What sites should you go to before booking a cruise or hotel for trusted reviews?

Thanks for the question on what sites I go to when checking reviews on cruises, hotels, and shore excursions.

For Hotels below are my go to's:

TripAdvisor.com - it consolidates reviews from the hotels (i.e. Hilton will forward over their reviews), as well as members of trip advisor.  This is a popular site for reviews and the property managers often respond to the reviews.

Booking.com - you must have stayed at the property for your review to be published. I have consistently found the reviews to be truthful and helpful.

Expedia.com/ca - again you must of been one of the guests at the hotel, or they will import the hotel property reviews.

For Cruises below are my go to's:

Cruise Critic.com - its members as well as professional review cruises, cruise line, shore excursions and ports. Sign up to their newsletter.

Cruiseline.com - Passengers who have booked thru them and cruises.com provide their feedback.


Tip 1:  Read as many reviews as possible and look for consistencies... i.e. all state its clean, comfortable, no noise etc.  Or most may state its noisy, breakfast is repetitive, or in one of the hotels I stayed at they said hot water was never available in morning. And guess what they were right even though I reached out to the hotel before hand re the water situation.  For cruises, I am looking for details on embarkation/disembarkation time length, cleanliness, facilities, ages and types of cruisers and things to do in port other than cruise line excursions.

Tip 2:  You should book hotels and or cruises that have average ratings of very good or excellent Even if its a 2 or 3 star hotels - if they are getting a 8 -10 out of 10, then people who stayed there had similar experiences and found good value for the price paid.  Remember 3 star hotels will not usually have pools,  etc but will be clean, comfortable and often are located in good areas.  I have found people willing to do a review are typically frequent reviewers and want to help others travelling. I find the few really low ratings often are from people who experienced major issues where the hotel or cruise line really didn't help them.  That is why you are looking for high average scores.
For cruises  ... you want 75% or more giving a good 4 or 5 score.  You also want most to state that the cruise ship is not worn - carpets unclean, needs paint etc and in need of refurbishment.  Food is to taste so be careful re these reviews.

Tip 3: Check thru the review for tips on location, transportation, check-in times (especially early check in capabilities or late checkouts).  I am always looking for how close the hotel is to public transportation, availability and cost of transportation to/from airports, free shuttles, shopping and restaurants, etc.  Look at the "traveller" pictures - they can really help.

Tip 4: Always check thru the reviews before booking - it doesn't help as much after you book and you can get caught in a bad hotel or cruise. 

Tip 5:  Provide reviews after you get back - help your fellow traveller.

Hope this helps