The era of anything-goes unverified hotel reviews is winding down, thanks to a few savvy companies that are trying to bring order and accuracy to the lodging industry. A recent survey by civic-tech company CivicScience found that the top five most trusted hotel review sites aren’t the usual suspects—in fact, TripAdvisor is in dead last.
Instead, the top two most trustworthy hotel review sites are the least popular. TripAdvisor may be the most widely used travel site in the world, but it’s not without its faults: a host of people are gaming the system (and the public) to boost or lower their competitors’ ratings by using fake names like “MelissaK,” and tens of millions of reviews are posted by people with an agenda—whether they are reputation management operatives, disgruntled former employees, or hotel guests who have been paid to write positive or negative reviews of a particular property.
In its quest to clean up the online hotel review ecosystem, TripAdvisor has been experimenting with new ways to rate and promote hotels, including one that rewards good service with free stays. It’s also partnering with several hotel brands to offer discounts and freebies to loyalty members.
Other notable sites that are helping to improve the quality of hotel reviews include the independent site The Hotel Detective, which uses a team of experts to analyze rooms and restaurants to determine whether they’re worth the price, as well as the Trusted Traveler app, which gives travelers recommendations on the best places to stay.
For discerning luxury travelers looking for the best place to stay, there are plenty of options out there—from the ultra-opulent The Mark, which boasts a bold black and white exterior designed by Jacques Grange, who also did interiors for Yves Saint Laurent and Princess Grace of Monaco, to the swanky Robert De Niro–owned Greenwich Hotel, where guest rooms have been influenced by a variety of designers but remain true to art deco opulence.
If you’re planning a luxury getaway this winter, there are some great deals to be had on NYC’s best hotels. Fortunately, tourism to the city is down this year so the best hotels are offering some pretty sweet rates. Check out 13 of the best hotels in New York City right now, including The Carlyle, which is offering 20 percent off its rooms. Or, book a room at The High Line Hotel—which is located directly on the park and is currently offering 30 percent off rooms through the end of February.
