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But there’s a shift there: for today’s travelers, digital basics are just that – basics. You’ll find surveys from over a decade ago that already put free, fast WiFi at the top of guests’ wish lists. That’s still true –  more than 70% of people expect WiFi as standard in even the most basic hotel room, according to YouGov. It’s become just as essential as the complimentary shampoo and a toothbrush you’ll find in the bathroom.

What’s changed is that the tech checklist is now longer – the wow factor has moved. Beyond the baseline, it’s not about having flashy gadgets; it’s about whether technology actually solves problems and makes things easier for both guests and staff.

Nearly three-quarters of guests (73%) want to check in, order food, or pay from their phones. Almost half now look for contactless payments, and most are happy to use digital room keys. We’re at a stage where guests expect to do almost everything digitally that they could do at the front desk – from requesting extra towels to checking out.

Let’s not forget the hotels themselves – tech answers the call of consumers, but it’s just as crucial for the people running the show. We still find ourselves in a post-pandemic staffing crunch, making it tougher for hoteliers to find and keep enough team members on the ground. That’s why 65% of hoteliers to actively investing in new tech for their teams, and 96% are rolling out contactless options like check-in, payment, and service. 

Fix friction points. Free up staff. Integrate seamlessly. They’re the goalposts for tech in hospitality now. Digital is expected and can be a winner. But it’s got to be chosen for the right reasons.

Convenient tech – we can see there’s demand there. But cold automation? That’s where there might be questions.

The Limits of Automation

So, with so much tech, we’re pushed to ask: does more always mean better? Not always. Again, it has to be chosen for the right reasons. 

New automations – chatbots, kiosks, service robots – have tested just how much guests want machines over people. The answer is: when it works. We’ll translate that to sometimes for the sake of simplicity, as it does read a little confusing. 

The numbers help cut through some of the noise: more insights from Oracle and Skift found that 73% of guests were more likely to stay somewhere that let them manage things on their phone. Yet, insights from a different survey saw 56% of consumers say that they don’t want to interact with robots during their stay, and only 14% would opt for a self-serve kiosk when a manned service station was available. 

So here’s the nuance: guests want tech for convenience and speed, not that blanket-replaces real people. Not all interactions should be automated. 

Automation works best when it’s invisible and helpful – quick answers from a chatbot at 2 am, digital keys for easy check-in, mobile recommendations for tips on the move.

But tech can get in the way when it’s overly complicated, creates more friction than it solves, and demands a learning curve. That’s when frustrations spike and guests want real humans to step in. 

So there’s a real argument for using automation when it comes to the routine and repetitive but leaving room for human touch in the moments between. With this formula, the tech gives staff more time to do what only they can do: listen, empathize, and connect.

Is “Personal Touch” Still a Thing?

Another question that we find ourselves asking is: what does genuine hospitality look like now? Is there still space for personal touch?

Yes. That’s an easier answer to give. 

It’s about staff who listen, anticipate, and help guests get the most from their trip – and about using the right tools to make that easier to deliver. 

Local recommendations are a great area of opportunity. 81% of travelers want hotels to provide thoughtful, curated local tips. That tells us something important – guests aren’t just looking for information, they’re looking for insight. It’s why the best recommendations come from people with local experience who know what’s worth the time and what’s not. That’s personal touch with substance.

How those tips are delivered is where hotels have room to differentiate. For the hotels that have answered their guests' calls to provide recommendations, it has historically been through laminated lists tucked in the top drawer of a bedroom cabinet, being ushered to a pamphlet display beside reception, or handwritten notes from the concierge desk. 

Now, the same authentic insights can be packaged in a convenience-first digital format – giving guests the ease of on-demand access without losing the human expertise behind it. That’s the perfect example of where digital intersects human. 

And personal touch doesn’t end with recommendations. It can be the welcome note in your room, the team remembering your favorite pillow, or a late-night problem solved with empathy. According to PwC, 75% of guests want more personal interaction as tech improves, not less. And 56% say a personalized experience makes them more likely to return. The best hotels blend that personal element into both human and digital touchpoints – for moments that feel genuine and make guests happy.

Want to learn more about the value of good recommendations? Read our article about why generic travel advice is ruining guest experiences.

Where Human + Digital Blends Best

Tech and people can work in tandem to make hotel stays feel effortless and personal. Here’s what that can look like in practice:

• Local expertise: Hotels package their best neighbourhood tips into a digital guidebook, so guests can browse anytime, filter to their interests, and plan without waiting in line.

• Housekeeping: Guests request fresh towels, late cleaning, or a turndown via app; staff respond in person within minutes, with no need for repeated phone calls or missed knocks.

• Maintenance: Smart room sensors detect low battery in locks or a fault in the AC, triggering an engineer visit before the guest even reports the issue.

• Room service: Orders placed through a tablet or app are delivered by staff who can offer extras or share quick dining recommendations face-to-face.

• Events and activities: Guests sign up digitally for classes, tours, or tastings, and staff greet them by name on arrival, adding a personal welcome to a self-serve booking process.

Here, digital tools help staff focus on what humans do best. Plus, guests get autonomy and attention on their own terms.

Want to get a few more "WOW"s? Read our list of simple ways to impress your hotel guests.

Best Practices for Hotels

• Start with friction points: Add tech where it solves a real problem, not just for the sake of it.

• Give guests options: Let people choose digital, human, or both.

• Nail the basics: Fast WiFi, easy payments, mobile keys. They should work flawlessly.

• Empower staff: Give them the time, tools, and data to create standout moments, not transactions.

• Amplify local knowledge: Use tech to surface real insights, not generic lists.

Final Thought 

The best hotel stays aren’t a battle between gadgets and good people. They’re what happens when digital ease and real hospitality work together – you breeze through mobile check-in, get a tip on the best noodles in town, or stream your favorite show after exploring local streets. That’s the magic of human + digital, done right.

Want to combine personal touch with digital convenience? Tipsiti helps hotels package authentic, local expertise into a guest-friendly digital guidebook – boosting satisfaction, saving staff time, and increasing revenue. 

Written by the Tipsiti team – travelers, curators, and hospitality professionals working to make guest recommendations more intentional and more local.

Bonanza 🔗

Headline Berlin coffee shop and roastery.

First putting third-wave coffee to cup in 2006, Bonanza are pioneers of Berlin’s craft caffeine scene. Now, their flagship Kreuzberg café-meets-roastery headlines a quartet of sibling coffee shops throughout Berlin each pouring specialty brews made with beans from select worldwide locations. Epicureans and aficionados: note the subtle fruit notes of the house roasts – Bonanza’s eponymous blend pairs beans from Brazil and Peru for a dark cherry and chocolate profile.

Father Carpenter 🔗

Breakfast, brunch, and damn good brews.

Driven by their puritan approach to coffee – their words, not ours – Father Carpenter tables a brew that has garnered a city-wide reputation. Here, beans come exclusively from Fjord, the collaborative venture of Father Carpenter’s own Kresten Thøgersen and nearby Silo Coffee’s Morgan Love and James Maguire. Though Fjord ships worldwide, its blends are best enjoyed fresh from the grinders – Father Carpenter’s talent for breakfast only adds to the invitation.

Five Elephant 🔗

Berlin coffee shop serving specialty beans from overseas.

Conceived in Kreuzberg and now expanded to industrial-chic locations in Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg, Five Elephants commands a strong footprint in Berlin – and a pioneering influence on its third-wave movement. Specialty beans are sourced from overseas and roasted on-site. Golden crema aside, the coffee shop tempts with the city’s finest cheesecake; this is the spot to lean into Germany’s penchant for kaffee und kuchen.

Isla Coffee 🔗

Zero-waste coffee shop with a fluid roster of specialty beans.

A proud zero-waste advocate, Isla extends its commitment to specialty coffee to its pursuit of environmental sustainability. The third-wave café, adjacent to Berlin’s well-trodden Hermannstraße, features furnishings built with recycled materials and cups made from reused coffee grounds. Beans are sourced from a roster of domestic and international roasters, keeping Isla’s caffeine offerings fluid – staff are always willing to walk the curious through flavor profiles and personal recommendations. Brunch here is worth a bite too.

Concierge Coffee 🔗

Grab-and-go coffee, canalside.

Concierge exceeds its modest foundations. Now, baristas stand where doormen once stood, serving specialty espresso to a handful of indoor tables and through the hole-in-the-wall service hatch – Concierge’s inaugural store's proximity to the Landwehr Canal lures nearby wanderers for grab-and-go refuels. West Berlin residents can source a cup of Concierge’s finest from the brand’s sister store in Schöneberg.

Kaffeekirsche 🔗

Neighborhood-oriented coffee shop with a solid house blend.

Now with two iterations across the city – including their headline cafe-roastery in Tempelhofer – Kaffeekirsche continues its objective of bringing high-quality coffee to the streets of Berlin. Founder, Turabi Kocadag, remains committed to building a neighborhood space that welcomes all and delivers a journey through coffee. Kaffeekirsche’s house blend unites beans from Brazil and Ethiopia for a sweet caramel profile that finishes with fruity notes – good for a milky brew or as pure espresso.

DoubleEye

Expert-made espresso in Schöneberg.

Espresso by the hand of two-time world barista champion Arno Schmeil draws queues to the more docile streets of Schöneberg. Patrons linger for conversation streetside due to the limited space of DoubleEye’s standing-only interior. Schmeil imparts his mastery of the caffeine craft to his baristas, cementing DoubleEye as a sure bet for loyal followers, pitstop drinkers, and those simply finding themselves in western Berlin.

Town Mouse Coffee

Laidback coffee shop and cafe wit beans from Berlin's own 19grams.

While not roasters themselves, Town Mouse source their beans from Berlin’s own 19grams – a long-proven name within the third-wave movement with four successful locations of their own. Mouse seeks to indulge in life’s simple pleasures; patrons follow suit and trust in their flat whites. Whether for the coffee, sandwiches, or casual atmosphere, the Prenzlauer Berg café has built a loyal following in its relatively short tenure.

Mamecha 🔗

Matcha cafe with drinks and sweet treats.

Deserving of more than an honorary mention, Mamecha dabbles rather successfully in the art of matcha – alongside other types of green tea. The Japanese café is proximate to the likes of Father Carpenter and Five Elephant but offers a more distinctive flavor spread. Visitors can sample a collection of traditional green teas or embrace the earthy tones of a matcha latte, both in collaboration with a selection of Japanese treats.

FAQs

1. Do you have any brunch recommendations too? Of course! Take a look at this list of Berlin's best brunch spots!

2. Can we take a look at all your local recommendations for Berlin? Head here for Tipsiti's full directory of local Berlin travel recommendations.

• 81% of hotel guests want local experience recommendations – but many hotels default to generic, popular picks. Local recommendations are how hotels win.

• Even strong recommendations fall flat when they're buried in laminated lists, outdated brochures, or scribbled notes. Guests expect modern, accessible delivery.

• Recommendations shape guest experience. Thoughtful, personal guidance can define how positively a guest remembers their visit.

• The problem is twofold: the recommendations aren’t always curated, and the method of sharing them hasn’t evolved.

Great Insight, Outdated Delivery

It's not a knock on concierges. Many of them do have incredible local knowledge. We’ve had concierges send us to perfect under-the-radar spots – places we’d never have found otherwise. They’re the trips we remember. But, we’ve also been handed lists that felt like filler, or been pointed to the same five places we saw in a taxi ad the night before. It’s a mixed bag. And for guests, that inconsistency becomes part of the experience.

The presentation doesn’t help either. Great advice gets buried in outdated formats. Rushed handoffs. Laminated sheets that can’t flex to seasonality or mood. Guests want something that feels intentional – not generic. But more often than not, they get something that’s just fine. 

This matters. Because those early recommendations shape how a guest engages with the city. Whether they explore with confidence or hesitation. Whether they feel like just another tourist – or like someone who was pointed toward something real.

Curation With Intention

We’re not suggesting hotels stop offering recs or need to overhaul everything – quite the opposite. Local advice is one of hospitality’s biggest assets. But the method of sharing it needs to catch up. So hotels can take what they already know – the good, the specific, the local – and actually help guests make use of it.

Whether a hotel has a full concierge team or just a single multitasking staff member, guests deserve more than default picks and outdated formats.

They deserve a moment of clarity: Here’s something worth your time. Something specific and local. Something that makes the city feel just a little more open.

Want to boost your property’s recommendation process? Tipsiti delivers a digital guidebook tool powered by local recommendations that raises guest satisfaction and hotel revenue.

Written by the Tipsiti team – travelers, curators, and hospitality professionals working to make guest recommendations more intentional and more local.

More than ever, travelers are looking for moments of connection. Not mass-market sightseeing, but small discoveries that feel intentional. And when a host nails that – when they give a tip that actually lands – it elevates everything. The stay feels curated. The city feels more accessible. And that elusive five-star review becomes a lot more likely.

Great hospitality starts with a quiet recommendation and a bit of local confidence. Most hosts already know what they want to share. They just need better ways to say it.

The issue isn’t that travelers are lazy or uninformed. It’s that the tools meant to help them have become optimized for volume, not value.

They’re designed to answer the question:

“What are people talking about?” Not: “What’s actually worth your time?”

Generic advice is easy to give. But it rarely lands.

If you’ve ever asked a hotel concierge for recommendations and ended up with a laminated list of TripAdvisor darlings, you’ve felt this. If you’ve ever been sent to a “hidden gem” with a line out the door and a $14 smoothie menu, you’ve definitely felt this.

It’s not that these places are bad – it’s that the recommendation lacks intention. It wasn’t given with context, nuance, or care. It’s generic, recycled, and impersonal.

The guest experience suffers when guidance is treated like a checkbox. And if you’re in hospitality – whether you’re running a hotel, hosting on Airbnb, or driving rideshare – that matters. Because the difference between a 4-star and a 5-star review often comes down to the details. A moment of thoughtfulness. A local recommendation that actually resonates.

So What Makes Real Recommendations Different?

They don’t come from rankings or aggregated sentiment. They come from familiarity – from people who move through a city every day. The kind of lived-in knowledge that quietly accumulates over time: where to go, when to go, and what actually matters once you’re there.

Real recommendations carry context. They understand that a neighborhood cafe feels different in the morning than it does at dusk. That some places are perfect for a one-day visit, while others reward the kind of time most travelers don’t have. Not everything needs to be squeezed into the same “must-see” list – and good curation knows when to leave things out.

They also respect time. Advice without context tends to flatten everything, as if a person with 36 hours in a city needs the same guidance as someone staying a full season. But real recommendations help travelers filter what’s worth their attention – not based on popularity, but on relevance.

And often, the things that land aren’t dramatic. They’re quiet. A side-street bakery that sells out before noon. A jazz bar tucked above a hardware shop. A local park that doesn't make a single “top 10” list but gives a city its texture. These are the kinds of places that soften the unfamiliar – the ones that turn a trip into something that actually sticks.

Better travel doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from discovering what matters – and sometimes, that just takes the right nudge from someone who knows where to look.

Want more ways to impress your guests?

Why not take a closer look at Tipsiti's time-based rating system?

For a more comprehensive analysis of how we look at ratings, rankings, tiers, stars, scores, and more, and how we came up with ours, please look at our case study, here.

Austin Food Bloggers Alliance 🔗

Collective of well-known and respected Austin food blogs.

There’s no better place to start than with The Austin Food Bloggers Alliance, a collective supporting Austin’s food bloggers through social events and membership benefits. Their site is a great base for Austin foodie research as it links out to all active members of the collective. It also features a 2024 city guide featuring all the best places to eat in Austin – organized by cuisine or occasion and written by different Austin Food Bloggers Alliance members.

Big World, Small Girl 🔗

An authority on Austin (and beyond) beer. A food blog for thirsty readers.

No discussion about Austin’s food and drink scene is complete without mention of craft beer. That’s where Caitlin Johnson, owner and author of Big World, Small Girl, comes in. Caitlin’s blog follows all her adventures but the conversation always leads back to beer – she confesses that it’s often the inspiration for her travels. The blog is a go-to for beer enthusiasts, with Austin brewery guides, local beer news, and other craft brew content. Caitlin also publishes plenty of broader travel insights from her trips outside Austin.

Eater Austin 🔗

Big-name food blog with comprehensive coverage of Austin’s dining scene.

The Eater network needs little introduction, with food guides to many major cities throughout the United States and beyond. Given its resources, the site delivers comprehensive coverage of Austin's dining scene, publishing the latest industry news, restaurant reviews and recommendations, in-depth cuisine guides, and food thoughts. Article topics range from "Essential Restaurants in Austin" and "Exciting New Restaurants to Try in Austin," to answering the all-important question of where has the best BBQ in Austin.

Austin Food Magazine 🔗

Full-coverage guide to dining in Austin – from best restaurants to best dishes.

Little happens in the Austin culinary scene without Austin Food Magazine knowing about it. The digital publication and food blog keep a close tab on the latest news in and around the city – including new openings, restaurant revamps, grocery shopping insights, and general food articles. Austin Food Magazine also provides readers with in-depth dining guides and restaurant reviews. They share their thoughts on the best places to eat in Austin for various cuisines, dishes, and occasions.

Austin Food Adventures 🔗

From Austin foodie Instagram to popular food, travel, and lifestyle blog.

Austin Food Adventures first started sharing their culinary experiences on Instagram, with their faceless Austin foodie account – the focus was always to be kept on the food! Now, they publish more in-depth insights on their website. Readers can browse an extensive catalog of dining guides, from the best BBQ in Austin to the best pizza places. Austin Food Adventures’ “Must Eats” directory even delves into the city’s best dining spots for groups, special occasions, and other niche categories.

South Austin Foodie 🔗

Long-term resident with over 550 food blog posts pointing to the best restaurants in Austin.

In 2022, after 573 posts, Suzanna’s time as the South Austin Foodie ended. Still, her knowledge and insights remain available for readers to browse at leisure. The philosophy was to go beyond a binary good or bad conclusion and provide a more detailed evaluation of restaurants and their food. South Austin Foodie also published an easy-to-read list of her favorite spots in the city, organized by cuisine. 

> Heading to California? Read our list of the best San Francisco and Bay Area food blogs!

Infatuation Austin 🔗

Reliable name publishing industry news and Austin dining guides.

Another of the industry heavyweights, The Infatuation casts a broad net across all things food and drink – whether in Austin or further afield. Their Austin site breaks down the city’s food and drink scene by neighborhood, occasion, and cuisine, making it easy for readers to find the right spot to eat. New restaurant reviews are published each week too, providing short but focused insights into the best places to eat in Austin.

ATX FYI 🔗

Do-it-all guide and food blog with recommendations for the best places to eat in Austin.

ATX FYI is the brainchild of Bianca Delmar, who fell in love with Austin after a trip and eventually made it her home. The site is a comprehensive guide to experiencing the best of Austin, informed by Bianca’s time exploring the city and its restaurants. There are dedicated write-ups for different cuisines and dining cultures plus a bullet-pointed “Must Visits” page that lists the restaurants for quick reading.

Female Foodie 🔗

Women-led food blog with a dedicated archive of Austin dining guides and restaurant reviews. 

Female Foodie is a US-wide culinary blog showcasing the best dining experiences across various cities, including Austin, Los Angeles, New York, Salt Lake City, and Washington D.C. Founded by Brooke Eliason, it features detailed restaurant reviews, curated food guides, and authentic recommendations from local contributors – plus a whole recipe section for anyone looking to cook at home. Female Foodie’s Austin section matches the site blueprint, diving into the city’s dynamic culinary scene with detailed write-ups on local restaurants and “Best of” round-ups for each cuisine.

Craft Beer Austin 🔗

Austin craft beer news, recommendations, reviews, events, and everything in between.

Conceived as a central hub for all craft beer news in Austin and Central Texas, the Craft Beer Austin site rolls out a consistent feed of brewery insights. They keep readers up-to-date on local events and beer festivals, new craft releases throughout the city and state, staff beer picks, and brewery profiles. Each profile takes a closer look at the people behind the brewery, the taproom, and – of course – the beer itself. There’s also a convenient “10Best” section for quick-reading pieces on beer, bottle shops, taprooms, beer gardens, dive bars, and so on.

> Check out the recent Rent. article we were featured in: 

In this Austin, TX guide, local experts share the best things to do in the city. Whether you’re planning to move to an apartment on the East side or just bought a home in Hyde Park and want to figure out how seasoned locals get down on the weekends, Rent. has got you covered!

> Read the full article here: Unique Things To Do in Austin, TX | Rent.

More Travel Resources Curated by Tipsiti

> Best Berlin Travel Blogs

> Top Los Angeles Travel Blogs

> Best London Travel Blogs

> Best San Francisco Food Blogs

> Best Austin Food Blogs

> Best London Food Blogs

> Bay Area Foodies to Follow

> Los Angeles Foodies to Follow

> San Diego Foodies to Follow

> Read an overview of how hotel guest reviews are feedback for success.

Improving Hotel Visibility on OTAs

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com, Expedia, and TripAdvisor use reviews as a ranking factor for properties. Hotels with more positive reviews can appear higher in search results, making it easier for prospective guests to find them. Encouraging guests to leave reviews on these platforms helps your property climb the ranks and increases your chances of being noticed by new travelers.

That said, quantity is not the only guest review ranking factor for OTAs like TripAdvisor. Quality, recency, and consistency all play a major role. The combination of these metrics makes it harder for hotels to game the system with fraudulent or paid-for reviews.

Still, hotel guest reviews are an important part of improving position and performance on OTA sites – just make sure to focus on consistent, new, and high-quality guest reviews.

Key Note:

• Travelers tend to filter hotel options by review score and rating on OTAs, making it all the more important to secure positive guest feedback. This has a knock-on effect on bookings and revenue, with a study concluding that a one-star increase yields a 5-9% increase in revenue.

Use Google Business Profile

Claim and update your hotel’s business profile to improve its local ranking on Google. Again, reviews contribute to maximizing this strategy. Encouraging satisfied guests to leave positive reviews on your Google profile can significantly improve your local search ranking. Plus, Google reveals that responding to reviews demonstrates a hotel’s commitment to its guests and their feedback. This simultaneously boosts your hotel’s visibility and encourages repeat business.

Social Media Engagement and Reviews

Reviews also play a role in your hotel’s social media marketing strategy. Social platforms such as Facebook and Instagram allow users to leave reviews and ratings. These reviews contribute to social proof, making your property appear more reputable. Hotels can increase visibility by sharing positive guest reviews as content, engaging with reviews on these platforms, and encouraging past guests to leave feedback.

The Facts:

• Around 74% of consumers say that positive reviews increase their trust in a brand, making it crucial for hotels to engage and highlight positive guest reviews on their social media channels. 

• These public testimonials then function as valuable grassroots advocacy and word-of-mouth marketing – after all, 88% of consumers place as much trust in online reviews as they do in recommendations from direct peers. More word-of-mouth marketing, more hotel visibility.

Consistency is Key: Regular Reviews Impact Ranking

Consistency – the golden rule for all things. It is one of the most critical aspects of improving your hotel’s online visibility through reviews. Algorithms often prioritize hotels with regular guest reviews on OTAs and their own websites, boosting their rankings. A steady flow of fresh reviews ensures that potential guests always have up-to-date insights into your property.

Another Insight:

• Recent reviews have a higher impact on search rankings than older ones, as they reflect the current state of your property. Make it a habit to politely request feedback from guests after their stay, ensuring a consistent flow of reviews.

Engage With Reviews

If consistency is key then engagement is essential. It is a point worth emphasizing, even if it is already mentioned at points in the article. Responding to and engaging with guest reviews is a powerful way for your hotel to boost its online visibility. Hotels must make guest review engagement part of their rolling marketing strategy.

The Numbers:

• 77% of travelers are more likely to book a property if they see personalized responses to reviews. Engaging with positive and negative reviews enhances your hotel's reputation and demonstrates to potential guests that management is attentive and values feedback.

• Properties that regularly respond to reviews experience a noticeable boost in engagement and ratings. Hotels that reply to at least 13% of their reviews see a 21% increase in traveler engagement compared to those that fail to respond at all. This translates into more booking inquiries and higher overall ratings, reinforcing the importance of consistent engagement​.

Conclusion

Managing hotel guest reviews need not be an overwhelming task. But it should be one on your hotel’s weekly schedule – especially for hotels with sights set on online visibility, success, and growth. Hotels that leverage guest reviews can significantly increase online visibility across search engines, OTAs, and social media platforms. Whether by boosting SEO, climbing the ranks on OTAs, or amplifying social proof, guest reviews are a powerful, cost-effective tool for improving your hotel’s presence online. Regular engagement and a steady stream of reviews are key to standing out from the crowd for long-term success.

> Take a look at some general tips to improve your hotel's online presence.

> Why not optimize your hotel’s concierge while you’re at it? Tipsiti helps you increase guest satisfaction and boost revenue through smart digital concierge solutions.

It’s 2025 – competitive businesses generate traction and success from online engagement. Hospitality businesses, particularly hotels, are no different. Building a strong online presence is essential. With over 80% of travelers wanting to book their trips entirely online, hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals must ensure they stand out in search results, booking platforms, and social media feeds. Let’s explore some strategies that you can use to improve your hotel’s online presence and stay competitive… 

Ways To Improve Your Hotel’s Online Presence

Website Optimization and SEO

Your hotel’s website is its digital front door. A professional, easy-to-navigate website optimized for search engines plays a significant role in drawing traffic. Using SEO, search engines can better understand your website’s content and connect it with relevant users based on their search queries. The goal is for your web pages to rank at the top of Google search results, driving qualified traffic to your hotel’s site.

Key SEO Tips for Hotels:

Target Local Keywords

• Include search terms that potential guests might use, such as “hotels near Central Park” or “beachfront resorts in Miami.”

Optimize for Mobile

• Over 60% of searches are done on mobile devices, so ensure your site is mobile-friendly. You can check your website’s mobile and desktop performance with Google’s PageSpeed Insights tool.

Create High-Quality Content

• Google favors sites with fresh and helpful content. Regularly updating your blog with quality travel tips, local area guides, and event news can improve your ranking.

SEO Takes Time

• Don’t fret about getting immediate results. SEO is best viewed as a long-term strategy for digital success rather than an overnight solution.

Guest Reviews for Credibility and Rankings

We’ve discussed it before, guest reviews are a critical tool for hotels looking to improve their online visibility.  After all, 57% of travelers read reviews when researching hotels for their trip. Hotel guest reviews serve as valuable social proof, help boost SEO through fresh content, and build credibility – they are one of your hotel’s most powerful marketing tools.

How to Improve Your Online Presence With Reviews:

Encourage Positive Reviews 

• Prompt your guests to leave reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com. Post signs around your property or prompt guests at check-out.

Respond to Reviews

• Engaging with positive and negative shows that your hotel is attentive and proactive. 

Use Reviews As Content

• Highlight positive reviews on your website and social media to build trust with potential guests.

> Read more about the importance of hotel guest reviews.

Social Media Marketing

Meet your target audience where they are – 39% of travelers use social media for inspiration, research, and planning. Social media will continue to be one of the most effective ways for hotels to engage with current and potential guests. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok allow you to showcase your unique experiences and interact directly with your audience.

Key Social Media Strategies:

Content Strategy

• Develop a content strategy that fits your brand and voice. It doesn’t need to be complicated or particularly innovative. Simple, well-executed posts are effective. Remember: not all platforms may be effective for your brand; find your audience and target those platforms. Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are the most used social channels for trip planning.  

Visual Content

• Post high-quality images and videos showcasing your hotel’s rooms, amenities, and local attractions. Studies show that visual content is 40 times more likely to be shared on social media than plain text or links. Additional research by Skift found that photos were the top content format for inspiring travel, beating out reviews and videos.

User-Generated Content (UGC)

• Encourage guests to share their experiences and tag your hotel. Sharing UGC builds authenticity and provides free promotion.

Targeted Ads

• Use Facebook and Instagram’s ad platforms to target specific demographics, such as business travelers or honeymooners.

> Want to read more about social media and travel? Take a look at travel trend insights from 2024 and their outlook for 2025.

Influencer Marketing

Partnering with influencers – travel or lifestyle – has become a powerful strategy for hotels to expand their reach and improve their online presence. Influencers with large, engaged followings can help hotels target new audiences, particularly in younger demographics.

Steps for Influencer Success:

Define Your Objectives

• Before dedicating time to finding an influencer and committing to a brand partnership, understand your brand needs – whether increasing brand awareness, driving more web traffic, or increasing social media followings. Luckily, each of these three objectives will improve your hotel’s online presence. 

Find the Right Influencers

• Partner with influencers whose audience aligns with your target demographic. Depending on your brand, look for those who focus on travel, luxury, or adventure.

Measure Campaign Success

• Track engagement rates and conversions to ensure you’re getting a return on your investment.

Engaging Blog Content

Improve your hotel’s online presence with a blog, It helps build authority, improve SEO rankings, and provide potential guests with valuable information. But, remember to keep all your content relevant and high-quality.

Ideas for Hotel Blogs:

Local Guides

• Write posts about nearby attractions, hidden gems, and local events.

Travel Tips

• Offer packing tips, weather guides, or itineraries.

Seasonal Offers

• Use your blog posts to promote special deals and packages.

Booking Platforms

In 2024, 46% of travelers booked hotel stays using OTAs like Expedia and Booking.com. This is another place to reach your target audience and improve your online presence. To maximize visibility on these platforms, ensure your hotel listing is up-to-date and appealing.

Key Strategies for OTAs

Regularly Update Listings

• Keep your photos, descriptions, and amenities list fresh. Highlight any updates, renovations, or special events.

Use Dynamic Pricing

• Hotels that frequently adjust their pricing to match market trends tend to achieve higher conversion rates. 

Paid Search and Display Ads

Sometimes organic growth isn’t enough. Paid adverts help the right people find your hotel. For clarity, paid search ads only appear to consumers actively searching for the relevant service or product, whereas display ads can appear anywhere on the web. As always, Google is a great starting point, given its market share – the search engine processes over 8.5 billion searches a day.

Paid Advertising Tips:

Google Ads

• Bid on keywords related to your hotel’s location and unique offerings (e.g., “luxury hotels in Paris” or “budget-friendly hostels in Berlin”).

Display Ads

• Use banner ads to target travelers who’ve recently searched for hotels in your area.

Conclusion

Increasing your hotel’s online presence can be a daunting task, especially when terms like SEO, UGC, and KPIs are thrown around. But there is method to the madness. Hotels can use search engine optimization, guest reviews, social media marketing, and other such strategies to reach more potential customers and boost conversions. When improving your hotel’s online presence: start with the basics and build from there – the benefits are well worth the effort.

> Why not optimize your hotel’s concierge while you’re at it? Tipsiti helps you increase guest satisfaction and boost revenue through smart digital concierge solutions.

berlinfoodstories 🔗

One-stop shop for all Berlin foodies – tasty reels, insightful posts, mouthwatering photography.

Per Meurling’s Berlin Food Stories is a heavy hitter in the city’s food blogging circuit. Not only has the Instagram page racked up a massive following but the Berlin Food Stories website has equally become an epicenter for Berlin foodie insights, interviews, and culinary guides – spoiler: the site has already reserved its place in our coming roundup article of Berlin’s best food blogs. Back to the topic on hand though… The Berlin Food Stories Instagram account has you covered with tasty reels documenting Muerling’s latest culinary conquests, interviews with chefs and industry insiders, and close-up food photography.

lenafeedsyou 🔗

Non-stop reels documenting foodie experiences in Berlin and beyond.

Lena indeed feeds us – Berlin restaurant recommendations and foodie experiences, that is. True to its bio, the Instagram account is a safe space for those with a hunger for life (and good food). Lena posts fresh weekly reels that document her latest eats and restaurant reviews. Each video has a fluid voiceover to describe the experience and an accompanying caption with dish choices and prices – handy information if you’re choosing where to eat next.

whattoeatinberlin 🔗

A pleasantly personal guide of what to eat in Berlin – it’s in the name.

(Insert big red arrow pointing at the name.) Jokes aside, the name does say it all. The Instagram account is your foodie roadmap to Berlin’s rich food culture. The page maintains a warmly personal feel, with captions offering detailed insights about the restaurant, dishes, flavors, and ambiance, which results in each post feeling like personal recommendations from a trusted friend. Truly one for the Berlin foodies.

> So you’re traveling to Berlin? Hit up our list of the best Berlin travel blogs.

betelsfoodfeast 🔗

Standout name in Berlin’s food blogging scene. 

Betel's enthusiasm for foodie adventures is front and center here. All her posts – reels are the preferred format – take you along as she dives into new restaurants and highlights Berlin’s best food with engaging commentary. Each post is paired with detailed captions, offering personal insights, dish recommendations, and useful tips for foodies navigating Berlin’s dining scene. It’s a page with a proper community feel and plenty of good food recommendations with it.

mybellygulugulu 🔗

Coffee connoisseur, dumpling expert, fries fanatic – all round Berlin foodie.

My Belly Gulu Gulu is another one of those Berlin foodie accounts that feels like you’re tagging along with a friend who’s in the know. Whether it’s Berlin’s best cafes, date night ideas, or international cuisine cravings, Ka’s page likely has some answers for you. Her reels mix between restaurant reviews and “best of” roundups – handy information if you want restaurant rankings from a local. Last note: Ka drinks at least three coffees a day, so listen to her Berlin cafe recommendations…

hungry_in_berlin 🔗

Berlin culinary insider. 

Ilaria is every Berlin foodie's best friend, using years of culinary tour experience to provide insider know-how to the city’s best eats. She collaborates with a ton of restaurants to bring her followers write-ups and reviews of the latest dishes. So, for anyone eager to experience Berlin through its restaurants, cafés, and bars, Hungry in Berlin is your guide – hit the follow button.

naomisberlinfood 🔗

High-energy reels of the best food in Berlin.

Naomi is another Berlin foodie insider offering her perspective on the best eats in the city. Her high-energy reels feature a bunch of food close-ups – so be warned if you’re scrolling with an empty stomach. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, Berlin cuisine, fusion, or international eats; you name it, Naomi’s got a reel and recommendation for you.

whatvivieats 🔗

Berlin foodie diary packed with restaurant recommendations.

Warning: this is not a foodie account to scroll if you’re hungry. But don’t let that stop you. Vivi’s page is about as mouthwatering as they come, with non-stop food photography from her food adventures throughout Berlin. Along with a carousel of snaps, each post features an order list with dish prices and a detailed write-up of the dining experience. Vivi is a proper Berlin foodie.

_haochi 🔗

Back-to-back Berlin restaurant recommendations. 

You know you’re on the right track when the foodie profile you’re browsing translates to delicious. That’s why you can trust Jenny. She’s been a Berlin foodie herself since 2019 and has since curated an Instagram feed documenting her favorite culinary experiences in the city. Every cuisine is on the cards, from Korean BBQ spots and Berlin’s best sushi to brunch recommendations and Italian dinners, so it’s a great resource for hungry Berliners to source new places to eat regardless of their craving.

foodvergnügen 🔗

Curated food recommendations and Berlin dining guides.

Foodvergnügen is everything you'd want in a Berlin foodie Instagram account – engaging reels, info-rich captions, and an honest approach to the city’s best cafes, tastiest restaurants, and coolest bars. It says it in their bio, after all. The team offers a steady stream of content that dives deep into the city’s best food, from local cuisine favorites to hotspots on the rise. Again, it’s everything you’d want as a foodie and everything you’d expect from a well-established lifestyle publication.

More Travel Resources Curated by Tipsiti

> Best Berlin Travel Blogs

> Top Los Angeles Travel Blogs

> Best London Travel Blogs

> Best New York Travel Blogs

> Best San Francisco Food Blogs

> Best Austin Food Blogs

> Best London Food Blogs

> Bay Area Foodies to Follow

> Los Angeles Foodies to Follow

> San Diego Foodies to Follow

This ability to deliver deeply personalized experiences has been one of AI's most impactful contributions to the travel industry. By analyzing vast datasets at speed, including past travel behavior, social media activity, and personal inputs, AI tailors recommendations for flights, accommodations, and activities to match individual preferences. This progression aligns with shifting customer expectations: Hilton reports that 86% of travelers now actively seek personalized experiences, making AI-driven customization a key driver of customer satisfaction and loyalty in the travel industry.

> Read up on the latest travel trends from 2024 and the outlook for 2025.

Chatbot Efficiency

AI is also revolutionizing the operational side of the travel industry. Chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming commonplace, providing 24/7 customer support and handling routine inquiries. These AI-driven tools can manage bookings, answer FAQs, and assist with itinerary changes. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces operational costs for travel businesses.

Predictive Analytics and Demand Forecasting

AI's ability to process and analyze large datasets is equally valuable for predictive analytics and demand forecasting. Travel companies now use AI to anticipate demand fluctuations, optimize pricing strategies, and manage inventory more effectively. These capabilities allow businesses to maximize revenue while ensuring travelers receive competitive pricing and availability.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Sustainable travel has been a priority for travelers for years. Now, AI is poised to make contributions. AI models can optimize flight paths to reduce fuel consumption, suggest sustainable travel options, and help companies monitor and minimize their carbon footprint. There are considerations to be made though.

> Read about more travel expectations.

Challenges and Considerations of AI in Travel

The benefits are clear and AI is making waves. However, AI’s integration into the travel industry is not without challenges. Privacy concerns, data security, and the need for AI transparency are critical issues that must be addressed. The reliance on AI could also reduce human interaction, a valued aspect of the travel experience for many. The balance between AI efficiency and human expertise also comes into question when discussing personalized travel experiences and recommendations. It is already clear there must be a balance struck between the technological advancements of AI and the status quo of human touch moving forward.

Conclusion

AI is, and will continue to be, transformative – for travel and other industries. It delivers enhanced personalization opportunities, operational efficiency, and predictive analytics functionality. But these are very broad observations. How does AI influence and impact the hotel industry, specifically? What does using AI for personalized travel experiences look like? How will AI change the guest experience? What are the AI trends to watch moving forward? There are a lot of questions with even more answers for us to get to.

Solo travel as a whole is gaining speed. According to a global report by American Express, 69% of travelers planned to take a solo trip in 2024 – 76% for Millenials and Gen Z, specifically. Besides the hunt for experiences, this uptick in solo travel comes from a desire to reconnect with oneself, to take a break from work and stress, to meet new people, and to try something – not to mention the easier planning logistics. 

Gen Z: Experience Over Stuff (also TikTok)

Gen Z – people born between 1997 and 2012 – are in on the experience-over-stuff travel trend, too. It’s a shift away from spending big on material luxuries, rather, preferring to invest significantly in the cultural immersion and experiences that travel can bring. Research by Skift even found that Gen Z travelers are willing to cut spending in other parts of their lives to keep a healthy travel budget.

For Gen Z, travel is a means of connecting with global issues – destinations that offer cultural depth, sustainability, and community engagement are winning out over more commercialized tourist hotspots. Gen Z’s desire to mix culture and adventure pushes travelers toward off-the-beaten-path locations where they can explore beyond the typical tourist itinerary.

The Gen Z demographic is also deeply influenced by social media, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok playing a pivotal role in determining where to go, what to eat, and what to see. StudentUniverse conducted a bevy of studies in its The State of Student Youth Travel 2024 report proving TikTok to be a titan in the travel industry. Foremost, 60% of respondents had TikTok as their primary platform for travel inspiration, 89% said they had found new destinations via TikTok, and 70% were likely to use TikTok as a travel planning tool.

Family Travel: Educating and Enriching

Family travel has taken on a new meaning as parents seek to provide their children with opportunities to learn about the world – a meeting of enjoyment and enrichment. Family trips are increasingly focused on education, cultural immersion, and sustainability, with destinations chosen for their abundance of museums or access to local communities. For families, these trips offer an opportunity to teach their children about different cultures, global issues, and the importance of environmental conservation – plus a chance to create shared memories. 

Bleisure is Also Here to Stay

The flexibility of remote work has been a major factor in allowing families to travel for longer periods. Again, this flexibility has contributed to a new kind of family vacation, where travel serves as a bonding experience and an opportunity to teach children about the world. 

Through a broader scope, the adoption of remote work has ensured that bleisure travel shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. The bleisure tourism market was valued at $594 billion in 2023 and projections have it reaching $3.5 trillion by 2033. The continued trend sees travelers opt for destinations that cater to both work and play, with hotels, co-working spaces, and even resorts offering tailored amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, private workspaces, and long-term stay packages. 

Wellness Into Health

Wellness travel is another mainstay travel trend alongside bleisure tourism. Yet, the market has expanded beyond simple relaxation and spa treatments into a broader focus on health, longevity, and overall well-being. Destinations have responded by offering more specialized health programs, such as sleep optimization, detox diets, and mental health retreats. Wellness travel is expected to grow through 2025 and beyond, constituting a projected 8.3% of all tourism trips by 2027. 

Transport Is the Trip

The journey is becoming as important as the destination. Travelers are opting for scenic and sustainable modes of transport, whether choosing trains over planes in Europe or exploring national parks by electric bus. This travel trend taps into the growing emphasis on sustainability, as people look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint while traveling. A poll by Byway Travel found that 2 out of 5 UK travelers would rather take a train, ferry, or bus than fly. Specifically,  rail travel is experiencing significant growth of over 35%, outperforming other industry categories such as retail shopping, attractions, and duty-free shopping. 

Beyond environmental concerns, there is also a romantic appeal to slower forms of travel. Scenic train journeys allow travelers to unwind and appreciate the landscapes as part of their vacation, turning the concept of “transport as the trip” into an adventure in itself.

Sustainability Still Matters

Sustainability continues to be a driving force in travel. Conscious travelers are demanding eco-friendly accommodations, transportation, and experiences, and businesses are responding by making green initiatives a priority. From hotels using renewable energy and offering zero-waste dining to airlines adopting carbon offset programs, sustainability is no longer a niche – it’s essential.

Moreover, the rise of sustainable travel has increased interest in less-commercialized, more community-driven destinations. For example, smaller countries like Slovenia are gaining traction among travelers looking for pristine, untouched landscapes rather than crowded tourist spots.

AI vs. Human Expertise 

AI is everywhere. It has been the talk of the town for the last handful of years. In that time, AI-driven travel tools have seen a remarkable surge, transforming how people plan and experience trips – from predictive algorithms that suggest destinations based on user behavior to chatbots that handle queries 24/7. AI is optimizing the travel industry in unprecedented ways. These tools now help travelers access information, expediting the research and booking processes for flights, accommodations, and activities. The rise of AI is particularly notable in creating highly personalized itineraries, as the technology can assess user preferences and travel history to suggest custom travel experiences. The shift also offers efficiency and convenience, which today’s travelers tend to appreciate.

The same is true of the hospitality sector. AI integrations have changed the way it is done – from chatbots providing instantaneous guest support to schedule optimizers and market strategizers.

However, the convenience of AI has also highlighted its limitations, especially when crafting deeply personal journeys. So, as more people turn to AI for quick insights, there’s an equally growing demand for human-curated experiences that go beyond automated suggestions. Certainly, some travelers seeking niche or complex trips often prefer advice from seasoned travel experts who understand the intricacies of a location and can recommend experiences that an algorithm might miss. This demand for human expertise, again, reflects a broader desire for authentic, memorable travel experiences that feel unique and considered.

As we move into 2025, it is realistic to see a bridge between AI and human expertise, with the two together providing efficiency, accuracy, and personalization.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we move into 2025, travel trends are likely to continue reflecting the values of sustainability, flexibility, and a desire for authentic experiences. AI-powered personalization is also set to continue its lead role in the industry, with technology offering more bespoke recommendations that align with travelers’ unique preferences.

The predictive lens also focuses on “off-the-grid” travel, as more travelers seek immersive experiences in remote and less-explored destinations – fewer crowds and often cheaper costs than the busy hotspots. Plus, unique accommodations such as eco-lodges and treehouses in secluded areas offer travelers a chance to disconnect from their devices and recharge in nature. This aligns with the rising appeal of rewilding experiences, where travelers actively participate in ecological restoration efforts, enhancing their connection to local environments.

These emerging travel trends illustrate the ongoing shift in consumer priorities, focusing on environmental impact, personal growth, and meaningful cultural connections.

Cheese and Biscuits 🔗

Independent London food blog with a candid voice. 

Since its launch in 2007, Chris Pople’s Cheese and Biscuits has offered a witty and candid look at London’s food scene. He provides a much-needed voice in a city populated by, in his own words, “tourist traps, dingy fast food joints, grim chains, and bandwagon-jumping copycats.” However, London has a whole lot of “decent” and above restaurants, and Chris’ food blog is a solid reference for finding these places. He covers everything from Michelin-starred dining to local neighborhood spots, offering an honest perspective that stands out from more polished, PR-driven content. Cheese and Biscuit reviews are detailed, covering food, service, ambiance, and value for money. This attention to the full dining experience makes it a reliable food blog for foodies wanting an authentic take on London's ever-evolving restaurant scene. Again, the content is highly opinionated, with Chris not shying away from giving blunt criticism where it’s due, and this is what makes it an engaging and trustworthy guide for adventurous eaters.

The Picky Glutton 🔗

Another London food blog with an unapologetic approach to reviews.

A worthy companion to the candid Cheese and Biscuits is The Picky Glutton, another independent London food blog known for its brutally honest and highly detailed restaurant reviews. Run by an anonymous food critic, the blog covers all corners of London’s dining scene, from street food vendors to high-end Michelin-starred establishments – any and all cuisines. The no-holds-barred approach means that if a restaurant disappoints, readers will hear about it in full detail. From an entertainment perspective, this makes for some cracking reading. Plus, readers in a hurry for a reliable restaurant recommendation can beeline for the other end of the rating spectrum – stick to the four and five-star categories for everything “good” and better. This focus on full transparency and attention to every detail – The Picky Glutton is not afraid to take on popular or critically acclaimed restaurants – makes it a trusted source for London foodies who appreciate authenticity over hype. 

East London Girl 🔗

London restaurant recommendations – and bars too!

Contrary to the name, the East London Girl site does adventure outside London’s East End. Nicola, the founder of the food and travel blog, is a London local who seeks to skip out on the negativity, only featuring restaurants and bars that she recommends. This way, readers know that everything on the site – whether floating Hackney bars or South Bank brunches – passes a threshold of quality. Since writing her first post in 2016, Nicola has brought two more London foodies to her team, Chloe and Barinda. Together, the trio writes punchy restaurant reviews complete with candid photography. East London Girl’s content also spills into international travel, with restaurant, bar, and itinerary recommendations from the team’s travels beyond borders.

Homegirl London 🔗

London lifestyle blogger with an appetite for restaurant reviews and foodie recommendations.

Writing as Homegirl London, Tanya shares her insights about London restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods – plus other lifestyle topics such as interior design and home improvement. She’s a seasoned pro of the blogging game, having started Homegirl London in 2012. This experience comes through on the page, with each food review starting with personal insights and tasty photography before delving into helpful information readers should know about each location. Tanya’s personal yet informative approach cements her as a knowledgeable local guide who is kind enough to bring the reader along on her London dining experiences.

> Taking a trip across the pond? Read up on the best New York travel blogs.

London Eater 🔗

Long-time London food blog with meticulous reviews and high-quality photography.

Time for an honorary mention. While Kang – Mr. London Eater, himself – has turned to Instagram as the main outlet for his content, his website, under the same moniker, remains a valuable archive for thousands of his London foodie experiences. The archives roll back to the site’s genesis post on 20 August 2008. The next 61 pages of blog posts contain a reservoir of in-depth restaurant reviews and food insights, often meticulous in nature, which has rightfully earned Kang a loyal following of London foodies. The writing is not just about the taste but also the presentation, atmosphere, and service. Plus, each review has a bevy of high-quality photography to make the reader hungry. Though somewhat out of action, the London food blog is still a great resource for local foodies and visitors alike. Spoiler: London Eater is a name that will come up in our roundup of London’s best foodie Instagram accounts.

The Foodaholic 🔗

London food blog created by a foodaholic – who better to have at the helm?

The Foodaholic is a London-based food and travel blog created by Gary Berry, a passionate foodie and traveler. The site provides an eclectic mix of restaurant reviews and luxury travel insights. With the subjects of Gary’s reviews tending to fall on the high-end side of the spectrum, The Foodaholic is particularly well-suited for readers who appreciate fine dining and luxurious getaways. Each review is comprehensive and the writing style is colorful and engaging. Beyond London, The Foodaholic also dives into international travel, offering guides and reviews of hotels, restaurants, and attractions from further afield. Again, Gary’s work fills an interesting niche in the London food blog space – Michelin-star restaurants, best-in-class experiences, and luxury getaways beyond the city. It’s a valuable resource, even for readers who see themselves outside those interests.

Hot Dinners 🔗

Comprehensive London food guide with reviews and industry news.

Hot Dinners covers everything there is to know about the London food and drink scenes. Catherine and Gavin Hanly sit at the helm, having founded the website on their deep love of London’s ever-changing food and restaurant culture. After its launch in 2010, the site became a go-to resource for London foodies eager to keep up with the latest openings, news, and trends. Alongside this feed of restaurant news via the Gastroblog, the site offers a mix of reviews, interviews with top chefs, and insider information on where to eat next. Catherine and Gavin’s expertise allows them to dig deep into the food scene, providing not just surface-level coverage but also behind-the-scenes insights into how London's restaurant industry ticks. Their weekly newsletters are equally popular, giving readers a digest of the most exciting new spots to try. The site also keeps a running archive of Hot Dinners’ recommendations and the best restaurants in London by area. All these features make it a one-stop guide to London dining. 

Eater London 🔗

Food blog mainstay with a large lens, covering food news and London restaurant guides.

Not to be confused with London Eater! Eater London is the London edition (minus points for stating the obvious?) of the global food media network. As with each city the publication explores, their London coverage is comprehensive, offering in-depth guides, reviews, and breaking news about the city's restaurant scene. The site features a variety of content, including maps of trending restaurants, cuisine guides, and interviews with prominent chefs and restaurateurs. Their dedicated London content team keeps things informative and engaging, accompanying reviews and news with striking food photography. While it may not have the personal touch of some independent food blogs, its journalistic depth and wide-ranging coverage make it a valuable companion to those more intimate voices. London foodies can pair the two genres for a broader picture while still seeking out the hidden gems that the more personal blogs often highlight. In all, Eater is hard to beat when it comes to a frequently updated guide to eating out in London.

The Infatuation 🔗

Another food blog giant with reviews, news, and guides for neighborhoods and cuisines.

The Infatuation falls from the same tree as Eater London – another authoritative food network with global reach that can complement the more personal insights found in independent London food blogs. The Infatuation is designed to answer the question: "Where should I eat?" – offering clear, practical London restaurant recommendations based on the occasion, budget, and location. Using the site’s specific guides, readers can hone in on a spot for a first date, a birthday dinner, or a quick lunch. The writing is witty and direct, like advice from a well-informed friend rather than a formal critic.

> So you’re spending time in London? Check out the top London travel guides.

More Travel Resources Curated by Tipsiti

> Best Berlin Travel Blogs

> Top Los Angeles Travel Blogs

> Best London Travel Blogs

> Best New York Travel Blogs

> Best San Francisco Food Blogs

> Best Austin Food Blogs

> Bay Area Foodies to Follow

> Los Angeles Foodies to Follow

> San Diego Foodies to Follow

Humans of New York 🔗

From photography project to landmark New York storytelling archive.

Let’s start with something unconventional. Humans of New York transcended its founding purpose as a photographic catalog of the city’s inhabitants, becoming a hub for human storytelling. Through its founding creator, Brandon Stanton, Humans of New York continues to capture the city’s essence through intimate portraits and personal anecdotes. Its inclusion as a travel blog is perhaps an odd categorization. However, the project offers a deeply human perspective on the diverse inhabitants of New York City. Travel recommendations may be few and far between, but it is a must-read if you’re looking to connect with the heart of New York.

NYC Tourism 🔗

The official New York City destination guide.  

NYC Tourism is the city’s official destination guide to New York, designed to help travelers navigate the five boroughs like locals. The site provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on everything from dining and attractions to events and neighborhoods. Each of the five boroughs has its own travel guide. Plus, there are additional New York City guides curated for different experiences – NYC Luxury, The Asian Experience, or Family Friendly NYC. Yes, it’s far from an independent publication. But it’s sleek, user-friendly, and offers pretty comprehensive coverage of the city.

Untapped New York 🔗

New Yorkers exploring their city’s historic secrets and hidden gems.

Untapped New York tours NYC through the perspective of hidden gems, untold stories, and lesser-known places. The platform stands out for its commitment to exploring the city’s history, architecture, and culture in a way that goes beyond the surface-level attractions typically covered by mainstream tourism sites. From abandoned subway stations and infamous mob hangouts to historical landmarks often overlooked by guidebooks, the platform offers in-depth articles, walking tours, and even behind-the-scenes access to restricted places through its popular Insiders membership program. Here, the content tends to be more grassroots and community-driven. Its niche focus on urban exploration makes it a go-to resource if you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or want to explore NYC beyond its well-known landmarks.

The Skint 🔗

New York City guide and travel blog for everything free and cheap.

The Skint focuses on finding and sharing affordable or free things to do in New York. Known for its daily newsletter and website, it curates various budget-friendly events, from free museum days and concerts to pop-up markets, film screenings, and food deals – a refreshing take for a city with a pricey reputation. The platform is casual and approachable, providing readers with a down-to-earth guide to New York travel. Above all, The Skint is valuable proof that living and traveling in New York doesn’t have to be expensive to be enjoyable.

iloveny 🔗

Mainstream New York travel blog with state-wide coverage.

iloveny is a travel blog with a broader scope. The tourism website covers the entire state, offering travel inspiration, guides, and tips for exploring everything from the iconic urban scenes of NYC to the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, and Hudson Valley. Its resources appease both city and nature lovers, with categories like outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, food and drink, and cultural experiences. Much like NYC Tourism, iloveny is a well-rounded, comprehensive travel blog, but it likely falls short if you’re seeking hyper-local experiences or off-the-beaten-path suggestions. Use it as a knowledge base if you’re a first-time visitor to New York. 

Your Brooklyn Guide 🔗

Independent New York travel blog with a focus on Brooklyn – if the name didn’t give it away already.

Your Brooklyn Guide deals mostly in things east of the Upper Bay. Its team of writers, helmed by founder and editor Megan Indoe, focuses on giving readers an insider’s perspective, highlighting the best neighborhoods, restaurants, activities, and events. The travel blog’s content spans a wide range of interests – from detailed guides on exploring Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Bushwick, to covering Brooklyn’s hidden gems, small businesses, and cultural experiences that mainstream New York City guides might overlook.

> Remember these San Diego foodies for your next trip to the West Coast!

Loving New York 🔗

All-topic New York travel blog highlighting things to do, see, and eat.

Loving New York is a comprehensive travel blog designed to help visitors experience New York City. Founded by two German expats who fell in love with the city, the platform offers detailed tips, itineraries, and personal recommendations based on years of exploration and dozens of NYC trips. The site also curates weekly lists of what to do, including upcoming events such as The New York Film Festival or seasonal markets. These event calendars, plus its trip-planning app, make Loving New York a great resource for itinerary planning.

Greenpointers 🔗

Hyper-local travel blog and neighborhood guide for its namesake in Brooklyn.

Greenpointers diverts us away from conversations of city-wide New York travel blogs. Instead, it is a hyper-local platform dedicated to its namesake Brooklyn neighborhood – Greenpoint. The blog covers neighborhood news, events, food and drink recommendations, local businesses, art, and culture. Greenpointers also publishes in-depth stories about small business owners, artists, and the history of Greenpoint, adding to its personal and grassroots approach. With community as the focus, it regularly hosts and promotes local events like markets, workshops, and fairs. So, if you’re looking to experience Brooklyn through a hyper-local lens, Greenpointers is the way to go.

NYC Insider Guide 🔗

New York travel blog from a fourth-generation New Yorker.

Inspired by a friend’s inquiry about a trip to New York, Melissa Trachtenberg created NYC Insider Guide to help visitors experience New York City from a local perspective. The travel blog offers extensive resources for trip planning, with detailed itineraries, neighborhood guides, and recommendations for both major attractions and lesser-known spots. NYC Insider Guide’s personal touch is what makes it a great read, with insider tips reflecting the author’s love for the city and its unique experiences. The site also features helpful tools like customizable maps.

Mad Hatters NYC 🔗

Independent New York travel blog with an unending curiosity for arts and culture.

Mad Hatters NYC is a New York City-based travel blog created by a duo of local adventurers who strive to explore the city’s lesser-known experiences. The platform focuses on art, history, food, and culture – from street art tours in Bushwick to hidden cafes and pop-up events in the Lower East Side. Lynn and Justin let their curiosity drive their travels, and by association, their content – Mad Hatters NYC guides adopt more of a storytelling style, rather than rigid lists. Plus, each is filled with vibrant photography, detailed narratives, and helpful tips. In all, the New York travel blog shares a fresh perspective on the city, making it a great resource for both locals and visitors alike.

New York, Dearest & New York Simply 🔗

A duo of New York travel blogs run by locals. 

New York, Dearest and New York Simply were both born of the mind of Antonina Pattiz, who founded them to demystify New York for locals and visitors alike. Both sites run on the premise of “No spam, no BS” – just helpful city guides written by the people who know it best. They cover all worthwhile topics, from the best New York restaurants and bars to the best things to do in Brooklyn or Chinatown. Many of the guides are categorized by neighborhood, making it easy to find travel recommendations to match your itinerary. If you’re after an even more personal perspective on life in New York City, you can click through to Antonina’s New York Simply substack.

Lyssy in the City 🔗

New York travel and food blog, from a Michigan native turned New Yorker. 

Here, Lyssy, a now-New Yorker, posts a running feed of her adventures around New York City and beyond. The blog features personal stories, neighborhood explorations, restaurant and food reviews, plus seasonal activity inspiration. Each month Lyssy also posts a “What’s Up” roundup, mentioning what she’s been doing, eating, and enjoying – a personal touch that offers readers New York insights through the eyes of a local. Again, it is Lyssy’s friendly writing and candid photography that make Lyssy in the City one of the more approachable New York travel blogs through which to explore the city.

Secret NYC 🔗

New York iteration for a global network of travel blogs and city guides.

Secret NYC fits into the category of larger travel blogs, with guides for over 120 cities worldwide. But alas, we’re talking about their New York travel blog here. The site covers a wide range of topics, from quirky events and secret spots to food recommendations and city news – though you will find a lot of well-known activities too, due to the scale of their coverage. Nonetheless, Secret NYC serves as a worthwhile resource for locals and visitors alike, sharing up-to-date travel advice and insights, all with a playful tone.

> Heading to Austin? You better read these food blogs for the best places to eat!

More Travel Resources Curated by Tipsiti

> Best Berlin Travel Blogs

> Top Los Angeles Travel Blogs

> Best London Travel Blogs

> Best San Francisco Food Blogs

> Best Austin Food Blogs

> Best London Food Blogs

> Bay Area Foodies to Follow

> Los Angeles Foodies to Follow

> San Diego Foodies to Follow

Discover Los Angeles 🔗

Discover Los Angeles, backed by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, is the ideal starting point for any city-based exploration. While it caters to a broad audience, the website offers pragmatic advice and recommendations for travelers who want to venture off the well-worn path. This reliable guidebook is committed to pushing visitors beyond just the tourist clichés and toward more authentic local experiences. With a casual tone, the platform provides insights into attractions, events, and experiences that matter, making it a trusted companion for those who seek genuine encounters.

We Like LA 🔗

For the seekers of quirky, out-of-the-ordinary experiences, We Like LA delivers what it promises. This media outlet is a backstage pass to LA's treasures and unique events that often fly under the radar. Designed for travelers with an appreciation for the unconventional, We Like LA's down-to-earth approach and straightforward recommendations provide a refreshing alternative to cookie-cutter itineraries. From lesser-known eateries to offbeat cultural happenings, this publication is a proven insider's guide to authentic LA.

LAist 🔗

LAist may not be a dedicated travel blog, but its insights into the city's culture and lifestyle make it a valuable resource for inquisitive travelers. With its focus on contemporary discourse, the media platform habitually delves into travel recommendations that align with its ethos of shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of the city. The no-frills approach and factual tone ensure a realistic sense of what to expect when exploring Los Angeles like a local.

Hiking Guy 🔗

For those who want to escape the urban sprawl and reconnect with nature, Hiking Guy – otherwise known as Cris Hazzard – provides trail guides and outdoor insights that are refreshingly candid. The blog is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer their adventure advice straight up and without embellishments. With a focus on hiking trails in and around Los Angeles, this resource is indispensable for uncovering the region's natural beauty. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, Hiking Guy's matter-of-fact approach ensures readers are well-prepared for any of his highlighted treks.

California Through My Lens 🔗

California Through My Lens – while not exclusively centered on Los Angeles – offers a valuable perspective on the city's attractions and broader surroundings. The content strikes a welcome balance between practical insights and a no-frills tone, reflecting the author's passion for travel and photography. Expect straightforward tips that will help you navigate both popular and hidden spots around the city – Josh’s California-based adventures are also now completed with his wife and twins, making the site an invaluable resource for traveling families.

Time Out Los Angeles 🔗

A global name within the travel blog scene, Time Out Los Angeles provides a one-stop destination for those seeking valuable city insight. With a relatable approach to delivering information, the magazine caters to travelers who value depth over dazzle. Whether you're interested in cultural events, dining recommendations, or insider insights, Time Out Los Angeles' makes a convincing proposal to be your travel resource of choice.

Secret Los Angeles 🔗

True to its name, Secret Los Angeles unveils the city's hidden treasures, making it an indispensable asset for travelers who crave authentic encounters. With its focus on lesser-known spots and unconventional experiences, the platform has cultivated a substantial and engaged following.

Global Girl Travels 🔗

For a broader perspective that includes both Los Angeles and global destinations, Global Girl Travels offers candid narratives of authentic travel experiences. Jessica Peterson’s honest tone and insightful storytelling capture the essence of exploration without the need for exaggerated embellishments. Peterson emphasizes personal encounters and genuine insights, making her platform a valuable companion for those who value authenticity in their journeys.

LA Dreaming 🔗

If you're intrigued by Los Angeles' entertainment industry and pop culture, LA Dreaming provides an honest window into this facet of the city. While not exclusively a travel blog, its insights into filming locations, entertainment events, and local happenings give an unfiltered glimpse of LA's creative spirit. Michelle Ares – LA Dreaming’s creator – also offers more general travel advice pertaining to the city’s dining and leisure scenes.

Love & Loathing LA 🔗

For an unfiltered look at Los Angeles through the eyes of a local, Love & Loathing LA is a worthy candid companion. Caroline Juen, the mind behind the blog, brings a refreshing perspective to the city's vibrant scene. With a focus on dining and lifestyle, Caroline doesn't hold back in her reviews of restaurants, offering genuine insights that resonate with those seeking authentic culinary experiences. But her reach extends beyond food, as she takes her readers on a journey through LA's cultural happenings, events, neighborhoods, and fashion trends. Love & Loathing LA's honest and informal approach ensures readers discover the city's pulse without any unnecessary frills.

The LA Girl 🔗

The LA Girl is a trove of local insights and lifestyle advice that caters to the dynamic spirit of LA's young and savvy female demographic. Now with an armada of local writers and editors, the media platform serves as a digital guide for those with an interest in events, fashion, lifestyle, and – of course – local travel. Expect an authentic voice that resonates with those seeking to tap into the city's “LA girl” energy.

Liz in Los Angeles 🔗

Liz in Los Angeles, Liz Shamooni’s eponymous blog, is a reliable compass for all things City of Angels. Her content strikes a balance between personal taste, general lifestyle, and travel, with her LA landing firmly at the center of it all. Simply put: Liz is a knowledgeable and experienced writer who shares her love of Los Angeles – a valuable resource for anyone with a trip on the horizon.

Note: Send us a message to be added to Tipsiti’s list of travel bloggers or gain access to our database of resources.

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TOPJAW 🔗

A surging name thanks to its contributions to the travel content scene, TOPJAW is the venture of filmmaking duo Will and Jesse – the two hone in on a more local-inspired approach to exploration, whether physical or culinary. Though not exclusive to London, TOPJAW dedicates serious time to uncovering restaurants, cafes, and bars held dearly by the city’s residents. Their recent short-form content is a haven for good food recommendations, most of it direct from London chefs and industry insiders. 

Urban Adventurer 🔗

Urban Adventurer is a trusted London compass for unearthing lesser-known spots, especially for travelers constrained by time and budget. The blog sheds light on everything from hidden bars and Instagrammable cafes to limited-time events and unconventional experiences, many of which elude being mentioned by traditional guidebooks.

London For Free 🔗

Challenging the idea that London-based travel must break the bank, London For Free dedicates itself to crafting a more budget-friendly city experience. The platform offers practical tips and insightful advice that prove authentic London adventures need not come with a hefty price tag – whether exploring historic landmarks or attending cultural events. The site has also curated a dozen themed walks throughout the city, including both a self-guided exploration of London’s West End and a tour navigating historic riverside pubs.

Time Out London 🔗

Time Out has become a global brand recognized for its travel and hospitality content, through which it strives to enable readers to experience the best of each showcased city. The site’s size allows it to deliver comprehensive coverage of London’s cultural scene, led by lists of the best activities, restaurants, and bars. But there’s also a wealth of nuanced writing, such as discussions on local hotspots, eatery reviews, and London-based thought pieces. Overall, Time Out London’s content is digestible, and its delivery is honest, making it a reliable resource for travelers and residents in the city.

London On The Inside 🔗

London On The Inside is an independent lifestyle publication born from a love of “unlocking hidden gems in the big city.” The project has since been cultivated into one of the most comprehensive resources for London news, cultural insights, and travel recommendations. LOTI not only publishes a running feed of notable city stories – from restaurant openings, debuting shows, visiting artists, and need-to-know events – but also pens candid food reviews, spotlights local products, curates activity-specific city guides, and offers interactive neighborhood maps of its top recommendations. Co-founders Ben Smith and Jules Pearson have struck a winning formula.

Visit London 🔗

Visit London is an authoritative resource for exploring England’s capital. The site is London’s official visitor guide and features details on attractions, accommodation, and transport. So, while Visit London’s advice takes a more tourist-centric approach to exploration, it remains a trusted portal for factual information and practical insights.

Londonist 🔗

Forget a travel blog; Londonist is more so an ever-growing encyclopedia for life and culture in the city. The platform’s content spans news, reviews, and events – whether headline or hidden. Insights are consolidated into three headline categories – “Food & Drink,” “Pubs,” and “Things to Do.” But readers can delve deeper via tags such as “Free & Cheap,” “Music,” and “Secret.”

Secret London 🔗

The Secret London team tasks themselves with delivering fresh industry news and engaging city guides. They pass their lens over everything from influential culinary movements and headline events to uplifting stories from local communities – Secret is also partial to curated lists that expedite the research process for travelers. In all, Secret London, as with each faction of the Secret Media Network, is a valuable asset for curious visitors and residents alike.

Love + London 🔗

Jess Dante founded Love + London with the mission to take people away from the tourist queues of Big Ben and the London Eye and, instead, redirect them to moments of raw enjoyment, whether that be dinner at a family-run hole-in-the-wall or a gritty pub recommendation heard through the grapevine. It’s about listening to what people truly love about London, not what they’re told to love. The content is direct, digestible, and – of course – written by Londoners.

ClerkenwellBoy 🔗

Culinary explorations take center stage on ClerkenwellBoy's social platform. The creator delivers his advice via Instagram, favoring short-form content over a traditional website blog. Still, the content is worth a scroll. ClerkenwellBoy has garnered an audience of over 300,000 and is very much an insider in London’s culinary scene. Tips and food recommendations for other cities are a welcome bonus too.

Exploring London 🔗

The Exploring London blog trains its lens on the city’s heritage, hoping to enlighten both visitors and long-time residents of London’s storied history. As such, delving through the site’s article catalog can shed light on significant locations worth visiting. Readers can hone in on specific neighborhoods or influential figures of interest when browsing. The site’s “This Week in London” series keeps tabs on the city’s dynamic relationship with its past, showcasing new exhibitions and topical thoughts.

London x London 🔗

London x London means London by London – the site considers itself the insider guide to discovering the best of the city. Readers are kept informed of the latest happenings across the capital, such as festivals and notable restaurant openings. The platform’s best assets are its area guides, which delve into practical tips for exploring different London destinations – from Kentish Town and Camden to Finsbury and Farringdon. In short, the London x London blog writes about well and lesser-known spots side by side and can be used as an easy-read resource when exploring the city. 

Sunny in London 🔗

American-born but London-obsessed, Sunny in London capitalizes on her insider knowledge of the city’s hospitality industry to deliver culinary insights and restaurant reviews. Sunny, now a resident since 2013, pens candid commentaries on eateries and bars, discussing everything from the food and drinks to the ambiance and quality of service. Each article gives a first-person narration of events and strikes a down-to-earth tone – honest and reliable travel content with particular value for curious foodies. Sunny also shares a page of practical travel insights on her platform.

A Lady in London 🔗

Born Californian, then an expat in London, now splitting time between the two, A Lady in London curates a travel blog distilling her knowledge of the English capital. Guides are detailed but digestible, with the author taking on a personable tone throughout. All photography on the site is also original, furthering its authentic approach. Note: subscribers to the site (it’s free) gain access to curated maps that accompany each post.

London Toolkit 🔗

London Toolkit is just that, a practical resource helping travelers explore the city independently. The blog supplies valuable tips and insights about things to do, places to stay, transport navigation, and more. Truthfully, hidden gems and nuanced recommendations are few and far between here, but London Toolkit remains a useful tool for first-time visitors.

The Curious Pixie 🔗

The Curious Pixie shares personal insights into her time spent living in London. Sima, now a mom of two, also dedicates a portion of her blog to inspiring family-friendly adventures – whether in London or further afield. As an independent, self-run operation, The Curious Pixie takes a relatable approach to content. Though many of Sima’s restaurant reviews are the product of complimentary visits, the analysis is still trustworthy. Ultimately, the site has garnered a loyal following for both its “Child Free Luxury Travel” content and its family-oriented musings.

Diary of a Londoness 🔗

Diary of a Londoness pens an eloquent homage to the city she has come to love. The site and its author foremost dabble in London’s cultural offerings, delivering well-informed guides on museums and galleries alongside articulate reviews of restaurants and performing arts shows. Authoritative and authentic – Diary of a Londoness is a worthwhile read for travelers with an eye for the arts.

> Send us a message to be added to Tipsiti’s list of travel bloggers or gain access to our database of resources.

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> Bay Area Foodies to Follow

> Los Angeles Foodies to Follow

> San Diego Foodies to Follow

Eater SF 🔗

A food blog heavyweight with a broad and reliable lens.

Eater SF is an oracle of San Francisco’s dining scene, offering a combination of insider knowledge and industry news. The informative platform is a beacon for epicurean enthusiasts, with its finger on the pulse of restaurant openings, trends, and critiques. Alongside specific reviews, profiles of up-and-coming chefs, and curious thought pieces, readers can scroll through curated gastronomic lists that simplify their exploration of The Bay’s local dining landscape. 

Tablehopper 🔗

Independent newsletter turned Bay Area stalwart with a direct and personal voice. 

Self-proclaimed as a must-read for anyone who “lives to eat” in San Francisco, Tablehopper is a seasoned guide to the city’s dining experiences. The platform’s maestro, Marcia Gagliardi, calls on nearly two decades of gastronomic experience to provide practical insights, honest reviews, culinary anecdotes, insider stories, and thoughtful recommendations. Now a member-supported entity, new subscribers will enjoy access to Tablehopper's complete back catalog of over 12,000 food-related articles. 

7x7 🔗

Good for first impressions of new restaurant openings in San Francisco and the Bay Area.

7x7 casts a broad net across all things San Francisco, being an editorial voice intended to maximize every moment spent in The Bay Area. As such, the platform’s culinary catalog provides a running narrative on trending restaurants, events, and new openings. Simply put, whether you're seeking a cozy neighborhood café, an offbeat food adventure, or first impressions of a fresh launch, 7x7 has you covered.

Cyn Eats 🔗

An archive of SF restaurant reviews worth browsing. Plus some contemporary insights via Instagram.

Originally a website expressing Cynthia’s love for culinary experiences in the Bay Area, Cyn Eats – as she’s better known – now mostly operates via Instagram. Still, a vast catalog of food insights remains on her website, and Cyn continues to add new dining discoveries on her social channels. As an independent voice, Cyn Eats offers readers a genuine and personal perspective on San Francisco’s food scene – an ideal source of information for foodies seeking relatability. 

Worth noting: Cyn now resides in Bend, Oregon, where she has opened a restaurant inspired by Asian street food culture. Nonetheless, SF-centric food insights still make their way onto her Instagram when she travels.

The Infatuation SF 🔗

A leading voice, and for good reason. One of San Francisco’s most comprehensive food guides. 

The Infatuation is an authority in the culinary commentary space, operating in dozens of cities across America and the wider globe. As with each location, the San Francisco branch takes its food influence seriously, delivering both neighborhood-specific recommendations and curated lists for refined needs – think everything from cheap eats and bring-your-own-booze options to people-watching hotspots and fine dining options. The Infatuation even plants a red flag atop food places to avoid, with its “wasting your time and money” category. In all, the publication is a leading voice for San Francisco's culinary insights in San Francisco; opinions are unfiltered, honest, and come direct from knowledgeable insiders.

Inside Scoop 🔗

True to its name. A running commentary of the latest culinary news and trends in San Francisco. 

Brought to you by the San Francisco Chronicle, Inside Scoop offers a behind-the-scenes peek into the city’s diverse culinary world. The publication operates foremost as a feed of the latest industry news, posting frequent articles about new eatery openings, restaurant expansions, and general food-based chatter. For those seeking honest journalism about the city's evolving food culture, Inside Scoop is a proven read.

KQED Food 🔗

Multimedia content that includes restaurant reviews.

KQED’s food section leverages the platform’s public media organization status to deliver culinary content via several digestible mediums – from traditional features of industry trends and local restaurant news to their “Check, Please!” production show providing insightful dining reviews. KQED’s breadth of resources makes it a valuable guide throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

Hoodline SF 🔗

No-frills industry news.

Hoodline’s San Francisco publication strikes an informative tone with its feed of city-wide news stories. Nuanced restaurant recommendations take a backseat here. But the site remains a reliable resource for any and all movements in the Bay Area’s food industry – whether it’s restaurant openings, forthcoming closures, or general culinary discourse. 

Allie Eats 🔗

Short and snappy restaurant recommendations.

Born and raised in the Bay, Allie is a much-followed food blogger who – like Cyn Eats – has turned to Instagram as her main content outlet. By virtue of her foodgram success, Allie travels throughout the US and leaves a trail of reliable restaurant recommendations. Still, San Fransico-specific advice flows frequently as the city remains her home base. The short-form nature of social content keeps the word count low for her dining recommendations, making for easy browsing – though you will just have to trust her word.

Edible San Francisco 🔗

Newsletter accompaniment to a quarterly food magazine. 

Though foremost a quarterly magazine “telling the story of how [San Francisco] eats, drinks, and cooks,” Edible’s bi-weekly newsletter still provides value for hungry residents and explorers. Alongside a host of recipes, the frequent publication dishes information on the Bay’s evolving food culture and immerses readers in the stories of local producers, chefs, and artisans. Again, like Hoodline, specific recommendations are infrequent, making Edible function more as an informative news companion to sites like The Infatuation. Still, it’s worth keeping on your radar.

Food Gal 🔗

Informative restaurant reviews with nuanced discourse from an independent San Francisco insider.

Carolyn Jung’s Food Gal delivers a candid perspective on San Francisco's culinary offerings. Her writing has not only fuelled the rise and success of her independent blog but has also graced the pages of some of the Bay’s most-read magazines – of course, Jung’s publication is the focus here, but her credentials should further win the trust of any reader’s stomach. Restaurant reviews on Food Gal span from Michelin-grade spreads to streetside eats. 

SFGate 🔗

Broad coverage from well-connected journalists alongside some more informal culinary content.

Once the home of the San Francisco Chronicle, before it became its own entity, SFGate covers a spectrum of topics. The site’s food section is a culinary hub and go-to resource for everything related to dining and drink in the San Francisco Bay Area. Coverage is comprehensive and candid, giving readers a straightforward insight into the region’s culinary landscape, and content includes restaurant reviews, food trends, chef profiles, and recipes. SFGate even curates sections titled “Eat Like a Tourist” and “Dumpling Report.”

Also, given its association with the San Francisco Chronicle, SFGate food commentary benefits from the entity’s long-standing reputation and access to expert food journalists.

SF Travel 🔗

Comprehensive San Francisco travel blog with quick-read foodie insights such as best pizza and iconic SF restaurant lists.

SF Travel casts a broad net across all things Bay Area-related. The San Francisco Travel Association runs it; so it makes sense for them to cover everything from inner-city activities to experiences in the beach communities beyond. Still, the publication’s food and drink wing is a trove of information and recommendations. It’s a pretty comprehensive read given SF Travel’s scope and budget.

InsideHook 🔗

Finger-on-the-pulse lifestyle magazine with destination food guides, from Berkeley lunch spots to SF bakeries and breakfast.

InsideHook covers everything from the East Coast to the West Coast. And while their urban living and fashion long-form are worth a read, it’s the destination food guides that stand out. Their San Francisco foodie portfolio includes easy-to-read recommendations for the best steakhouses, breakfast spots, cocktail bars, and so on. Bay Area foodies have their fair share of reading too. Their cache as a national publication also helps them dive into in-depth interviews with the Bay Area’s best chefs and restauranteurs.  

A Side of Sweet 🔗

An independent voice sharing culinary, lifestyle, and travel insights from San Francisco and the Bay Area.

Between a growing catalog of home recipes, DIY inspiration, and lifestyle insights, Kelly – A Side of Sweet’s founder – manages to deliver a reliable stream of San Francisco dining recommendations. Her penchant for travel also means a bevy of destination guides for places in the surrounding Bay Area. Kelly’s “Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea” is a great example for readers wanting a down-to-earth account of travel experiences along the West Coast.

Of course, like any independent blogger worth their salt, Kelly’s Instagram is a constant source of her San Francisco lifestyle, travel, and food insights.

SFist 🔗

Authoritative over opinionated. Digital news platform sharing informed San Francisco restaurant and food events.

SFist adds its name to the list of Bay Area news platform that keeps up-to-date with all relevant food news – whether it’s new restaurant openings, unexpected closures, or weekly roundups of the city’s best eats. Near-daily articles make it one of the best online destinations for current culinary news, though it’s less of a place for nuanced recommendations and personalized insights.

> Reach out for access to our extensive database of city-based food blogs, culinary influencers, and foodgrams.

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@lafoodjunkie 🔗

Posting the best food in LA – the bio says it all.

Let’s not overcomplicate things. Candid food close-ups + snappy captions signposting the restaurant or eatery = the perfect formula for a foodie Instagram feed. LA Food Junkie is a must-follow account for food recommendations in the Los Angeles area.

@lafoodieguy 🔗

LA dining recommendations, food news, and foodie memes.

A shoo-in for one of the best LA foodie accounts on Instagram, LA Foodie Guy takes his job very seriously – whether it’s posting personal food recommendations, news, or a good helping of lighthearted memes. Follow for a feed full of the good stuff.

@la__foodguide 🔗

Online food network sharing community insights.

Food and community go hand in hand. So, it seems appropriate to highlight a collaborative foodie effort. This is the LA iteration of the global Foodguide family – a culinary network trusted by hundreds of thousands of foodies worldwide.

@wonhophoto 🔗

Eater LA’s very own photographer. 

About as connected as you can be, Wonho Frank Lee is the man behind the lens for the foodie behemoth that is the Eater brand. He knows the Los Angeles food scene inside out and has one of the tastiest social media feeds out there. We love Eater, but why not get recommendations from the source, too?

@hangrydiary 🔗

Foodie duo sharing adventures from LA to HK, and everywhere in between.

The brainchild of two Hong Kong-born foodies, HangryDiary is now a successful personal brand with a big following. Justine and Jocelyn moved to LA to continue their education. Now, they jump back and forth between the West Coast and HK on their culinary adventures. To paraphrase their own words; find the pair standing on chairs taking photos in restaurants.

@lisaeatsla 🔗

Encyclopedic LA foodie account.

11 years of Yelp Elite status. Thousands of Instagram posts. Over 82K followers. Put it this way: if there’s a restaurant, food stall, dish, snack – anything – to know about in Los Angeles, Lisa has probably been there. A trusted source with detailed videos and captions throughout.

@hungryinla 🔗

Aesthetic LA foodie insights from a well-connected source.

Follow this account and you’ll never be [INSERT USERNAME HERE]. Bad joke – we know. But the sentiment couldn’t be more true. Eddie Sanchez has nailed the social media game with his videos, editing, and – of course – stellar LA food recommendations.

@tffny.eats 🔗

Restaurant spotlights throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Gabriel Valley.

Providing all the necessary foodie PSAs throughout LA, Tiff makes sure everyone can get a taste of the city’s best! Wherever she is on her culinary adventures – domestic or international – she keeps her Instagram feed flush with her favorite dining spots. An easy follow.

@huangryfoodie 🔗

Everything from quick-hit food guides to restaurant spotlights and travel content.

Esther Hunag’s foodie adventures have taken her all around the world. But here, we’re focusing on her LA knowledge. Luckily for us, she posts a whole range of content about the city’s culinary scene: from punchy video breakdowns of her favorite restaurants for different cuisines to more detailed dining experiences with personal tips.

@snacks_with-steph 🔗

Appetite-inducing close-ups and candid, personal captions.  

Don’t visit Steph’s Instagram feed when you’re hungry, Or do. It’s a bit of a dilemma. At the very least, brace yourself for some close-ups of LA’s best food. Her candid write-ups provide some great insights into each dining experience too. A proper LA foodie.

@waitfoodfirst 🔗

LA and OC restaurant recommendations plus their standout dishes.

Kris has got the food scene on lockdown, whether it’s in Downtown LA or Orange County. Her entire feed is dedicated to sharing her favorite meals. Customizable ramen at Hakata Ikkousha, giant katsu at Dawa Kitchen, all-day dim sum at Bao – you get the idea. The bottom line: hit the follow button.

> Enjoy our list of LA foodies? Keep an eye on Tipsiti news as we continue to bring you the best database of travel advisors, bloggers, and travel influencers.

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gwenlloves 🔗

Non-stop dining recommendation videos from SF and the Bay Area.

Inviting everyone to be foodie friends in the San Francisco and Bay Areas, Gwen keeps her Instagram feed fresh with near-daily videos of her latest food adventures. Follow for appetizing short-form videos paired with write-ups of her favorite dishes.

bayareafoodiecrew 🔗

Community collective of San Francisco food bloggers. 

When food brings people together. True to its name, the feed curates the best San Francisco dining recommendations from an evergrowing crew of Bay Area foodies – a one-stop shop for all the best insights.

aloha_stephanie 🔗

San Francisco food recommendations sandwiched between lifestyle content and dating ideas.

“Where do you want to eat tonight?” A tale as old as time…

Luckily, Stephanie is single-handedly solving the dilemma for the couples of San Francisco with her date night-oriented foodie content. Follow – problem solved.

lifebyvivien 🔗

Super-colorful travel, food, and lifestyle grid with a broad California lens.

You’re not just following Vivien for her California lifestyle and travel insights, she’s also a master of the aesthetic Instagram feed. Whether it’s wine tasting in Napa, brunch in the Bay Area, or San Francisco cocktails, Vivien has an eye for good food and good content.

bayarea.foodies 🔗

About as authoritative as it gets. The Bay Area foodie?

If there’s a restaurant in San Francisco worth knowing about, Tim’s probably been there. The blogger and photographer embarked on his Instagram journey in 2015; now he’s a formative voice in the Bay Area’s culinary scene. This is one of the easiest follows on Instagram, whether you’re hungry in Palo Alto, Berkeley, San Jose, or Downtown San Francisco.

allie.eats 🔗

A pillar of the LA foodie community. Good eats, guaranteed.

“The best kinds of people are those who like to eat…”

Allie Tong knows her audience and provides the goods – her Instagram feed is nothing short of an almanac for good food in San Francisco and beyond. Follow for everything from best-of-the-month roundups to detailed restaurant spotlights.

cyneats 🔗

Trusted foodie insights from a proven restauranteur.

If you’re going to trust anyone with your stomach, let it be a celebrated restauranteur. Cynthia Linh may have taken her culinary talents to Bend, Oregon, but she’ll always be an authority when it comes to Bay Area eats.

mama_sheedz 🔗

Food recommendations and recipes in Oakland and beyond.

If Oakland is coming up on your travel itinerary, you should’ve been following Mama Sheedz yesterday. She’ll take you to some of the city’s best eateries and show you exactly what to order. Mama Sheedz’s own recipes keep the food content flowing between her down-to-earth recommendations.

thefoodiemon 🔗

Tasty food content from all the best restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area.

When Pokemon Go meet-ups become gourmet meals in San Francisco’s best restaurants. The Foodiemon definitely found a recipe for success: good company, juicy camerawork, fresh content, and – of course – mouthwatering food.

snackateriansf 🔗

Food recommendations throughout the San Francisco area with a focus on supporting local.

Tati’s Instagram account is about as convincing an argument as there is for eating and supporting local. Whether it's Mission District burritos or BBQ in Oakland, it all gets a spotlight.

nickichews 🔗

Wholesome videos with generous restaurant write-ups and order breakdowns.

Consider Nicki’s foodstagram as a personal invitation to visit his must-go restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area – any cuisine, city, or district.

martiwantsmore 🔗

Food recommendations from a Yelp Elite Black Badge holder.

Marti has held Yelp Elite status for 16 years – 7 of those being Black Badge. Hint – that’s the best of the best when it comes to knowledge, contributions, and helpfulness. Need we say more?

heatherr.eats 🔗

SF’s best matcha spots, and much more.

Matcha lovers, assemble. No kidding – Heather has made it a mission to be a guide to the best matcha spots in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Soft serve at Kiss of Matcha, banana matcha at Phin Cafe in San Jose; the list goes on.

sanfranciscofoodguide 🔗

Collaborative venture featuring all the best SF foodies.

Part of the global Foodguide family conceived in Germany, this feed features a buffet of dining insights from San Francisco’s best foodies. An up-to-date and trustworthy social media guide.

bestbayareafood 🔗

Trust the username.

If you’re going to trust anyone to curate some tasty food content, let it be a photographer. Zax, a San Jose native, collaborates with a ton of foodie creators throughout the Bay Area. It’s a feed worth following.

yayarea.foodie 🔗

Come for the food, stick around for the comedy.

Gordon Wong keeps the feed fresh with videos of his SF restaurant adventures spaced between foodie memes. Keep your eyes and ears open for some comedic voiceovers and captions.

hungrydanz 🔗

Marketing professional, food connoisseur. 

Dan has an eye for good content and a taste for good food. He’s got intel on a bunch of restaurants from San Jose to Sacramento. If it’s on the gram, it’s “GUARANTEED BUSSIN” – his words, not ours.

> Keep an eye on Tipsiti news as we continue to bring you the best database of travel advisors, bloggers, and travel influencers.

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> San Diego Foodies to Follow