Mystery Guests
Join Boyd’s Hotel Reviews as a mystery guest and enjoy unique hotel stays while helping properties improve their service. Share honest, detailed feedback and play a part in shaping future guest experiences.
What is a Mystery Guest?
A mystery guest is an everyday traveller who visits hotels anonymously to evaluate the quality of service, facilities, and overall guest experience. Unlike critics or inspectors, mystery guests are regular people — just like the guests hotels welcome daily.
At Boyd’s, our mystery guests check in, stay, and explore the hotel exactly as any other visitor would. The difference is that they pay careful attention to the details: the warmth of the welcome, the cleanliness of the room, the attentiveness of the restaurant staff, or the efficiency of room service.
After their stay, mystery guests provide structured, honest reports that highlight what worked well and where improvements can be made. These reports are essential to hotels, offering insights that internal teams may miss.
Being a mystery guest is not only enjoyable — it’s rewarding. You get to experience hotel stays with purpose, knowing your feedback directly contributes to better service standards across the industry.
The Process
ONE
Accept Assignment
TWO
Stay in Hotel
THREE
Write Detailed Report
Accept Assignment
Once you’re registered with Boyd’s, you’ll be offered assignments that match your profile and availability. Each assignment will include details such as the location, the length of stay, and any specific activities the hotel would like you to carry out.
You’ll have the opportunity to review the requirements and decide whether to accept. We encourage you to choose assignments that fit your lifestyle and preferences. For example, if you enjoy dining out, you might select an assignment that includes restaurant visits.
When you accept, Boyd’s takes care of the booking, ensuring the process feels seamless and authentic. Your job is to prepare for the stay — and keep the assignment confidential.
Stay in Hotel
During your stay, your role is to enjoy the hotel as a guest would while paying attention to details. This could mean noting how quickly reception staff respond at check-in, observing the cleanliness of communal areas, or testing specific services such as ordering a late-night meal.
You’ll follow any agreed activities while also noticing natural aspects of the stay — from the atmosphere in the lobby to the comfort of the bed. It’s important to remain discreet; staff should never know you’re evaluating them.
The goal is to capture an honest, unbiased impression of the entire guest experience while enjoying a comfortable stay.
Write Detailed Report
After your visit, you’ll complete a detailed feedback report. This is where your observations become invaluable to the hotel. The report will ask structured questions covering everything from check-in and housekeeping to dining and overall service quality.
You’ll also provide details you noticed — describing how situations made you feel, highlighting examples of excellent service, or pointing out areas that need improvement. Your perspective as an everyday guest is what makes these reports powerful.
Strong attention to detail, clear writing, and honesty are key. Once submitted, your report helps the hotel improve and ensures your contribution makes a real difference.
Perks and Payment
Being a mystery guest with Boyd’s is both enjoyable and rewarding. You’ll stay in quality hotels, experience their services, and know that your feedback is helping to shape better guest experiences.
We cover the costs of your stay, including room charges and any pre-agreed activities such as meals or spa treatments. In addition, you’ll receive payment for your time and effort in completing the report. The amount varies depending on the assignment but is always designed to fairly reflect the work involved.
Beyond financial rewards, there’s the perk of variety. Each assignment is different — one stay might involve a stylish boutique hotel, while the next could be a busy business property or a resort. You’ll see hospitality from many angles and gain a deeper appreciation for what makes a great guest experience.
It’s a flexible role that fits around your schedule, offering unique opportunities without long-term commitment.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds. The most important qualities are reliability, discretion, and an eye for detail. You don’t need to be a professional writer or critic – in fact, we prefer everyday travellers who can share genuine impressions.
A good standard of written English is important, but it doesn’t need to be perfect. What matters most is that your reports are clear, honest, and structured. If you enjoy noticing the little things – like how quickly staff greet you or whether a room feels spotless – you may be a perfect fit.
Ideal qualities include:
• Reliability and commitment to completing assignments
• Discretion and the ability to remain anonymous during stays
• Strong attention to detail
• Clear written communication in English
• A genuine interest in hotels and guest experiences
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Applying to be a Boyd’s mystery guest is simple:
• Complete our online application form
Once we have reviewed your application, you will be invited to:
• Share details about your travel habits and availability
• Provide a short sample of written feedback
If selected, you’ll join our network and be considered for future assignments.
FAQs
Do I need hospitality experience to apply?
No. We prefer everyday travellers who can provide honest, guest-level perspectives. As long as you’re observant and can write clearly, you’re eligible.
Do I have to pay for my stay?
No. Boyd’s covers the cost of your accommodation and any agreed activities. In addition, you’ll receive payment for completing the report.
How much will I be paid?
Payment varies depending on the length and complexity of the assignment. You’ll always know the compensation before you accept, ensuring clarity and fairness.
How often will I get assignments?
Assignments depend on hotel demand and your availability. Some guests receive several opportunities per year, while others may be contacted less frequently.
Can I bring a partner or family?
Yes, if the assignment allows. Some hotels specifically request family or group visits to evaluate how they cater to different types of guests.
What happens if I’m recognised as a mystery guest?
This is rare, as our guests are regular people, not professional inspectors. If it happens, we’ll work with the hotel to manage the situation fairly.
How detailed does my report need to be?
Reports typically take 1-2 hours to complete. They should include both structured answers and your general thoughts, highlighting specific examples and personal impressions.
Do I need to accept every assignment?
No. You can choose which assignments suit your schedule and interests. There’s no obligation to accept every offer.
Will my identity be shared with hotels?
No. Your identity remains confidential. Hotels receive only your report, never personal details.
Can I be a mystery guest if I’m not based in the UK?
Currently, most assignments are UK-based, but opportunities may expand in the future. Applicants from abroad may still be considered for select projects.
What if I can’t complete the report on time?
We ask for timely submission, usually within a few days of your stay. If an issue arises, communication with Boyd’s is essential so we can adapt.
How do I know an assignment is genuine?
All communication will come directly from Boyd’s. We provide clear written instructions and confirm bookings, so you’ll always know your assignment is legitimate.
