NAVIGATING THE SITE

To better navigate and manage the listings on TripAdvisor, we gathered tips from veteran travellers.

To search for ideas on lodging, winnow down the choices with a filter, such as type of property (vacation rental, inn, etc.), neighbourhood or number of stars (two to six). For more personalized suggestions, the “Just for You” feature will select hotels based on your search history and preferences.

Don’t limit yourself to properties that occupy the top spots in the popularity index. Many hotels ranking lower still earn high reviews (four or five bubbles) and are a good value or quality.

When reading a hotel’s collection of reviews, take a sampling from the full spectrum: high (“excellent”), middle (“average”) and low (“poor”). Look for overriding patterns, such as double-digit complaints about an overwhelming smell.

Flip through the photos taken by guests. That picture of the mouldy tub doesn’t lie.

Focus on the most current reviews, and read the replies by the hotel’s management.

Get to know the reviewer to see whether you are simpatico. Members have profile pages.