Reading accommodation reviews the right way

What to Look for in Hotel Reviews

Choosing where to stay in the United States—or abroad—has never been easier. The problem is that today’s abundance of opinions does not always make the decision easier.

Knowing how to read reviews the right way is a strategic skill that can save money, prevent frustration, and significantly improve the travel experience.

The most common mistake: looking only at the overall rating

A hotel with a score of 8.9 seems excellent. One with 7.8 may seem risky. But the average rating, on its own, says very little.

It does not reveal the guest profile, the context behind the complaints, or the priorities of the people who left the reviews.

Read recent reviews first

Hotels change. Management changes. Renovations happen. Problems get fixed—or get worse.

Ask yourself:

• Are the complaints recurring?
• Does the mentioned issue still appear in recent reviews?
• Are there clear signs of improvement or decline?

Identify patterns, not isolated opinions

Every hotel will have a negative review. What matters is identifying patterns.

If only one person complains about the Wi-Fi, it may be an isolated case. If dozens mention unstable internet, the problem is structural.

Look for repetition in areas such as

• Cleanliness
• Service
• Noise
• Location
• Bed comfort
• Safety

Understand who is writing the review

Not all guests have the same expectations. A business traveler values quiet and fast Wi-Fi.

When reading a review, pay attention to the profile of the reviewer. Many platforms indicate whether the trip was for business, family, or solo travel.

Separate structural problems from unavoidable inconveniences

Some issues are part of the destination, not the hotel. In major cities, rooms may be smaller, parking more expensive, and noise levels higher than average.

Reviews complaining about typical city characteristics should be interpreted carefully.

On the other hand, recurring cleanliness issues, lack of maintenance, or rude service are not “part of the urban experience.” They are warning signs.

Be cautious with extreme reviews

Reviews with the lowest or highest ratings are not always the most useful.

Very low ratings may result from specific, isolated situations. Perfect scores may reflect emotional enthusiasm more than objective analysis.

Focus on mid-range reviews (3 or 4 stars). They tend to be more balanced and detailed.

Analyze guest-uploaded photos

Official photos show the best possible angle. Guest photos show reality.

For North American travelers planning international trips, this is even more important. Guest-uploaded photos help verify:

• The actual condition of the room
• Bathroom conditions
• The real view
• Lighting
• Furniture maintenance

Observe how management responds to criticism

The way management responds to reviews says a lot about service standards.

Professional, polite, and objective responses indicate commitment to improvement. Defensive or aggressive replies are red flags.

In competitive markets like the U.S., well-managed hotels usually respond consistently to negative reviews.

Location: read reviews with the map open

Many American travelers regret their choice because they did not properly evaluate the location.

When reading reviews about location:

• Open the map at the same time
• Check actual proximity to attractions
• Evaluate access to public transportation
• Consider commute time during peak hours.

Compare reviews across platforms

Not all platforms attract the same type of audience. A hotel may have different ratings on Google, Booking, and TripAdvisor.

Small differences are normal. Large discrepancies deserve investigation.

Comparing sources helps identify:

• Whether reviews may be manipulated
• Whether the audience profile is very specific
• Whether the experience appears consistent

Don’t let fear dominate the decision

Reading reviews should bring clarity, not anxiety. Many travelers fall into an endless reading cycle, trying to eliminate every possible risk.

The truth is simple: no accommodation is perfect.

The goal is not to find a hotel without criticism but to determine whether the potential issues are tolerable for you.

Ask yourself:

• Would this issue truly affect me?
• Is it within what I consider acceptable?
• Is the cost-benefit worth it?

Adjust your analysis to the type of trip

The way you read reviews should vary depending on the trip.

For short trips:
Small inconveniences are more tolerable.

For longer stays:
Details such as bed comfort, cleanliness, and Wi-Fi quality become more important.

For international travel:
Safety, location, and clarity in communication are even more relevant.

Written by

Gabriel Gonçalves