. Be Honest, But Fair
You don’t have to exaggerate the good or bad, just state what actually happened. If the front desk was slow but the room was spotless, say so. If the breakfast was amazing but the Wi-Fi was unreliable, mention both. Balanced reviews are more credible and useful.
2. Focus on What Matters to Travelers
Instead of listing every tiny detail, highlight what people actually care about:
- Check-in process (Was it smooth or a hassle?)
- Cleanliness (Spotless or not up to standard?)
- Amenities (Pool, gym, breakfast—worth it or not?)
- Noise levels (Could you sleep well?)
- Service (Were staff helpful and friendly?)
This keeps your review focused and useful.
3. Use Real-Life Examples
A review that simply says, “Bad experience, won’t return” doesn’t tell anyone much. But this does: “The hotel lobby looked beautiful, but the room itself had a musty smell, and housekeeping never replaced the towels. On the bright side, the location was perfect, just a five-minute walk to the beach.” Details like these help future guests make informed choices.
4. If the Hotel Responds, Follow Up
Many hotels now reply to reviews, especially on Google hotel reviews. If they fix an issue you mentioned, consider updating your review. It’s a small step that helps both travelers and the business.
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