Sometimes, we just need to share our travel experiences—for better or worse. Thanks to social media, there are many channels for us to do so, but which to pick and how to frame the message?

Depending on the hotel, you may be guided towards a particular review platform. For example, the concierge might suggest visiting a specific website or URL. Leaving your two-cents where instructed is a good idea because it ensures someone will read it. Positive or negative, your review should bear some influence; otherwise, why write it?

If no one prompts you for feedback, then go to the following places:

• Active travel communities—travel forums will give your post high-visibility by travellers and hotel operators alike;
• Facebook—out of all the social media, Facebook is your best bet (Google My Business a close second);
• The place where you booked your stay—whichever website you made your reservation through will likely accept reviews.

Rules for Writing Reviews

You should only leave a review if you have something worthwhile to say and can say it objectively. A review stating “good location” means little because it doesn’t contextualize the location. What made it so great—the transit, nearby attractions? Likewise, if you complain about pricing at a five-star hotel because you’re accustomed to 2-star accommodations, then you’re letting bias taint your review.

With such things considered, if you proceed to write a review, respect the following guidelines:

• Refrain from profanity as it will negate your points and offend others;
• Avoid generalizations, exaggerations, omissions and lies;
• Write briefly but with specific examples that indicate what type of guest you are (i.e. parents, solo, couple) and what made the experience positive or negative;
• Wait a day or two for your emotions to subside before posting.

The final tip applies more to negative reviews: we tend to get heated in the moment. As Joost Vermeulen from Booking.com comments in an interview: “Don’t be tempted to engage in review retaliation by making comments that could be deemed libellous or defamatory.” If you attack rather than criticize, you might find yourself in some trouble. Plus, how can anyone benefit from your feedback if you leave on such a negative note?