With the rise of online booking platforms such as Expedia, Booking.com, and Airbnb, travelers have access to a wealth of information about hotels, including reviews and ratings from previous guests. These online reviews and ratings can have a significant impact on a hotel’s reputation and ultimately, its booking numbers. In this article, we will explore the impact of online reviews and ratings on hotel bookings, and how hoteliers can use this information to their advantage.
Online reviews and ratings have become an essential part of the decision-making process for travelers when booking a hotel. According to a survey conducted by TripAdvisor, 96% of travelers read reviews before booking a hotel. Additionally, 84% of travelers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends or family. In conclusion, hotels play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism. By adopting eco-friendly practices, hotels can reduce their environmental impact and attract environmentally conscious travelers.
Online reviews
Online reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into a hotel’s quality, service, and amenities, helping potential guests make informed decisions. Positive reviews can also enhance a hotel’s reputation and increase its visibility on search engines, leading to more bookings.
Negative reviews
Negative reviews, on the other hand, can harm a hotel’s reputation and deter potential guests from booking. A study by Cornell University found that a one-star increase in a hotel’s online rating can lead to a 5-9% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR), while a one-star decrease can lead to a 5-9% decrease in RevPAR.
Online reviews and ratings can have a significant impact on a hotel’s bookings. A study by BrightLocal found that 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, and 73% of consumers say positive reviews make them trust a business more.
influence
Online reviews and ratings can also influence a hotel’s search engine ranking. Search engines such as Google take into account a hotel’s online reputation when determining its ranking in search results.
Ratings
Hotels with higher ratings and more positive reviews are more likely to appear at the top of search results, leading to more clicks and bookings.
Trustpilot
According to a study by Trustpilot, hotels with more than 100 reviews receive 46% more bookings than hotels with fewer than 25 reviews.
Quantity
However, it’s not just about the quantity of reviews. The quality of reviews also plays a crucial role. A study by Harvard Business Review found that hotels with a 4.0 rating out of 5.0 received twice as many bookings as hotels with a 3.0 rating. Additionally, hotels with reviews that mention cleanliness, staff, and location tend to receive more bookings than hotels with reviews that focus on price or amenities.
Responding to online reviews is an essential part of managing a hotel’s online reputation. According to a survey by TripAdvisor, 62% of travelers are more likely to book a hotel that responds to online reviews. Responding to reviews demonstrates that a hotel values its guests’ feedback and is committed to providing excellent customer service.
Reviews
Cornell
Responding to negative reviews is particularly important. A study by Cornell University found that hotels that respond to negative reviews receive 12% more reviews and their ratings increase by an average of 0.12 stars. The quality and quantity of online reviews can also have a significant impact on a hotel’s bookings.