Whether you’re planning your next vacation or just dreaming about a getaway, knowing the best hotel to stay in can help make the process more enjoyable and ensure that you have an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels, and each one has something unique to offer. But how do you know which one is right for you? If you’re not sure where to start, here are some helpful tips to get you started.
1. TripAdvisor
The 800-pound gorilla of travel review sites, TripAdvisor has tens of millions of reviews for hotels, restaurants, experiences, and other businesses. The site uses an algorithm to sort through the plethora of data and feature the most helpful (and least spammy) reviews—though some users contact me regularly to complain about bogus reviews by so-called “reputation management operatives” hired by hotels to boost their ratings, or by disgruntled former employees who use their real names to eviscerate rivals.
2. Airbnb
This modern accommodation platform is renowned for its range of lodging options, from traditional homes to luxury villas. Guests can leave detailed information and reviews of their experiences, which are then ranked using a five-star rating system. Airbnb also has a marketplace where guests can buy and sell accommodations.
3. Google Maps
This leading search engine is often the first place potential guests turn to find general information about a location, including what’s nearby. Adding your hotel to Google Maps and listing it with Trustmary’s Google reviews widget can increase its visibility in searches and make it more likely that guests will consider booking with you.
4. Yelp
Another popular travel-related social media platform, Yelp is known for its business coverage and user engagement. It offers a number of tools for hotel owners, including reputation management and customer service, and features a community-driven approach to reviews, allowing users to engage with one another and comment on their experiences.
5. The World’s Best Hotel List
Published annually, the World’s Best Hotels list is a trusted source of recommendations for travelers around the globe. During the voting period, a panel of Conde Nast Traveler experts nominates hotels that offer outstanding value and unrivaled hospitality in their destinations, and readers vote for their favorites. This year, Morocco’s Royal Mansour and Soneva Fushi in the Maldives topped the list, while the new Bulgari Tokyo and The Peninsula Istanbul were ranked as one to watch.
