Many of you (OK, maybe SOME of you) know I write and comment on hotel issues most of the time. That is the reason for my being in fact. Even fewer of you know I wrote a book dedicated to Understanding Hotel Reviews. I have written posts about these topics from time to time and have even posted links to valuable articles or other posts I have discovered when I think they will be of value to you.
I am SO SURE you are all falling down with appreciation also that I post this little tidbit written by a REAL author. John Newton, once of Travel+Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler fame, wrote a short piece that I have included as a link here (if you want to see the whole article) but I condensed his research/knowledge and pass it along because I have a special prize for you who are reading my post. More on that below.
Research has varied on the topic of Hotel Reviews. In fact, I recall a big magazine suggesting that upwards of 2/3rds of all travelers read reviews. Some people have said it is 80%. His passed along research says only 20% do. What is of more interest to me is WHO writes them. I wrote in my book that people are more likely to complain than laud a hotel but in reading hundreds if not thousands, I do have to say there are far more positive responses than negative ones. So his sources are probably right. He notes:
- One in five travelers reports reading reviews before traveling; almost one in ten posts reviews after their trip.
- Travelers who post reviews tend to be more satisfied guests than those who do not and more likely to return to a hotel or resort.
- Luxury hotel and timeshare guests are more likely to post reviews than guests in other lodging categories; casino guests are the least likely to post about their stays.
- Older travelers are more likely to post reviews; younger travelers are more likely to read them.
- Travelers headed overseas read reviews more often than those traveling domestically. Nearly half of travelers headed to Mexico and other parts of Latin America reported reading online reviews before reserving a room.
Since age is not defined (who or what is young or old?) it may not matter but I would have suggested that YOUNGER readers who are more internet and Social Media savvy types would post more than older travelers. But again, the point is moot. I do know this - hotels (ours included) NEVER advises unsatisfied guests to go online and post a review but if they LOVE us, we will give them the name and internet address. It's just good business sense, so don't shoot the messenger!
In fact, you should LOVE me because I am doing something for the very first time - I am giving away my Hotel Reviews book for free to any takers. Yes, I have offered it free if you purchased any of my other books but never have I offered it for nothing as a stand alone product. It is a $12.95 value, yours free in honor of Independence Day (even though I will never be INDEPENDENTLY wealthy giving away my products for free!). Feel free to pass this along to anyone you choose - I might as well let everyone have a go at it!
Happy 4th of July!
All you have to do is sign up at the Free Book box in the right hand margin and follow the instructions and emails after that!
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