Consumer review websites are where people who have utilized a variety of services can review their experiences. Reviewers can give vacation rental properties, bed-and-breakfast rentals, hotels and other vacation lodging options a rating between one and five stars. Properties that provide a stellar experience, through excellent guest service, outstanding dining and comfortable accommodations, are apt to receive glowing recommendations from their customers. Meanwhile, those that are poorly managed, dirty and uncomfortable might receive poor word-of-mouth.
The star rating system is completely subjective, based solely on the opinions of anonymous reviewers. But there have been instances of fake ratings, both positive and negative, being posted on review sites. Keeping this in mind is essential when using any type of recommendation site. To get the best picture of the quality of an establishment, toss out the highest and lowest ratings, and focus on what the majority of people say about it. Compare ratings between websites once you have narrowed down a vacation destination. You will very likely find that the overall rating of a business is similar across multiple sites.
Business listings on most of these rating sites are free, although some of the larger sites do require that the business subscribes to the service for a nominal fee. This subscription gives the owners the ability to offer information such as the number of rooms, the amenities offered and contact information directly on their business review page.
Owners are able to manage their listings, but are limited to factual information about their establishment. Businesses cannot remove negative comments themselves; however, they can request that they be removed. Owners can encourage customers to provide a review, but this should not be submitted from the hotel computer. It should be done on a computer with a different IP address, otherwise the review may be flagged as false.
The different consumer review websites may also have specifications that businesses must meet to qualify for listing in any designated category. For example, B&B vacation rentals might be required to have onsite staff and housekeeping services included in the room rate. Larger hotels are usually required to have a 24-hour front desk, a private bathroom for each unit and housekeeping included in the room rate. If there is a minimum stay requirement, it must not be more than three nights.
With the number of consumer review sites on the rise, it is becoming increasingly common for business owners to advertise any high ratings they receive on their own websites. Of course, it is always a good idea for consumers to verify this claim for themselves prior to booking travel arrangements.
Author Resource:-
Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed NetBiz SEO 2.0 researcher. For luxurious and highly rated lodging in Savannah, Georgia, he recommends The Olde Savannah Inn. With personalized attention, impeccable cleanliness, amazing food and superb customer service, this bed-and-breakfast garners consistent five-star reviews.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.articlesbacklink.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
