Noise complaint
How to reply to a noise complaint Google review
Noise reviews split cleanly into two: 'the atmosphere isn't for me' and 'something is broken'. The reply differs completely between them.
Why it matters
Noise is one of the top-mentioned negatives in hospitality. The reply is often the deciding factor for the next booker with the same sensitivity.
Do this
- Distinguish atmosphere-noise from breach-noise.
- Point to quieter times or quieter rooms.
- Own genuine equipment or sound-leak issues with a specific fix.
Avoid this
- Arguing that the noise wasn't there.
- Making the reviewer feel wrong for wanting quiet.
5 templates
1. Restaurant, loud atmosphere
Review
"Could barely hear my dinner date."
Reply
"Hi Priya — our Friday nights do run loud. Our Wednesday and Sunday services are noticeably quieter and we'd love to have you back on one. Email hello@ourplace.com and I'll hold a corner table. — Marco, owner"
2. Gym, dropped weights
Review
"Weights being slammed every 30 seconds is unbearable."
Reply
"Hi Sam — dropped-weight noise is manageable and we've been slipping on the enforcement. From this week the platforms are 'no drop' with staff walk-throughs every 20 minutes. — Nadia, manager"
3. Bar, music too loud
Review
"Music was so loud we had to shout."
Reply
"Hi Chris — Friday and Saturday from 9pm we do run louder. The upstairs bar keeps a lower volume all night if you'd like it quieter next time. — Alex, owner"
4. Hotel, noisy corridor
Review
"Corridor noise kept me up."
Reply
"Hi Jamie — corridor sound-leak isn't something a guest should have to live with. Please email hello@ourhotel.com with your stay dates and I'll refund the night. — Sam, GM"
5. Cafe, coffee grinder
Review
"The grinder is deafening every few minutes."
Reply
"Hi Nadia — the grinder position is on our list to move. In the meantime the back-corner table is the quietest in the room. — Jess, owner"
FAQ
- Should we apologise for a busy Friday night being loud?
- Acknowledge the atmosphere without apologising for its existence. Point to a quieter service.
- Is a hotel noise refund a reasonable public offer?
- For genuine sound-leak issues, yes — future readers see it as accountable.