Does anybody on the bored use TripAdvisor?

[IronEagle]

If you do, what are your thoughts?

[Diggle]

I do. I find the traveler photos very helpful for seeing what the resort or hotel actually looks like. I try to find reviewers from major Northeast cities vs reading everyone's reviews. People from midwest and Canada have much lower standards and like everything more than I do. I try to read the reviews that focus on good and bad vs just ones that are all good and bad.

Its really helped me know what im getting into when traveling.

[IronEagle]

I do. I find the traveler photos very helpful for seeing what the resort or hotel actually looks like. I try to find reviewers from major Northeast cities vs reading everyone's reviews. People from midwest and Canada have much lower standards and like everything more than I do. I try to read the reviews that focus on good and bad vs just ones that are all good and bad.

Its really helped me know what im getting into when traveling.

Interesting to hear your thoughts, especially because I know you are a tough customer.

I've written a number of reviews on the site and hearing what you said makes me want to be more nuanced in my comments. Not just good vs. bad. but more the reasons why places are good or bad.

[Riccardo]

I don't trust internet reviews in general

Especially hotels. I think most of the really good and really bad reviews are from people with vested interests.

[IronEagle]

Especially hotels. I think most of the really good and really bad reviews are from people with vested interests.

I've posted reviews of a number of hotels which I do not have a vested interest in.

I call it like I see it . If I have a good stay... positive review. If I have a bad stay the place gets trashed.

[Riccardo]

I'm sure many are legitimate customers

Still think most of the extreme ratings good or bad are biased. I wouldn't pick or not pick a hotel based on these reviews

[schuylkilli_igg]

I've used it a lot. Mainly for hotels.

If you do, what are your thoughts?

I find most of the reviews are pretty accurate. I've left a few reviews and was honest about my experience.

[Susquehanna Birder]

Heavily. It's my go-to review site. I tend to discount the upper and lower extremes to determine the average status of a place. The forums are hard to find, but the do give some additional help if necessary.

[Dim Bulb]

all the time

If you do, what are your thoughts?

I usually look at the negative reviews and if they are about refunds or a desk clerk didn't treat them right, I ignore it. but when they say the hotel is right next to a noisy nightclub, I listen. One off bad events happen, but systemic stuff (bedbugs, noisy nightclubs, etc) can't be changed.

I also look at the bedbug registry.

DB