I think tripadvisor is an invaluable site if used properly. Used on a top level search you can go wrong I think, but if you have time to be more thorough it is more rewarding.
edited to add;
Originally Posted by Athena53
Wow. That's an interesting point. I was just looking at my review of the Wyndham El Conquistador yesterday and wondered why only 5 out of 11 people found it useful. I complained about the service, the worn-out rooms and the prices (with specific examples of each) and even included a picture of the grounds, which I described as "beautiful". I guess the management didn't find it useful, huh? (If you're curious, it's
here.)
This resort is a good example for what to look out for in reviews;
1. do they nickle and dime. $20 each way luggage transfer fees + $30 airport shuttle per person?
2. expensive eating. $18 for a burger?
3. taking advantage of their isolation.
4. guest room cleanliness and maintenence.
5. The star rating. If a hotel is rated 5 star and gets 4.5 TA stars no big deal, in fact I would expect this, you can't please all of the people all of the time. If it gets 4 TA stars red flags pop up. If it gets 3.5 TA stars chances are its over-priced and over-rated and in need of some refurbishment.
If on the other hand a 3 star hotel gets 3 TA stars it means, to me at least, on the money value. If it get 4 TA stars then it's good value and anything above that is great value. Country Inn and Suites, San Diego is a good example of this. A 3 star establishment in name only because it lacks the luxury amenities of a 5 star but undoubtedly worth every point of it's 4.5 TA stars because of the quality in the key areas such as cleanliness and comfort.
The tripadvisor rating is to me actually more invaluable because it exludes the vast majority of amenities I don't use (hotel babershop haircut anyone?).