What is the best review site for hotels?
There's no single best hotel review site, so most experienced travelers compare two or three. Tripadvisor has the largest volume of reviews and traveler photos. Booking.com and Expedia (and its sister sites) only let guests who actually booked and stayed leave reviews, which makes their scores harder to fake. Google reviews give a quick overview alongside the map, and the hotel chain's own site often shows verified reviews too.
Main options compared
| Site | Strength | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Tripadvisor | Huge number of reviews and photos, forums | Anyone can post, so check reviewer history |
| Booking.com | Reviews only from guests who booked and stayed | Score scale and averages differ from other sites |
| Expedia / Hotels.com | Verified-stay reviews | Fewer detailed reviews at small properties |
| Quick ratings next to the map, many reviews | Mix of guests and non-guests | |
| Hotel chain sites | Verified guest reviews | Hotel controls the page |
How to read reviews well
- Sort by most recent. Renovations, new management, or problems change a hotel quickly.
- Read the middle reviews (three stars or mid-range scores), which are often the most balanced.
- Look for patterns across several reviews, such as noise, cleanliness, or Wi-Fi, rather than one angry or glowing post.
- Check traveler type. A family's priorities differ from a business traveler's.
- Look at guest photos, not just the hotel's professional ones.
- Read the hotel's replies to see how it handles complaints.
Star ratings are not reviews
Official star ratings come from national systems or organizations such as Forbes Travel Guide and AAA, and they measure facilities and service levels, not guest satisfaction. A four-star hotel can still have poor reviews, and vice versa.
FAQ
What is the best website to book hotels?
Compare prices on a booking site or metasearch tool, then check the hotel's own site, which may offer member rates and easier changes.
How do I find a hotel's star rating?
Look on the hotel's site or booking platform, and check whether the rating comes from an official national system or a respected guide.
Are there seven-star hotels?
No official seven-star rating exists. The label is marketing, often used for a few ultra-luxury hotels.
Can hotel reviews be fake?
Yes. Verified-stay platforms reduce the risk; be skeptical of very short, very similar, or overly emotional reviews.