Sisters businesses earn strong ratings

Internet review and rating sites have a powerful effect on everything from movies to books to restaurants.

Recently, one Sisters business hit the top of the charts on one of the most significant sites in the travel industry. FivePine Lodge & Spa hit No. 1 in the state of Oregon on http://www.tripadvisor.com.

While FivePine President Greg Willitts is proud of the accomplishment, he noted that other Sisters businesses are consistently at the top of the ratings. Jen's Garden is a perennially top-rated restaurant and Willitts notes that the Best Western Ponderosa Lodge in Sisters earns high marks in the region.

"Ponderosa's commitment to the guest shines through as they respond to every guest's comment placed on Tripadvisor," Willitts noted.

Willitts told The Nugget that he encourages his staff to treat everyone who stays at the lodge as though they are going to write a review. As it usually plays out, he says, patrons tend to write about either really good experiences or really bad ones - so any establishment wants to make sure the experience is on the really good end of the scale.

Online reviews have a long reach - and they linger.

"In the past, if somebody had a negative experience, they'd share it with maybe four people," Willitts said. "Now, they share it with four million."

FivePine's travelers' rating carries 103 "Excellent' marks and 13 'Very Good' - nothing lower.

Reviews compliment the business for its setting, the quality of the rooms and amenities, and the customer service.

Willitts said that Sisters Country's overall rating is critical to the area's success as a destination. Better ratings translate to more people choosing Sisters for their vacation spot.

"They may start shifting buying decisions to this town," he said. "Sisters Country's continued commitment to customer service will cement our place as a top destination in Central Oregon, Oregon and the Northwest. The comments on these sites certainly showcase the amenities of a hotel, the specific dishes at a restaurant and the spectacular views while teeing off at our great golf course options, but more powerful for Sisters Country are the interactions with the people of the businesses and the town 'vibe' in general."

Internet ratings give the best in the industry metrics of success and an incentive to keep striving to improve the experience of visitors, diners and customers. Certainly, Willitts plans to keep striving.

"We will not be at the top for long, as the competition guarantees a brief stay," he said. "However, with our commitment to our guests and their experience in Sisters Country, we hope to always vie for a rank towards the top."

For more information visit www.tripadvisor.com and search for Sisters.