Water is the universal language of hospitality. From providing water in hotel suites, to drinking water on demand in reception. The simple act of offering this essential is a long standing welcoming tradition, signifying care and attention of guests’ needs, building reputation one drink at a time.
With reviews posted instantly and read widely, even minor slip-ups can leave a lasting mark. What many operators overlook is the hidden role that water plays in taste and consistency. Understanding how to prevent bad drink reviews starts with looking at water quality.
Why great water leads to great reviews
Online reviews are today’s word of mouth. Customers often post their thoughts in real time, meaning there’s little opportunity to correct a problem before it becomes public.
A 2017 survey by the National Restaurant Association found that over half of consumers were influenced by online reviews when choosing where to dine. For hospitality businesses, maintaining high quality at every stage is vital to protect guest satisfaction and avoid negative drink feedback that could affect future bookings and reputation.
Good coffee starts with great water
When a customer complains about “bad coffee” or “flat sparkling water,” it’s natural to question the ingredients or preparation. But in many cases, the real issue lies with the water supply.
Unfiltered tap water may be safe, but it is not always ideal for taste. Residual disinfectants like chlorine and chloramines can create unwanted flavours. Addressing these water quality factors is essential to prevent bad drink reviews that often stem from off-flavours.
These chemical traces affect hot drinks like coffee and tea, as well as cold beverages mixed with ice or carbonated water.
In some regions, tap water can also carry microscopic particles like rust or sand. These are usually invisible to the eye and harmless, but they can still influence taste and mouthfeel, leading to complaints of chalkiness or grittiness.
Small issues, serious consequences
These seemingly minor quality issues can add up quickly in environments that rely on consistent beverage experiences. Where one location or outlet has a different water profile from another, drink quality becomes inconsistent—inviting comparisons and often, negative comments.
Millennials in particular are quick to share these experiences. Research from hospitality software firm Fourth suggests this age group is twice as likely to post a negative review compared to older consumers. This makes it even more important to maintain consistency and prevent bad drink reviews before they appear online.
Filtration is the simplest solution
The good news is that these problems are easy to prevent. High-performance water filtration removes residual chemicals and solid particles, improving both taste and consistency. By prioritising filtration and managing filter schedules to replace used filters on time, businesses can effectively prevent bad drink reviews while maintaining optimal performance across machines, outlets, and drink types.
Filtration doesn’t just enhance flavour—it supports a more professional, controlled customer experience. That, in turn, keeps online ratings where they should be.
Upgrade every guest experience simply with better water
At Borg & Overström we believe the difference is in the detail, from having sparkling water on tap for guests to enjoy, to providing instant access to hot water within hotel rooms.
With elegantly crafted aesthetics and minimalistic, sophisticated profiles, Borg & Overström dispensers are diligently designed to seamlessly integrate with any interior style. It's time to remove the single-use plastic bottles and open up a world of possibility with freshly-filtered water.
Focus on the fundamentals
It’s easy to overreact to online criticism, but the solution is often simple. Maintaining great water quality is one of the most effective ways to ensure drinks taste as intended. Focusing on these fundamentals helps prevent bad drink reviews and encourages positive feedback.
Explore our full range of water filters, engineered to maintain optimal performance.
