ruralcarrier said:
Very correct Elizabeth. Like anything else, it is a tool or a guide but also based on opinions. We use TripAdvisor at times for hotels when it is a place we are not familiar with, sometimes the reviews are spot on and other times they are way off.

With regards to restaurants on TripAdvisor, I find the reviews there highly unreliable. I often see chain restaurants rated way ahead of independent restaurants and in many cases I personally find the restaurant reviews way off. One of the worst meals and service we have had in the past 2 years was a highly rated steak house. After eating there I wondered how they stay in business, let alone get good reviews.

TripAdvisor seems to solicit reviews and often a place will solicit customers for positive reviews to be posted.

Hope your trip home was uneventful.