HOW TO USE TRIPADVISOR SCORES

There is a lot more information in the tripadvisor numeric review scores than is captured in their simple blob system.

Always have a look at the little barchart of votes cast and do two mental calculations:

1. LUXURY RATING.

The number of "excellents" divided by the number of "very goods".

This is a very good guide to the true luxury status of the hotel. Less than 1.0 and you are definitely in three star territory. Above 3.0 and you are in solid luxury territory. 4 and 4.5 star quality in between.

2. SERVICE ISSUES.

The number of "poor" plus "terribles" as a proportion of all votes.

Less than 5% is very well run hotel, less than 10% is ok, above 15% and there are some real problems.

Try it out on some hotels you know already. You'll get a feel for the numbers, it is quick and easy to calculate mentally. Hope this helps.