As the owner of a small luxury glamping site, I’ve come to realise just how vital reviews are in helping small businesses like ours thrive. Running a boutique glamping retreat in the UK is both a passion and a responsibility, and guest reviews have played a pivotal role in shaping our journey. Reflecting on our first season back in 2020, I’m reminded of the immense impact those first few reviews had on us – both as a brand-new site and as hosts eager to create memorable experiences.
When we first opened, we had no reviews at all, which can feel a little daunting for any small business. Potential guests rely on reviews to get a sense of what they can expect. Without them, we’re just another listing on the internet, hoping someone will take a chance on us. That’s why we were incredibly grateful to those early guests who chose to stay with us despite having no prior testimonials to refer to. It takes trust, and we truly appreciated that leap of faith.
What really struck us was how powerful guest feedback can be. Reading their reviews was a validation of all the hard work that had gone into creating our glamping site. When guests wrote about how we’d “thought of everything” and how much they enjoyed the unique touches we offer – like our quirky “disco showers,” or the fun of gathering around the fire pit to toast marshmallows – it reassured us that we were on the right track. Our goal was to provide a space where guests could disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life, and their feedback confirmed that we were achieving that.
Reviews are not just about praise, though. They’re also an essential tool for growth. Positive feedback is lovely, but we also look for any suggestions or comments on how we could improve. Whether it’s adding something small to enhance the guest experience or adjusting how we communicate certain features, reviews provide us with insights that we might not have considered. It’s all about making the next guest’s stay even better.
As a small, exclusive glamping site, word of mouth is everything. While we do our best to showcase what makes our location and accommodation special, it’s the first-hand experiences of our guests that really bring it to life for others. Reviews have a way of capturing the true essence of a stay, offering potential guests the reassurance they need to hit that ‘book now’ button. And for us, a return visit from a guest – like the families and groups who have returned year on year since we first opened in 2020 – speaks volumes. It’s the highest compliment we could receive.
Another important factor for luxury glamping sites is that reviews help us stand out in a crowded market. As glamping continues to grow in popularity across the UK, it’s vital to showcase what makes your site unique. Personal stories and testimonials highlight the small details and experiences that make a stay special. Whether it’s witnessing a stunning sunset, enjoying a rainy night snuggled up inside with the stove lit, or watching children enjoying the outdoor space of the meadow field where our canvas cabins are located, these moments, shared through reviews, paint a vivid picture of what future guests can expect.
Now, as we pack up our tents and prepare them for a long winter’s rest, it’s clear how crucial those first and ongoing reviews have been for us. They’ve helped build our reputation, spread the word about what we offer, and most importantly, connected us with wonderful guests who appreciate the little luxuries of glamping life.
If you’re a fellow small business or glamping site owner, I can’t stress enough the importance of encouraging reviews. They’re not just a way to promote your business – they’re a key to continually improving and growing. And to all our future guests: we look forward to welcoming you when we reopen next spring. Don’t forget, we’re ready for you from the start of the Easter holidays through to October half term, so be sure to book soon!
In the meantime, here’s to another successful season ahead – and to all the kind words that will help make it happen!
Read our five star reviews here:
As featured in British Travel Journal
Read BTJ article here.
