[Bullfrog]

I do use it & it can be a fairly good indicator at times.

What frustrates me the most, is that the rating system goes from ‘average’ to ‘very good’. Surely there is a rating in between such as ‘good’

Wake up TripAdvisor.

[julmops]

It has to be taken with a pinch of salt but it’s definitely useful and I quite like to see the people’s pictures as well. I’ve been contributing for a few years and I’m always trying to be as objective as possible.

[judynagy]

I won’t book without a session on Trip Advisor. Since I find the reviews interesting, I read most of them on a given hotel and always come away with a sense of what the place is like. I’ve stayed at hotels that had bad reviews (most recently the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu which was a fabulous experience) because it’s a location I need or whatever. I also gather information that is important to me, like opening windows, bad restaurant values, etc.

[IanFromHKG]

I prefer word of mouth, which has only let me down once. Having said that, although I don’t use TripAdvisor myself, my wife is a devoted fan and it can unearth some real gems, such as the B&B we just stayed in for a ski-ing holiday in Les Carroz which was absolutely wonderful and which I am sure we would never have found any other way.

[Swissdiver]

Btw I also like the mobile version (on iPhone for me) that indicates what’s around me. Found very nice restaurants just next block from my hotel that may-be the concierge would not have indicated…

[MartynSinclair]

I use TA for research, The reports I take seriously are the ones where the hotel GM or assistant GM makes a response to comments. If I am visiting somewhere new, I will use spg.com or research via octopustravel,com as they have good hotel pictures and prices.

[AdrianHenryAsia]

I tend to rely on word of mouth and forums so as this one. I have a TMC also but take their recommendations with a pinch of salt!

I have to say, I (personally) hate Trip Advisor and find no use for it!

[samanthah]

Of course word of mouth is always the best form of recommendation but sites like TA are the fastest.

[Daytripper]

I only post on TA when a hotel is particularly good or bad and the existing reviews don’t reflect the fact. It’s all about redressing the balance and trying to counter suspicious reviews with some genuine feedback.

The longer, more detailed and personal sounding a review is, the more likely I am to take it seriously.

[DisgustedofSwieqi]

I do use it and have found the results satisfactory, so long as one takes a sensible average of the reports.

[RIlic29]

I spend enormous time of mine researching TA and reading reviews. I find if to be best traveler tool at all. There is one feature missing, ( I believe ZAGAT website has it) and that is „Been There“ record. It is virtually list or record of establishments you visited without reviewing it.
It would be very helpful to me.

[watersz]

I use it too but use the filtering option to look at business traveller reviews and only take seriously people with 30 or more contributions ,

[MarcusUK]

I agree that you must look carefully at the reviews, but generally the detail that can be given for positive or negative issues, reveals the authenticity.

I do not rely on Trip Advisor, but it is linked to major booking systems and agents, such as Hotels.com /Ebookers etc.
Often i get a follow -up request to write a review, which i try to take the time always to complete.
In this way, as an invitation post an actual stay there, it can be relied upon, when via these agents.

Some larger hotels have hundreds of reviews, and they really can be helpful for a new area, or new hotel you are un-familiar with. In this way, when word of mouth is not always an option, it can add to making a decision enhancing safety, location, confirming of facilities, levels of service.

Like anything with travel, it is a helpful tool, but not a sole source should always be relied upon.

[flyingformiles]

I use TA but generally look for 3 key things – good location, cleanliness and if in a safe area.

I ignore one-off complaints but do look for patterns where there are many complaints/issues, particularly if they are all recent!

I also consider where management have taken time to respond – whether I believe either party is another thing but it demonstrates that the hotel is aware/engaging in what customers are saying.

I do post reviews, a system like that only truly works (forgetting about any issues of fake posts) if those who make use of the reviews post one themselves.

Depending on where I am going I would also look at some of the more specialised travel agents who will list the main hotels they use (Audley Travel, Journey Latin America, etc).

[BeckyBoop]

Has anyone noticed Tripadvisor have recently stopped using Google Maps in favour of Bing? I find this quite annoying (petty i know) because I use the map function all the time when researching hotels and prefer the feel of Google Maps and found it responds that little bit quicker too.

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