Customer reviews on internet websites have become a powerful way for hoteliers to bring in new customers, or lose them. The four star Dubai hotel, Al Manzil learned last week just how much these reviews can impact their business, as it rose from near obscurity to the top of the city’s rankings in the leading travel website, TripAdvisor. The South African hospitality company Southern Sun manages Al Manzil.
The 197 room boutique Al Manzil hotel beat out 370 other hotels on TripAdvisors list, including the more iconic five star properties like Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Grosvenor House. Analysts say websites like TripAdvisor, which ranks hotels based on customer reviews and ratings is playing a more important role in the choices customers make. Chief Executive of Fast Future Research, a London consultancy said the four star Southern Sun Al Manzil’s top ranking is a tremendous achievement.
