is trip advisor dying?

Callistemon21

^I love TripAdvisor, but then, as a DE I would say that, wouldn't I?^
I'm being dim here, but what's a DE please?

Oops sorry, DE is Destination Expert. If you go onto the forums for a particular area - Edinburgh, for example - there are usually several DEs who know the place well and can answer questions about it.

I love TripAdvisor. Of course you have to use your judgement as to the value of some reviews. A one off bad review by someone who's never posted before is a bit suspicious but the opinions of someone who's posted lots of reviews with varied opinions on places is interesting.

I love TripAdvisor, but then, as a DE I would say that, wouldn't I?
I'm being dim here, but what's a DE please?

I was just about to look on TA for a good pub/restaurant in an area unfamiliar to us ......

Just seen on Facebook someone using their TA review with great skill 'Come inside and try the worst coffee a woman on TA has ever tasted'

I agree with gagajo it's not often wrong, you do have to use common sense obviously if there are 30 good reviews and one moany one it will be fine.

I love TripAdvisor, but then, as a DE I would say that, wouldn't I? Seriously though, I never book any kind of hotel or accommodation without thoroughly researching it first (not just on TA) even if it's just for a one-night stay here in the UK. I like to be prepared. You do have to read between the lines with all reviews, but you can get a good general idea about a place.

I think it's fairly essential to have some independent feedback, occasionally there will be what could be perceived as some vindictiveness, but I think most who post don't have an axe to grind.

TA has never been wrong, in my experience. I fail to check it at my peril!

I look at other reviews to see if there is a common theme about hotels and restaurants.
I contribute constructive reviews on Tripadvisor each time I go to a hotel or restaurant.

I’m flying out tonight to menorca and feel a bit down after reading nit too good reports about our hotel wish I hadn’t looked it’s took the shine off. Did check before I booked it though and it was fine.

I still rely heavily on reviews when booking hotels. If a hotel has bad reviews and it is not just a one off, then I will look elsewhere. If a hotel is prepared to respond to a bad review, and not just with a stock reply, then that is a point in its favour.

I confess I haven't posted a review for a couple of months, but I haven't seen a lot of 'why' replies, perhaps you have been unlucky in the properties you have been looking at?