Reviews – Why are they so important?

Checking out reviews is an important step in planning a holiday. But have you ever found yourself looking for accommodation or a restaurant only to find yourself scrolling quickly, looking at the star rating only? I know I have. And it took me years to figure out that by doing this, I was missing out on some great places. Or heading to places that were misrepresented. 

So why did I start taking notice of written reviews?

I started reading the written comments more when I became an Airbnb owner of a wine country property, in South Australia. One summer I received a bad review and I was absolutely gutted.  The poor rating was given to me due to the fact that there were mosquitos, and I didn’t provide repellant. And also because it was hot and they couldn’t sit outside. These things were obviously important to the customer. However, they were also things I could not control and my property description states what is provided for them. 

Because of a review and rating like this, it brought down my general host rating. After this happened to me I made a point to always read the written part reviews to ensure I can make an informed decision. 

So what should you consider when checking out reviews for accommodation and restaurants?

Star ratings are just one part of reviews

When you are emailed asking to rate a place on TripAdvisor or on another platform, two things happen. First, you leave the email unopened. Or secondly, you rush through completing the review but you just stick to clicking on the stars or the number scale to rate it. 

Writing down your specific thoughts is something I encourage you to do. Star and number ratings play a huge part in determining the overall rating of a place but paired with written comments you can get a true insight into what others have experienced.  

Spend the time reading the written comments

An example would be when a property displays an 8-star rating but on reading the comments there are complaints that the beds were uncomfortable, the room was dirty and they received bad customer service. The customer gave an 8-star rating for the price and the location. 

Same as a rating that is showing 4 stars. That customer has written a whole heap of complaints such as not enough coffee sachets, the beds being too soft, or the free toiletries made them itchy. It is obvious that these types of people just love to complain. 

So by reading the comments you can make a decision that is right for you and your family based on what is important to you. 

Check if the business has responded

There is nothing I like more than an accommodation or restaurant responding to a review they have received. Whether it is a negative or a positive review, it shows that they are taking the feedback they receive seriously. It also allows me as the next customer to receive clarification if there has been a negative experience. 

Final Thoughts

Something you are choosing to spend your money on, especially a well-earnt vacation should be taken seriously so spend the time to read what people have written. Not only should you see the money you are about to spend as an investment, but also see the time spent on reading reviews as an investment also. 

Make it a point from now on to spend time writing reviews; good and bad. I am constantly playing catch up with the reviews I need to write but check out the ones I have written on my TripAdvisor Profile.