How to increase positive reviews with welcome packages

Why can welcome packages increase positive reviews?

Imagine arriving at your hotel after a long journey and finding a fresh bottle of water, a local snack, and a welcome letter with your name in your room. How would that affect you? You would probably feel immediately pampered and set up for a positive experience.

There, that is the power of welcome packages. They create an immediate emotional impact that increases guest satisfaction and, consequently, the likelihood that they will leave an enthusiastic review.

According to some research, guests who receive a personalized welcome are 30 percent more likely to leave positive feedback than those who find no special gesture.

What to put in a welcome kit that stimulates reviews?

You don't need to spend a fortune to create an effective welcome package. The important thing is that it is useful, personalized and locally related. Here are a few ideas:

Small giveaways that make a difference

A bottle of water, a quality single-serve coffee, artisanal chocolates or fresh fruit are details that cost little but leave a positive memory. If you want to raise the bar, add a voucher for a free drink at the bar or a discount on a facility service (spa, massage, etc.).

Local products

Guests love to feel "local," even if only for a few days. Including a typical cheese, local wine, or traditional dessert in the kit not only makes the guest happy, but also entices them to talk about your facility as an authentic experience.

A welcome letter inviting feedback

Write a warm message, perhaps signed by the director, thanking the guest for choosing your facility. At the end, add a sentence such as:
"Your feedback is valuable to us! If you enjoyed your stay, help us improve by leaving a review on [Booking.com/TripAdvisor]."
This call to action, if done gently, increases the likelihood that the guest will take two minutes to write a review.

Useful informational materials

A map of the city with the most Instagrammable places, a list of recommended restaurants or a small vademecum with public transportation schedules show that you really care about your guests' experience. And a satisfied guest is a guest who reviews well.

How to maximize the effect of welcome packages

Now that you know what to include in the kit, let's see how to make the most of it to increase positive reviews:

1. Customize according to the type of guest.

   If you welcome a couple on a romantic trip, add two glasses and a small bottle of prosecco.
   If you have foreign guests, include a language guide or a basic tourist dictionary.
   For families with children, put a small game or coloring book.

   The more tailored the kit, the more special the guest will feel and be inclined to leave a positive review.

2. Use post-stay follow-up

   After your departure, send a thank-you email in which you gently remind us how important feedback is. You can write something like:
   "We hope you enjoyed your stay with us! If you enjoyed our little welcome, please help us spread the word about the facility by sharing your experience on [link to review page]."

3. Facilitates review with QR code

   Hang a QR code in the room or common areas that links directly to the page where to leave the review. The fewer steps the guest has to take, the more likely they are to do so.

4. Always respond to reviews, it helps you Rebyu

   Responding to reviews consistently is one of the best ways to get more positive reviews, but doing it right requires time, attention and the right tone. My suggestion is to use a tool like Rebyu, the reputation management software that responds to reviews in an intelligent and personalized way.

   With Rebyu, every response is designed to enhance guest feedback and improve your hotel's image. The result? More positive reviews, more satisfied customers, and an online reputation that is always under control.

Try it for free for 7 days

Want to see Rebyu in action? Activate the free trial, without entering a credit card. Click here and learn how to turn every review into an opportunity to grow your hotel.

How to measure the impact of welcome packages?

If you have introduced the kits and want to see if they are working, here is how to evaluate their effectiveness:

• Analyze reviews: look for phrases such as "beautiful welcome," "exceptional kindness," or "details appreciated." If they appear often, it means the kit is making an impact.
• Compare before and after scores: check whether your average rating has increased since you introduced the packages.
• Do quick surveys: at check-out, ask the guest if they enjoyed the welcome and what they would improve.

Conclusion: are welcome packages worth the investment?

Absolutely. Even if you spend a few extra euros per guest, the benefits are tangible: more positive reviews, increased loyalty, and a stronger online reputation. In addition, a well-done kit can become a selling point to advertise on your website and social media, attracting even more bookings.