It’s the time of year when I start thinking about a family vacation. Once I narrow down the destination, I start researching hotels. Now the tricky part begins. I often start with a search of “Best Hotels in XX.” And then I start looking at what each hotel has to offer. My husband and daughter enjoy snorkeling, so I might look for a hotel with a nice beach. Often the hotel’s websites don’t give much information about what the beach is like, so I start searching guest reviews. It may take some digging, but I can usually find someone who mentions if the beach is rocky or the current is too strong or if there’s amazing snorkeling right at the hotel.
While I’m looking at reviews, I read what people have to say about recent stays. I try to take reviews with a grain of salt, though. Frequently, people tend to take to websites like TripAdvisor only to complain. While some of the complaints are valid, others just had a bad experience that really doesn’t reflect the everyday operations or conditions at the hotel.
Reviews I skip are those that had a room mix-up or those that complain about the room being noisy because it was near a pool. Other people might complain about the buffet at an all-inclusive but say they didn’t actually try the à la carte restaurants (which are usually better). I also avoid the reviews where a guest complains about a specific person who was rude. I also discredit reviews of guests who didn’t like a hotel for a reason they should have known by doing their research about the hotel, such as if the hotel is too far from the airport or it doesn’t have certain amenities, like a 24-hour fitness center. (I actually read a review where the guest took away a star because the floor wasn’t carpeted and her feet got cold!)
The reviews I find most valuable are from guests who stayed at a hotel multiple times. Return guests must have enjoyed their first stay and liked it enough to return. And they can tell if the property is kept in good condition year after year. Also, they usually focus their reviews on good tips and useful information, like which restaurants are great or nearby attractions or excursions to try, in addition to the general atmosphere of the hotel.
Red flags for me are multiple recent complaints about the cleanliness of a hotel or if someone stayed at the hotel in the past and it has gone downhill and needs a major update.
Happy vacation researching!
— Tracey Cullen, art director
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedAirlines
Nov 23, 2024Avelo Extends West Coast Schedule Through Spring 2025
Avelo Airlines extends its Western U.S. flight schedule through April 29, allowing travelers to book spring break travel to 14 popular West Coast destinations. One-way fares start at $57.
Sponsored Content
Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems
Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Choose Lompoc on California’s Central Coast for Outdoor-Focused Fun
If you’re in weather denial mode and resisting the urge to switch your closet over to sweaters and snow boots, keep summer going for a little longer in Lompoc, California.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Try This New Sea-to-Table Experience at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the oceanfront property on the pristine coast of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, just launched a new Sea to Table program in partnership with SpearMex, the region’s premier sea exploration experts. The new programming features a hands-on experience and ocean-to-table culinary journey combining sustainable fishing practices with personalized gastronomic techniques lead by Executive Chef Jorge González.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight
As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Waldorf Astoria Residences New York Announces Partnership with Bang & Olufsen
Waldorf Astoria Residences New York recently announced a partnership with Bang & Olufsen. The contemporary residences sit atop the legendary hotel, currently nearing the end of its expansive restoration.
5 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Daily
Nov 20, 2024Celebrate the Holidays at This Hotel on Italy’s Amalfi Coast
Spend the holiday season in Italy with a stay at Anantara Convento di Amalfi Hotel. The only 5-star hotel in the area hosts festive experiences from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Château des Fleurs Review
Just a short block from the Champs Elysées, flower-bedecked window boxes grace the corner and clearly identify Château des Fleurs. This 37-room boutique hotel is one of Vivre-LMB’s five small hotels in Paris owned by Olivier Bertrand and his sisters and affiliated with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
ShareThis