Why hotel reviews alone shouldn’t drive booking decisions

Hotel reviews have become an indispensable tool for travelers, but they only tell part of the story

Each review offers a glimpse into a singular experience, shaped by an individual traveler’s preferences, budget, and expectations. What one person considers the perfect hotel might not suit another’s needs at all.

Key takeaways

• Timeliness is a critical factor for many travelers when evaluating reviews. Recent feedback is highly valued, with 67% of travelers ignoring reviews that are more than six months old;
• The biggest drawback of reviews is their inherent subjectivity. A factor that may be a dealbreaker for one person, like a noisy street, might be irrelevant to someone else who values a central location more;
• Additionally, reviews often lack the broader context needed to make a fully informed decision. A positive review might highlight a hotel’s stunning rooftop pool but won't necessarily indicate if the hotel is family-friendly or conveniently located for your planned activities.

Get the full story at the Mail & Guardian