How I choose a hotel (and read reviews)
Reviews are real people telling you how it really was, and they tell you more than the brochure ever will, if you read them the right way. This is how I do it.
Karen’s tipTrust volume
“I look at hotels with reviews from thousands of people, not hundreds. If enough people notice the same thing, it’s usually true.”
Karen’s tipThe reviews were right about the receptionist
“A few years ago I stayed at a hotel in Hamburg. On Tripadvisor, reviewer after reviewer said the receptionist was miserable. When I arrived, I spotted her straight away: no smile. So I made it my mission to make her smile and laugh, and I did.”
“It showed me how accurate a lot of reviews can be. When that many people say the same thing, take notice.”
Karen’s tipSearch the reviews for what matters to you
“On a hotel’s Tripadvisor page, I use the search box in the reviews to look for the things I care about. Try it for whatever matters to you.”
- “Bed”: “I need a soft bed, so lots of ‘hard’ or ‘firm’ bed comments put me off. I know some people love a firm bed, so it depends what you like.”
- “Food” or “lukewarm”: “Lukewarm food comes up a lot at all-inclusives, so I always check.”
Karen’s tipLove the hotel, but the beds are firm?
“I’d email ahead and ask for a mattress topper, or for a quilt laid under the sheet.”
Karen’s tipCheck the local buses and trains
“Before I book, I check where the nearest bus stop or train station is, and the fares. Local transport is a great budget way to get around, better than hiring a car, and if you like a drink you don’t have to drive.”
Karen’s tipWatch the transfer
“I’ll skip a great flight if the transfer is over about an hour and a half, and look for an airport nearer the resort instead.”
More on this, with my Majorca lesson and the Hammamet example: Winter sun for less: always check the transfer time →
✅ Quick checklist before you book
- Thousands of reviews, not hundreds
- Searched the reviews for what matters to me (“bed”, “food”, “lukewarm”)
- Firm beds? Emailed ahead for a mattress topper or a quilt under the sheet
- Found the nearest bus stop or train station, and the fares
- Transfer from the airport under about 1.5 hours (or found a nearer airport)
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☀️ Winter sun for less → · ✈️ How I find cheap flights → · 🚆 Getting to the airport for less → · 🛋️ Is a lounge worth it? →