Can I remove a TripAdvisor review I disagree with?

No. TripAdvisor does not remove reviews simply because a business disputes the content or believes the review is unfair. TripAdvisor only removes reviews that violate its content guidelines — fake reviews, reviews containing personal attacks, reviews about the wrong business, reviews with fraudulent intent, or reviews containing private information. A negative opinion about your business, even if you believe it is inaccurate, does not qualify for removal. The correct response to a review you disagree with is a measured, professional public reply.

How long does TripAdvisor take to review a flagged review?

TripAdvisor typically responds to review reports within 3–5 business days for standard cases. Complex cases — particularly those involving fraud investigations or legal matters — may take longer. If TripAdvisor declines to remove the review, they will notify you via the Management Centre with the reason for their decision. There is no formal appeal process, though you can submit additional evidence if you have new information.

How to Remove a TripAdvisor Review — What TripAdvisor Actually Removes

What TripAdvisor will remove

Reviews TripAdvisor's content guidelines qualify for removal

Fake reviews: Reviews believed to be written by someone who did not visit or experience the business (a competitor, the business itself, or someone paid to write a review)
Incentivised reviews: Reviews written in exchange for a discount, free item, or payment
Personal attacks: Content targeting individual staff members by name with personal insults rather than reviewing the business experience
Inappropriate content: Profanity, discriminatory language, or sexually explicit content
Wrong business: A review clearly describing a different business (wrong location, different name)
Private information: Reviews containing personal details such as phone numbers, email addresses, or home addresses of staff
Extortion or threats: Reviews written as leverage for a refund or other demand ("remove this review if you give me a refund")
Promotional content: Reviews that appear to be marketing for the business or a competitor

What TripAdvisor will NOT remove: A review that is negative, unfair, or that you believe is inaccurate does not qualify for removal if it does not violate the content guidelines above. TripAdvisor does not arbitrate factual disputes between businesses and reviewers. The correct response to a review you believe is unfair is a professional public reply, not a removal request.

How to report a review through the Management Centre

Access your Management Centre

Log in to the TripAdvisor Management Centre at tripadvisor.co.uk/owners. If you have not claimed your listing, claim it first — the reporting process requires owner access.

Find the review and click "Report a problem"

Navigate to the review in question within the Management Centre. Click the flag icon or "Report a problem" link next to the review.

Select the violation category

Choose the most accurate description of why you believe the review violates TripAdvisor's guidelines. Selecting the correct category is important — vague reports are less likely to be acted upon.

Provide supporting evidence

If you have evidence — for example, reservation records showing the reviewer never visited, screenshots of a threat or extortion attempt, or evidence the review was written by a competitor — include it here. Reports with specific evidence are significantly more likely to result in removal.

Submit and wait for TripAdvisor's response

TripAdvisor typically responds within 3–5 business days. You will receive notification of their decision through the Management Centre. If they decline, the reason will be stated.

When TripAdvisor declines to remove the review

If TripAdvisor declines your report, your options are:

Write a professional public response — A measured, factual reply that acknowledges the concern and invites direct contact. Other readers evaluate your response as much as the original review
Build more positive reviews — A 1-star review among 200 4- and 5-star reviews has minimal impact. Focus on building review volume with satisfied guests
Submit new evidence — If you obtain new evidence after the initial decline (for example, confirmation that a reviewer did not visit), you can resubmit with that evidence
Legal route — Where a review is demonstrably defamatory and TripAdvisor has not removed it, legal advice may be appropriate. This is a last resort and involves significant cost

Frequently asked questions

Can I remove a TripAdvisor review I think is unfair?

No. TripAdvisor does not remove reviews because a business believes they are unfair or inaccurate. Only reviews that violate TripAdvisor's content guidelines qualify for removal. A negative but genuine opinion about your business — even one you believe is exaggerated — stays on the platform.

How long does TripAdvisor take to respond to a report?

Typically 3–5 business days for standard cases. Complex cases (fraud investigations, legal matters) may take longer. You will be notified through the Management Centre when a decision is made.

A reviewer threatened to leave a bad review unless I gave a refund. What can I do?

Review extortion is a violation of TripAdvisor's content guidelines. Document all communications — screenshots of messages, emails, or any record of the threat. Report the review through the Management Centre and select "Extortion or blackmail" as the violation type. Include your evidence. This is one of the clearer-cut cases where TripAdvisor typically acts.

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