Trip Advisor’s Dirtiest Hotels UK List Angers Industry - 357

Photo by u07chIf you are familiar with Trip Advisor you’ve likely seen the best and worst hotel lists generated by the website which are based on user reviews. According to The Independent the website’s release of the 2010 Dirtiest Hotels – United Kingdom has industry leaders in Britain angry and requesting changes in regulation of such information.

Hotels in Europe are — not surprisingly — trying to convince the EU Commission to revise rules regarding website reviews. The goal of the revision would be to ensure the reviews are being posted by actual guests and not competitors in the industry. Some of these standards are already practiced in Germany and leaders in the industry want the rest of Europe to follow suit.

According to the report at least one hotel on the list is considering legal action against Trip Advisor claiming their listing was based on reviews prior to a refurbishment. Another claims to have received cancellations due to the release of the list.

Web-based travel advice is something most people seek, but review the information with a critical eye, noting age differences and service preferences among reviewers. However, many are easily swayed by the opinion of others, making the Dirtiest Hotels List influential in decision-making.

Trip Advisor explained the list was based on factors other than simply anonymous reviews. The site also said they use a team of moderators and automated tools to detect fraudulent activity.

Lori Rice is a freelance health and travel writer, and Galavanting travel news and reviews correspondent. You can follow her adventures at 3 Star Traveler or explore her thoughts as a nutritionist, wellness advocate and foodie traveler at Fake Food Free.