Guest Reviews

When we first started as innkeepers in 2004, guest reviews were not something we thought of. We had journals in each guest rooms where guests could write comments or thank yous and we would pick and choose which ones to post on our own website. Now there are countless travel review websites where guests can, and do, post reviews. The whole process of getting reviews has become a time consuming task. It’s almost like a game.

Fig Street Inn has only been open for 4 ½ months but we’re already rated #1 on TripAdvisor in our town. We never wanted to be #1. When we first started getting reviews we were #3, and were very happy to be there. We thought it would be nice if we kept flipping back and forth between #2 and #3, but all of a sudden, we are #1. We are extremely grateful for the wonderful reviews our guests have given, but now the challenge begins to keep ourselves at #1, or at least not to fall below #2.

So how do you get guest reviews, good guest reviews, and keep yourself at the top? It’s not easy. We are in the business of providing a relaxing and enjoyable experience. We are not in this for reviews, but unfortunately, we have to commit time and energy to get them. We do mention it to guests if it comes up in conversation – a few say they read our online reviews and say that they were the reason they booked with us. We follow up by email with guests about a week after their stays and send links to the two most popular sites for b&b reviews – TripAdvisor and BedAndBreakfast.com. And every once in awhile we post on our FaceBook page asking past guests to write a review. We average about 1 review for every 6 guests we ask.

But now we have to work “harder” to keep ourselves #1. That means more reviews. And there really is no way for us to get more reviews without hounding guests (which we will not do). We don’t pay for reviews. We don’t give discounts because someone says they will write a review. And we don’t have family and friends write reviews (we might ask a friend, but only if they actually stayed).

So I guess we will also use our blog for another “plug” to write a review. If you’ve stayed with us, we hope you will go to TripAdvisor and/or BedAndBreakfast.com and share your experience with other travelers.We honestly appreciate the feedback and thank you to our past guests for making us #1!