How to Get More 5-Star Reviews for Your Hotel or Restaurant (Without Begging for Them)

Let’s be real: anyone can get reviews—but getting 5-star reviews? That’s the magic sauce that drives bookings, fills tables, and boosts your online visibility.

And while the guest experience obviously matters, there are a few smart, low-effort ways to increase the chances that a happy customer will leave a glowing review—especially when you use the right tools (yes, we’re looking at you, Smartap cards 👀).

Here are 5 tips to help you turn great service into 5-star reviews, consistently:

1. Ask at the Right Time (Timing Is Everything)

Catching people in the right moment makes all the difference. Ask too soon, and they’re distracted. Ask too late, and the experience is already fading.

Best moments to prompt a review:

• Right after a great meal

• When they check out with a smile

• While they're still sitting, happy and relaxed

Smartap tip: Leave a tappable Smartap card with the check or key return. A quick scan or tap while they’re still “in the moment” = higher chance of a 5-star review.

2. Make It Incredibly Easy to Leave a Review

If someone has to search for your business online, scroll through menus, or guess which listing is yours—they probably won’t leave a review at all.

The fix? A Smartap QR code or NFC card that takes them directly to your review page—no steps, no confusion.

Less friction = more 5-star love.

3. Set the Tone With Positive Language

The way you ask influences the way people review.

Instead of saying:

“Please leave a review.”

Try:

“If you had a great experience, we’d love a 5-star review!”

Or:

“We’re always aiming for 5 stars—how did we do?”

You’re gently planting the expectation without being pushy.

Bonus tip: Print this message right on your Smartap cards or plaques for maximum impact.

4. Offer a Small ‘Thank You’ (It Goes a Long Way)

We’re not talking about buying reviews (never do that), but a small token of appreciation can go a long way.

Think:

• A mint or cookie

• A branded sticker

• A free coffee for reviewers

Pair it with a Smartap plaque that says:

“Leave us a review and grab a treat—thank you!”

This not only boosts response rates, but also leaves guests with a warm final impression—which often turns into 5 stars.

5. Respond to Reviews (and Show You Care)

Want more 5-star reviews? Start replying to the ones you already have.

When potential guests see that you actually care about feedback—good or bad—they’re more likely to leave thoughtful, positive reviews themselves.

Pro tip: Use Smartap cards to direct people to the platforms where you’re most active in responding (like Google or Tripadvisor).

Ready to Turn Happy Guests Into Raving Fans?

Getting more 5-star reviews doesn’t have to be hard. With the right timing, a thoughtful ask, and a Smartap QR or NFC card that makes it effortless, you’ll start stacking those stars in no time.

👉 Check out our shop and start collecting better reviews, faster