TripAdvisor Celebrates 100 Million Reviews and Opinions

TripAdvisor Celebrates 100 Million Reviews and Opinions

Now this is a major milestone: 100 million traveller reviews and opinions.  And TripAdvisor is the first travel site to reach it, covering more than two and a half million accommodations, restaurants, and attractions in 116,000 destinations. The milestone number represents a 50% increase in traveller contributions over last year. It's because of this remarkable scale and freshness of content that so many travellers around the globe use TripAdvisor to plan and have the perfect trip.

TripAdvisor doesn’t use the term “around the globe” lightly. The site now has contributions from members living in every country of the world and features hotel reviews in every country but one – Vatican City (which has no hotels listed on the site). Plus, in today’s socially connected world, the wisdom of the crowds is augmented by the wisdom of friends, as Facebook-connected travellers submit 35 percent of the site’s new reviews. The integration with Facebook allows travellers to see and share perspectives with not only their friends, but their friends’ friends, too.

With more than 200 million unique visitors each month and 47 million members, the site's coverage and usefulness will only grow even more in the next year. As Steve Kaufer, TripAdvisor co-founder and CEO, stated, “Travellers the world over want to have the perfect trip, and nothing helps travel planning more than candid reviews from people who have been there before.”

Fun facts:

·         16 attractions feature more than 5,000 reviews – number one being Central Park in New York with 11,993 reviews.

·         26 hotels feature more than 5,000 reviews – number one being the Luxor in Las Vegas with 9,904 reviews.

·         The site has restaurant reviews in 99% of all countries and attraction reviews in 98% of all countries.

·         For a hotel in the top 50 searched destinations in the UK on TripAdvisor, the average number of reviews is 240 and the average number of candid photos is 53.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The UK’s top hotels for the best sleep for National Bed Month

The UK’s top hotels for the best sleep for National Bed Month

For a good night’s sleep, lay your head in Cheshire say TripAdvisor travellers

The month of March, officially declared ‘National Bed Month’ by the UK’s Sleep Council, is the perfect time of year to remember the importance of a good night’s sleep – whether at home or on holiday.  Ahead of National Bed Month, TripAdvisor reveals the UK’s top 10 hotels where you’re most likely to catch the best zzz’s - according to TripAdvisor travellers. These properties received the highest praise from travellers in the ‘sleep quality’ category on TripAdvisor in the last year*.

Kingsley Lodge in Wilmslow, Cheshire offers the best sleep quality of any UK hotel, boasting a TripAdvisor sleep quality rating of 4.95 out of five from travellers. However, the West Midlands is arguably the real star of sleep quality – the region boasts three properties in the top ten.

“A good or bad night’s sleep can really make a difference to your overall experience of a hotel. These properties have all been tried and tested by TripAdvisor travellers and pass the all-important sleep test with flying colours,” commented TripAdvisor spokesperson, Emma Shaw.

The UK’s top ten hotels for sleep-quality are:

1.    Kingsley Lodge, Wilmslow, Cheshire – Set in two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, Kingsley Lodge was originally built in the 1950s and has since been completely renovated. The boutique hotel boasts handcrafted antique furniture, sumptuous upholstery and fabrics as well as many original works of art. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “Our rooms provided everything we could have wished for, they were delightfully furnished and the bed was so comfy we had a hard time getting up!”

2.    Clover Naturist Spa & Hotel, Birmingham – Centrally located in the city, beds at the Clover Naturist Spa & Hotel are all individually pocket sprung and boast Egyptian cotton linen. The duvets and pillows are Hungarian goose down, all adding to a comfortable night’s sleep. Each room has an en-suite wet room with heated floors. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “Absolutely perfect. Friendly and attentive staff, relaxed atmosphere, excellent spa treatments and the whole place is furnished to an extremely high standard.”

3.    Kilmichael Country House Hotel, Brodick, Isle of Arran – Set in beautiful gardens, Kilmichael House is listed as a building of historic and architectural significance. All the rooms are decorated to retain the look and feel of a country house. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “Accommodation is first class, food is superb and everyone is so friendly.”

4.    Fairhaven Country Guest House, Goathland, North Yorkshire – Located in the moorland village of Goathland, Fairhaven Country House Hotel is set in the natural beauty of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. The property boasts newly refurbished bedrooms and uninterrupted views from all guest rooms. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “A fantastic location, the warmest of welcomes, the best of home cooked food, a super comfortable bed and hosts who are like your best friends within minutes.”

5.    Chudleigh, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex – This hotel is situated near the central seafront of Clacton-on-Sea and only a short distance from the Pier and shopping centre. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “If you are after a warm, friendly welcome, a good night’s sleep and an amazing cooked to order breakfast then this is the place you are looking for!”

6.    La Moinerie Hotel, Sark, Channel Islands – On the site of a medieval monastery, La Moinerie has been restored from the ruins of an old farm. The 18th century hotel offers rooms and guest lodges with views over the stunning gardens. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “All the staff were friendly and so helpful. The hotel is in a beautiful location and is so well equipped and clean.”

7.    Hampton Manor, Hampton-on-Arden, Solihull – This 19th century manor house is set in 45-acres of mature woodland and all rooms are individually designed. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “The hotel was extremely welcoming, friendly and very well appointed inside. Top quality service, very comfortable and certainly a hotel to recommend.”

8.    The Elmdene, Torquay, Devon –  This hotel is situated 300m from Torquay beach and railway station and just a short walk from Torquay town centre, beaches, theatre and harbour. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “Excellent small hotel in a Victorian building in quiet residential area of Torquay. Super-clean and very comfortable large bedroom.”

9.    Moxhull Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield – Set in 8-acres of landscaped gardens, this Victorian mansion has 19 newly refurbished, individually designed bedrooms, most of which offer views of the surrounding countryside. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “The staff are friendly and attentive. The rooms are clean, comfortable and luxurious, the building has character and the gardens are well kept.

10. Airds Hotel & Restaurant, Appin, Scotland – This country house hotel offers views of Loch Linnhe and the Morvern mountains behind. Rooms boast Vi Spring beds, luxury fabrics, elegant furnishings and crisp Frette linen.  As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “Every time we stay it seems to get better. The service is simply superb and the attention to detail is impressive.”

Organised by The Sleep Council, the month aims to reinforce the importance of sound sleep for good health. For more information on these hotels, visit www.Tripadvisor.co.uk

*The list indicates the ten hotels in the UK which have received the highest score in the ‘sleep quality’ category on the TripAdvisor hotel review form from 1 January-31 December 2012

 

TripAdvisor beach award win prompts staggering 5,690% rise in interest for Rhossili Bay

Swansea beach firmly on global map following Travellers’ Choice Beaches success

After being crowned the UK’s number one beach, third best in Europe and tenth in the world in last month’s TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Beaches Awards, Rhossili Bay now has even more to celebrate. TripAdvisor can today reveal that in the days following the awards, interest in the Swansea beach from travellers looking on TripAdvisor increased by a staggering 5,690%*.

The beach, located on the Gower Peninsula, beat almost every other beach in Spain, Greece and Italy. Rhossili Bay even placed in the world’s top 10 above those in Hawaii, the Caribbean and Australia. The win has even sparked debate down under with Australian media incensed that a Welsh beach was rated above an Australian beach.

The increase in interest came in the five days immediately following the announcement of the award wins when the beach’s listing on TripAdvisor saw 58 times more views than in the previous week. The awards are based entirely on feedback from millions of TripAdvisor travellers who have actually visited the beach.

Rhossili Bay is the largest expanse of white sand on the Gower Peninsula and stretches for three miles. The beach’s vast stretch of sand and towering cliffs make it popular with surfers, paragliders and ramblers. The village of Rhossili is steeped in history and the wreck of the Helvetia, which ran aground on Rhossili Bay in November 1887 can still be seen on the beach today.

“With Swansea still basking in the glory of Rhossili Bay’s TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice accolades, this is sure to be even more encouraging news for Swansea’s tourism. Judging from the increased interest in the Bay, the village of Rhossili should be prepared for what could be a bumper summer,” commented TripAdvisor spokesperson, Emma Shaw.

Rhossili Bay is ranked number 1 of 58 attractions in Swansea**. The Travellers’ Choice Beaches awards honor top beach spots around the world, based entirely on the reviews and opinions from millions of TripAdvisor travellers.

-ENDS-

*Data based on session counts to the Rhossili Bay, Swansea listing page on Tripadvisor.co.uk 21^st February 2013 – 25^th February 2013 compared with 14^th February 2013 – 18^th February 2013. The Travellers’ Choice Beach Awards were announced on 20^th February 2013.

**Based on the TripAdvisor Popularity Index

 

 

TRIPADVISOR REVEALS THE UK’S TOP FAMILY HOTELS FOR 2013

TRIPADVISOR REVEALS THE UK’S TOP FAMILY HOTELS FOR 2013

Scottish hotel named best in UK while Cornwall continues to be a family favourite

Continuing awards season at TripAdvisor, this week we announce the winners of the 2013 Travellers’ Choice® Awards for Hotels for Families, honouring the best family-friendly hotels in the UK and around the globe and based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travellers around the world.

“With the schools set to break up for Easter in a matter of weeks, these awards recognise the hotels that family travellers love the most.  It’s great to see a British hotel recognised among Europe’s top 10 and the world’s top 25,” commented Emma Shaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson.

Escape to Scotland with the kids

Scotland celebrates great success this year, laying claim to the UK’s number one hotel for families. The Auchrannie Spa Resort on the Isle of Arran was crowned the UK’s top family-friendly hotel, 10^th in Europe and 25^th in the whole world alongside the likes of Orlando’s Disney hotels. And not stopping there, it is also the only British property to feature in the European and world list.

 

Located in Brodick on the Isle of Arran, off the west coast of Scotland, the Auchrannie Spa Resort makes sure kids are kept happy, and subsequently their parents too with two 20m swimming pools, a sports hall, three-tier indoor soft play area and games and internet rooms.

Linda Johnston, Executive Director of the Auchrannie Spa Resort said, “We are delighted to have been voted the number one family hotel in the UK by the families on TripAdvisor. This is testimony to the efforts of our fantastic team who work hard to ensure families that visit us have an enjoyable and memorable stay.”

 

 

Cornwall a firm family favourite

This year Cornwall boasts two hotels in the UK’s top 10. Newquay’s Sands Resort Hotel & Spa takes second place while the Bedruthan Hotel & Spa in Mawgan Porth comes ninth.

With both children and parents in mind, the Sands Resort Hotel & Spa is the ideal family getaway. For kids there is a whole host of free activities including a climbing wall, zip wire and bouncy castle as well as an OFSTED approved kids club and entertainment programme. And the Ocean Breeze spa is the perfect place for parents to chill while the children are off enjoying themselves.  

Pack up the buckets and spades for Blackpool

Head off to the bright lights of Blackpool for a family-friendly break. The Lancashire seaside town has double cause for celebration with two hotels named among the UK’s top 10 hotels for families. The Premier Inn Blackpool Central and Doric Hotel take sixth and seventh place respectively.

Located close to the famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Blackpool's Golden Mile, the Premier Inn Blackpool Central offers spacious family rooms at no extra cost and children under 16 can stay and eat breakfast for free.

Family fun in Italy

For those looks to venture further afield, the Cavallino Bianco Family Spa Grand Hotel in Ortisei, Val Gardena, Italy has been crowned the world’s number one family hotel. The ultimate kids fantasy, the hotel prides itself on its abundance of things to keep the little ones entertained including a mini-sports arena, pirates’ lair, giant Lego-building, small petting zoo, children’s car racing area and garden restaurant with free access all day to the soft drinks fountain and ice-cream.

Click here for the full list of winners: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersChoice-Family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rising cost of APD hits British Travellers

TripAdvisor flights survey reveals reaction to impending lift on liquid ban and British travellers’ favourite airline 

The results of the 2013 TripAdvisor Flights Survey are in and we at TripAdvisor can reveal British travellers’ attitudes to the continuing rise of Air Passenger Duty (APD), and the impending lift on liquid restrictions in hand-luggage across EU airports. Plus, British Airways is crowned the UK’s favourite airline for the third consecutive year according to TripAdvisor travellers.

APD hits British holiday-makers

As industry campaigners continue to battle against APD, the TripAdvisor survey of over 1,100 respondents reveals that the majority of British travellers are also against it, with 77% citing that APD should be scrapped. With APD set to increase further this coming April, it seems the increasing tax could take its toll on British holiday-makers plans, particularly during these tough economic times – over a quarter of Brits (27%) say that the cost of APD will impact on their travel plans this year. 

Brits unfazed by Liquid ban lift

Also in April, the 100ml limit for any liquids in carry-on luggage is due to be lifted when all EU airports will have equipment capable of screening liquids. Despite the restriction having been in place for traveller safety since 2006, only 17% of Brits claim they will feel less safe without it.

“Flights make up a significant part of the cost of a trip and the results of this research reveal that the ever increasing cost of APD is becoming a real concern for British travellers,” commented TripAdvisor spokesperson, Emma Shaw. “And, while the liquid ban was originally implemented for traveller safety, it seems that the majority of Brits won’t feel any less safe when the restriction is lifted later this year.” 

 

BA still backed by Brits

For the third year in a row, British Airways has been named the UK’s favourite airline. Virgin Atlantic has slipped to third place with easyJet this year beating Branson’s airline to second position. In order, British travellers’ five favourite airlines are:

1.   British Airways

2.   easyJet

3.   Virgin Atlantic

4.   Monarch

5.   Thomson Airways

*Survey carried out on 1,113 British respondents between 8th February – 15th February.

 

Oscar worthy hotels and restaurants in La La Land

LA’s top rated hotels and restaurants 

It’s officially awards season and Sunday night saw the finest faces of the silver screen grace Hollywood for the 85^th Academy Awards. If you’re heading to Tinseltown, where is best to lay your head or grab a bite to eat in the showbiz capital? TripAdvisor has put together a list of the top five hotels and the top five restaurants in Los Angeles according to the TripAdvisor community of reviewers*:

Hotels:

1.    Magic Castle Hotel – Located in Hollywood, this hotel prides itself on its personalised service and offers guests snacks 24 hours a day, all complimentary. It is located just one block from the Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and just five minutes away from the subway, which is just one stop to Universal Studios. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “We stayed at the Magic Castle for three nights and could not have been happier. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff who really went above and beyond to cater to our needs.”

 

 

2.       Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills – Tucked away amidst a leafy residential neighbourhood between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles is newly renovated and is ideally positioned close to LA's top attractions. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “This hotel is extremely comfortable and the staff here are magnificent. They are warm and friendly and bend over backwards to help.”

 

 

3.    Hotel Bel Air – Nestled on 12-acres in the Bel-Air Estates neighbourhood of Los Angeles, the iconic Hotel Bel-Air has just re-opened after a two year transformation. The newly renovated rooms are designed with themes from the glamorous decades of the 1930s, 40s and 50s. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “This is by far the best hotel I ever stayed at. Amazing attention to each and every detail by entire staff. The room was immaculate and the grounds were lush and manicured to perfection.”

 

 

4.    The Redbury – The Redbury is situated at the convergence of Hollywood and Vine. Offering spacious guest flats, its design draws on inspiration from the arts, music, fashion and entertainment. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “Rooms are very large, funky, and tasteful and the location is great.”

5.    Elan Hotel Los Angeles – Located at the crossroads of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood near the hottest spots in Los Angeles, this hotel has 49 rooms and offers plush bedding, contemporary décor, eco-friendly bath amenities, and complimentary WiFi. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “Perfect location for everything, and away from the hustle and noise. The staff are probably the most helpful and friendly I have ever encountered.”

 

Restaurants:

1.       Langer’s – Founded in 1947, Langer's Delicatessen and Restaurant has been open for more than 63 years and claims to serve the best pastrami sandwich in America. It is located across from historic MacArthur Park. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “By far, the best pastrami I've ever had.”

 

 

2.    Café Gratitude – A chain of restaurants, Café Gratitude specialises in gourmet vegan cuisine. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “Perfect vegan taste and a very large menu at this value for money restaurant.”

 

 

3.    Getty Center Restaurant – Located in the Getty Centre, a museum which shows art exhibitions, the restaurant has great views of the Santa Monica Mountains. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “Like the rest of the Getty Centre, the restaurant is cool, quiet, impeccably finished and economically priced.”

 

 

4.       Providence – This restaurant offers fine dining dishes of seafood and shellfish and is located on Melrose Avenue. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “The tasting menu was delicious and bold. Presentations were great, service wonderful and the wine list divine.”

 

5.    Hoy-Ka Thai Noodle House – Located on Hollywood Boulevard, this restaurant offers an extensive menu of Thai food. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “The food here is totally authentic. The staff are Thai and it shows in the food.”

 

For more information on Los Angeles, go to http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g32655-Los_Angeles_California-Vacations.html

*List is according to TripAdvisor’s popularity index.  Please note the popularity index is dynamic and can change at any time.  List was accurate as of 5 February 2013.

 

Swansea’s Rhossili Bay crowned the UK’s best beach and third best in Europe

TripAdvisor reveals the UK’s, Europe’s and the world’s best beaches

Awards season is upon us, the Brits and Oscars are just around the corner and today we at TripAdvisor announce the winners of the coveted TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Beaches Awards. 

Rhossili Bay in Swansea has been crowned the UK’s number one beach and third best in Europe beating almost every other beach in Spain, Greece and Italy. The Welsh beach even placed in the world’s top 10 above those in Hawaii, the Caribbean and more exotic locations.

Woolacombe Beach in Devon was named the UK’s second best beach while Cornwall’s Porthminster Beach took third place.

“These awards recognise the best beaches in the UK and beyond, according to those that really matter – travellers that have visited these beaches and given them the highest levels of praise,” commented Emma Shaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson. “Huge congratulations to Swansea’s Rhossili Bay for beating many of the most exotic beaches across the globe.”

Swansea beats Sardinia in the seaside stakes

Swansea’s Rhossili Bay is officially the UK’s number one beach, and, taking third place in Europe and 10^th in the world just goes to prove that you don’t have to travel thousands of miles for a great beach.  

Rhossili Bay is the largest expanse of white sand on the Gower Peninsula and stretches for three miles. The beach’s vast stretch of sand and towering cliffs make it popular with surfers, paragliders and ramblers. The village of Rhossili is steeped in history and the wreck of the Helvetia, which ran aground on Rhossili Bay in November 1887 can still be seen on the beach today.

Councillor David Phillips, Leader of the City and County of Swansea said, “We are delighted, but not surprised, that Rhossili Bay has been acknowledged by the world’s leading consumer travel website. We hope that many more visitors continue to enjoy its outstanding natural beauty.”

 

Triple win for Dorset

In a triple celebration for Dorset, the county is home to three of the UK’s top 10 beaches: Hengistbury Head in fifth place, Weymouth Beach in seventh and Sandbanks in eighth.

Sicily celebrates world win

Italy’s Rabbit Beach in Sicily has been crowned the number one beach in the world. Situated on the small island of Lampedusa, it is a totally unspoiled nature reserve that can only be accessed by boat and is one of the few rare places in the Mediterranean where loggerhead sea turtles go to lay their eggs. Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos takes the runner up spot.

 

 

 

Click here for the full list of winners http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TravellersChoice-Beaches

 

For more information please contact Hayley Coleman: 077 398 27951 / hcoleman@tripadvisor.com