Rakesh ronald
When planning a trip, finding the right place to stay is crucial. Thanks to technology, travelers now have access to a wide range of travel apps that not only help with bookings but also provide built-in hotel reviews. These reviews are a powerful tool, offering real guest feedback to help you choose accommodations that suit your needs. Here’s a look at some of the top travel apps that come with built-in hotel reviews, so you can make your next booking with confidence.
1. Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the leading travel platforms globally, offering millions of accommodations in almost every corner of the world. The app features user-generated reviews, with millions of detailed ratings and comments from travelers. You can read reviews about everything from cleanliness to service quality, with the added bonus of filtering reviews based on traveler type (e.g., family, solo, couple). Booking.com also provides detailed review scores in key categories, allowing you to see what guests liked or didn’t like at a glance. The app’s comprehensive booking options, including instant booking and cancellation flexibility, make it a favorite among travelers.
2. TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is synonymous with travel reviews and has been helping travelers make informed choices for years. It provides millions of reviews and ratings for hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals worldwide. The app is user-friendly, allowing you to filter reviews by most recent, highest rating, or specific traveler type, such as families, couples, or solo adventurers. The extensive review system also includes user-uploaded photos and videos, giving you an authentic look at what to expect from your stay. Additionally, TripAdvisor provides maps that help you visualize the hotel’s location in relation to nearby attractions, making it easier to plan your itinerary.
3. Expedia
Expedia is a one-stop travel app for booking flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities. Its hotel section offers detailed user reviews, with ratings for various aspects such as service, comfort, and location. You can filter and sort reviews based on traveler type, star rating, and recency to find the most relevant information. Expedia’s app also offers additional insights, such as top-rated properties and special discounts for app users. The platform’s loyalty program, Expedia Rewards, provides points for each booking, which can be redeemed for discounts on future trips.
4. Agoda
Agoda is popular for its vast range of accommodations, particularly in Asia, but it also offers competitive rates and a wide selection of hotels worldwide. The app’s review system lets travelers read detailed feedback from previous guests, covering important aspects like cleanliness, location, value, and comfort. Agoda has a useful “Guest Rating” feature that provides an overall score based on reviews. Users can also read specific feedback to gain a better understanding of what other guests experienced during their stay. The app also has an exclusive feature called “Secret Deals,” offering special discounts to help you save even more on your booking.
5. Hotels.com
Hotels.com is focused solely on hotel bookings, making it an ideal app for those who prioritize finding the perfect place to stay. The app offers user-generated reviews with detailed feedback on cleanliness, location, value, and service. One unique feature of Hotels.com is the “Verified Guest Reviews” system, ensuring that all posted reviews come from genuine guests who have stayed at the hotel. The app also lets you filter reviews by various criteria, such as the most recent, highest, or lowest ratings. Hotels.com also offers a loyalty program called “Hotels.com Rewards,” where you can earn a free night after booking 10 nights, which can be a great way to save money in the long run.
6. Kayak
Kayak is known for its price comparison features that allow you to find the best deals across multiple booking platforms. It’s an excellent tool for comparing hotel prices and reading reviews, as it pulls information from multiple sources like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and others. Kayak’s app lets you filter search results by star rating and review scores, ensuring that you find highly-rated accommodations that fit your budget. Additionally, Kayak’s “Hotel Price Alerts” feature keeps you informed about changes in hotel prices, so you can book at the right time.
7. Trivago
Trivago is a hotel search engine that aggregates listings from multiple booking sites to help you find the best deals. The app’s user interface is simple and easy to navigate, and it provides a comprehensive review system that allows you to see the ratings and feedback from verified guests. Trivago’s unique feature is its “Guest Rating” bar, which shows the overall rating of a hotel based on reviews from various sites. This makes it easier to make a quick comparison between hotels and decide on the best option. Trivago also offers photos and detailed information about each property, which helps you better visualize your stay.
8. Yelp
While Yelp is typically associated with restaurant and business reviews, it also includes hotel and lodging options, especially in major cities. The app’s hotel reviews are generally less comprehensive than those on dedicated travel apps, but they still provide useful insights into service quality and guest experiences. Yelp’s review system is interactive, allowing you to read detailed reviews and check out photos uploaded by users. The app’s community-driven platform ensures that you get a diverse range of opinions to help guide your decision.
9. Google Travel
Google Travel may not be a dedicated hotel booking app, but it’s a powerful tool for researching hotels and reading reviews. Google’s search function allows you to compare hotels and see ratings sourced from platforms like Booking.com and TripAdvisor. You can read both reviews and summaries of guest experiences directly within the Google Travel app. This platform is great for seeing a snapshot of what a hotel is like, along with images and links to book through other sites.
10. Airbnb
Although Airbnb is primarily known for its vacation rentals, the app also includes “Airbnb Plus” properties, which are high-quality accommodations verified for their service and comfort. Airbnb’s review system allows past guests to rate their experience and provide feedback on different aspects of the property, such as cleanliness and the host’s hospitality. You can also read reviews that highlight the specific features of the property, helping you make an informed decision about whether it fits your needs.
Tips for Using Travel Apps with Built-in Hotel Reviews
- Focus on Verified Reviews: Prioritize reviews marked as verified to ensure they come from genuine guests.
- Read Multiple Reviews: Don’t base your decision on just one or two reviews; read several to get a complete picture.
- Filter by Traveler Type: Use filters to view reviews relevant to your travel situation (e.g., solo traveler, family).
- Look for Consistent Feedback: If multiple reviews highlight the same issues, it may be a red flag.
- Check Photos: Photos from past guests often provide a realistic view of what to expect, complementing the written reviews.
These travel apps with built-in hotel reviews make it easy to find the perfect accommodations for your next trip. With real guest feedback and ratings at your fingertips, you can book with confidence and enjoy a stay that meets your expectations.