Trip Advisor - do you leave reviews? If so, why?

[StrongFemaleCharacter]

I always check Trip Advisor before going anywhere - restaurant, hotel, etc. I always leave a good review if I've enjoyed myself. I've only once left a bad review, but that was because I'd had a good time there before and they had slipped. But I do think a lot of people leave bad reviews, in the way that you tell people you've had a bad time but gloss over the good times. Do you leave reviews? Only if you've had a good time or only if you've had a bad time? Just wondering how reliable the reviews are really.

I leave probably 10 good reviews for every bad one.

It's important to check how many reviews and what type a reviewer has left. I just checked one place and all the good reviews were reviewers with one review and all the bad ones are multiples.

I'm more likely to leave a good review than a bad one, it's so helpful for people coming after me

I leave the sort of reviews I’d want to read - factual and fair with a few local recommendations thrown in. They’re usually fairly long but with lots of info on the hotel, food/drink, shops, beaches, trips.. basically anything worth noting from my holiday whether good or bad (usually good - some of the stuff that people moan about is ridiculous!) and things that holidaymakers like me would find useful.

I often leave a good review if I think the previous reviews are a bit harsh

Good topic ! When I first joined I was an avid reader and whenever I left the UK Tripadvisor was my guide. Now I follow my nose.

Ive left loads of reviews, good, bad, average, ugly places.

love the forums too now if you have a certain question usually someone will reply with an informative and interesting answer. I see it from the travelers side. I don’t look and think wow they’re in Tripadvisor top 100 chip shops
of 2013.. (lol) I just like a decent review

It’s also nice to look back on as a journal as where you’ve been and your photos as a user for me !

I read reviews before I book hotels (and sometimes restaurants / places of interest etc…) so I leave them too. On the basis other people may find my review helpful, the same way I find other people’s reviews helpful.
Always factual and honest.

Yes, I always leave the good ones.

If bad, I raise the issue when I'm there. I'd only post a poor one if I'd had no resolution and, even then, I'd mention any good alongside the bad to temper it.

I always leave reviews.
I think it helps others, and it takes minutes, and can sometimes thank staff who go above and beyond to feel that they are appreciated.
I think some places and people "game" tripadvisor
I also think that some places are really good, and then they get great ratings on tripadvisor (the hidden gem, and then everything that was good about them declines because they are not the hidden gem anymore, queues out the door, prices put up, not coping with the influx)

To get reliability, you need the numbers. If there are 1000 ratings, all top dog, then it probably is top dog. If there are 20 ratings, then it is in the eye of the beholder, lucky with their room, and circumstances. And you can get some right moaners, I still think it is worth a look mind.

I always leave a review , if l remember even if its just ok. I think so many people just leave bad reviews if they had one issue.
I normally check the middle reviews for a balanced view of place.
Last place we went so many people moaning on trip adviser that sea view was crap, when it clearly said in hotel details, side sea view.

I try and leave reviews for every restaurant good bad or indifferent. I read reviews too so hope it gives someone an idea of what it's like.