The Power of Reviews: Managing Your Online Reputation in the Philippine Hotel & Resort Industry

In the ever-competitive world of Philippine hospitality, online reviews have become one of the most powerful tools for attracting bookings and boosting credibility. Whether you operate a high-end resort in Palawan or a modern business hotel in Quezon City, managing your online reputation isn’t optional—it’s a core part of running a successful hospitality business today.

At Allora Linen, we work with hotels and resorts across the country and have seen how smart review strategies directly impact bookings, rates, and guest loyalty. This article outlines exactly how you can make reviews work for you.

Why Reviews Matter Now More Than Ever

  • 💬 84% of travellers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations (TripAdvisor).

  • 📍 Google prioritizes properties with frequent, high-quality reviews in search results—especially in local PH searches.

  • 🌟 One glowing 5-star review can lead to multiple bookings—while one unanswered negative review can push guests away.

1. Make It Easy for Guests to Leave Reviews

💡 Use QR Codes at Check-Out

Set up printed QR cards in each room or at the front desk with text like:
“Loved your stay? Leave us a review!”
This worked well for a boutique hotel in Tagaytay, resulting in a +60% increase in reviews within 30 days.

📲 Send Email/SMS Reminders

Schedule an automated thank-you message a few hours after checkout with a direct review link. Tools like Mailchimp or SMS apps work great here.

🎁 Offer a Gentle Incentive

Something small like a discount on their next stay or a free drink for leaving a review can encourage action (without bribing for positivity).

2. Monitor Reviews Across Platforms

Use tools like:

  • Google Alerts

  • ReviewPush

  • Manual weekly checks on Google, Facebook, Agoda, TripAdvisor

Pro tip:
Track keywords like cleanliness, breakfast, towels, service, safety—they point to what matters most to your guests.

3. Always Respond—Fast & Professionally

🙏 Thank Positive Reviewers

Example:

“Thank you for your kind words about our staff and ocean view! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great time and hope to welcome you again soon.”

🛠 Address Negative Feedback Calmly

Even 1-star reviews can be flipped into a win when you respond professionally and offer resolution. A Cebu hotel turned a 2-star review into a repeat guest by offering a complimentary upgrade and resolving the issue quickly.

4. Showcase Reviews Across Your Marketing

Add top reviews to:

  • 📧 Email campaigns

  • 🖥 Website homepage or booking pages

  • 📸 Social media posts with guest quotes and photo tags

Tip: Embed widgets from TripAdvisor or Google on your Squarespace site for live social proof.

5. Use Reviews to Improve Operations

If you see recurring comments about:

  • Wi-Fi signal → improve router placement

  • Breakfast quality → review kitchen sourcing

  • Staff friendliness → re-train or recognize top performers

Track patterns in a shared Google Sheet or feedback tool and discuss them during monthly staff meetings.

6. Encourage Reviews on Multiple Platforms

Don’t rely on Google alone—ask guests to also share feedback on:

  • Facebook

  • TripAdvisor

  • Booking.com

  • Agoda

This builds a strong and diverse reputation footprint and improves your SEO visibility across more platforms.

7. Automate the Process

Consider using hotel PMS software (like Cloudbeds or Little Hotelier) that can:

  • Auto-send review requests

  • Track reviews in one dashboard

  • Trigger alerts for low ratings

Or use tools like Reputation.com to streamline everything for you.

8. Train Your Team Around Reviews

🧠 Run Review Workshops

Each month, review top guest mentions (positive or negative) and let staff brainstorm solutions.

🎖 Reward Employees Who Are Named in Reviews

Create a “Review Star of the Month” board or reward system. It boosts morale and encourages better service.

Client Stories from the Field

✔ Panglao Resort added QR codes in each room, resulting in a 3x jump in TripAdvisor reviews over 2 months.

✔ Tagaytay Retreat Center responded to every review for 60 days and increased their Booking.com rating from 8.1 to 8.7.

✔ Boutique Hotel in Makati used Allora Linen's eco-friendly towels and dispensers, which guests mentioned positively in 14 separate reviews—boosting both sustainability cred and word-of-mouth.

9. Use Reviews to Support Your Brand Story

Example:

“We’re a proudly local property using sustainable linens and locally sourced amenities.”
Link to your sustainable initiatives or mention partnerships with trusted suppliers like Allora Linen.

Feature top-performing products guests talk about, such as:

10. Keep Improving and Stay Consistent

Building your online reputation doesn’t stop after 10 good reviews. It’s an ongoing strategy. Schedule regular reviews of your listings, update your responses, and highlight improvements.

Conclusion: Reviews = Reputation = Revenue

Every review is a public conversation about your brand. By being proactive, attentive, and authentic, you’ll not only impress potential guests—you’ll win lifelong customers.

At Allora Linen, we help you create an experience guests want to rave about. From quality towels to amenities that stand out in photos and reviews, our products support your mission to wow every guest.

📦 Start building a better guest experience today:
➡️ Shop Our Most Popular Hotel Supplies
➡️ Explore Folding Beds & Linens

Next
Next

Complete Guide to Hotel Security and Safety Protocols in the Pinoy Hospitality Industry