REVIEWS OF HOTEL EXECUTIVE CLUB LOUNGES, KIDS CLUBS AND MORE.
Imagine booking a luxury resort online, only to get there on the D-day and find something extremely different. In the worst-case scenario, these resorts may not even exist.
The online space, whether that is Google, social media, or other online forums, can be a great resource in finding the best places to stay, but if you are not careful, you can also easily be scammed. So, how do you know if a resort is really five-star or just looks that way online? Here is a simple guide to help you figure it out before you book.
First things first, you should understand what a five-star really means and what to expect. Five-star resorts offer top-level comfort, excellent services, and great facilities. Some things you should expect include:
However, keep in mind that not all countries follow the same rules for star ratings. In some places, a resort can call itself five-star without meeting all the standards, so you might need to do a little bit more due diligence.
Photos on a resort’s official website are designed to look perfect. They often use professional photographers, great lighting, and even photo editing to make everything appear clean, bright, and beautiful. While these pictures may not be fake, they don’t always show the full story. That is why it is important to look beyond the resort’s own website.
Trusted travel websites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, and Google Reviews are great places to start. These websites let real travellers leave honest reviews and post their own photos of the resort. These guest photos often show what the rooms, food, and surroundings actually look like, without all the filters and special effects. You might notice things that the resort's website didn’t show, like wear and tear, crowds, or areas that aren’t very well-maintained.
When reading reviews, focus on the most recent ones. Resorts can change over time, for better or worse. A resort that was great five years ago might not be the same today. If you see lots of positive comments, it is a good sign. On the other hand, if many guests complain about the same issues, like food or even the staff, it is something to think twice about.
Always reach out and ask questions directly. This is one of the best ways to get clear answers and see how they treat potential guests. Good customer service should begin before you even arrive.
You can send them an email, use the contact form on their website, or call them. Ask simple, direct questions like:
These might seem like small details, but they matter when you are expecting a high-end experience. Pay attention to how they respond. Do they reply quickly? Do they answer your questions clearly? Are they polite and friendly? If they take too long to reply, ignore your questions, or give short and unhelpful answers, that could be a sign that their service won’t be great once you arrive either.
You need more than just pretty pictures online to determine whether a resort is truly five-star or not. Reviews from real guests are always the way to go. You can find these on third-party travel sites like TripAdvisor. Don't forget to also ask the right questions. These will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and make sure your holiday is as amazing as it should be.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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