How to Get More Reviews on Booking.com – And Should You Really Want Them?

Radka Telyckova23.7. 20252x

The Obsession with Booking.com Reviews

Let’s be honest: every hotelier loves seeing that 9.2 out of 10 rating on Booking.com. It feels like a badge of honor, right? Guests trust it. Higher ratings lead to more visibility, more clicks, and—yes—more bookings.

I’ve had countless conversations with hotel owners who proudly show me their Booking.com score as the ultimate proof of success. Some even build their marketing strategy around it.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth:
👉 Does having more Booking.com reviews always mean success?
👉 And should you even aim for as many reviews as possible?

The answer might surprise you.

Why This Question Matters

Many hoteliers believe that collecting as many Booking.com reviews as possible is the key to growth. But think about what it actually means:

You’re investing time, energy, and sometimes incentives to push guests to review on one platform only.
A high number of reviews usually signals that most of your bookings come from Booking.com.

That’s not necessarily a good thing. Because the more dependent you are on a single channel, the more vulnerable your business becomes.

The Hidden Risk: Over-Reliance on One Platform

Booking.com guests are known for being more critical compared to other platforms like Google or TripAdvisor. And one bad review—especially when you depend heavily on OTAs—can do real damage:

Your rating drops.
Your position in Booking.com rankings falls.
Your booking volume decreases overnight.

I’ve seen hotels that were 80% dependent on Booking.com lose 20–30% of their revenue just because a few negative reviews pushed them below a competitor in the rankings.

Do You Really Need “More” Reviews—or Better Balance?

Before you start chasing more Booking.com reviews, ask yourself:

Are you ignoring Google reviews that improve your SEO and bring direct bookings?
Are you building your reputation outside OTAs—or just feeding their algorithm?

Your reputation should not live on one platform. If your business thrives only because Booking.com likes you, you don’t own your success—they do.

How to Get More Reviews on Booking.com (The Smart Way)

If you decide to increase reviews on Booking.com, do it without sacrificing diversity:

✅ 1. Ask Guests Proactively

At check-out, say:

“Your review on Booking.com helps us keep our ranking and improve for future guests.”

Place a small card in rooms with a QR code leading to the review page.

✅ 2. Create WOW Moments

Guests write reviews when they feel something special:

Personalized welcome note
Free upgrade when possible
Solving problems before check-out

✅ 3. Follow Up After the Stay

Send a friendly email (or WhatsApp message) thanking them and reminding them that feedback helps your team.

✅ 4. Respond to Every Review

Guests appreciate when you care. Always thank positive reviewers and handle negative feedback with empathy and professionalism.

My Final Thought

Yes, Booking.com reviews matter—but don’t let your hotel’s entire reputation live there. Build strength across multiple platforms:
✔ Google for SEO and direct bookings
✔ TripAdvisor for visibility with leisure travelers
✔ Social proof on Facebook & Instagram

Your goal should be control, not dependency. Because when Booking.com changes the rules—or your rating drops—you don’t want your business to collapse overnight.

✅ Want to learn how to balance OTA presence with strong direct booking strategies?

Join my Inevitable Hotel Success Program or request a Direct Booking Audit. I’ll show you how to grow your subscriber list AND turn those subscribers into bookers—without relying on OTAs. 👉 Click here to learn more.

For more practical tips don’t forget to join our free resource library for more practical tips and trainings to help you boost direct bookings or check out my Youtube Channel.

Radka Telyckova