Tripadvisor reviews

Iceman hit the nail on the head with his points.

If somewhere I have been to is really really good Or really really bad I will post on TA about it.
If its ok I won't bother.

And of course they deserve a poor review if the weather wasn't perfect...

I don't take too much notice of the odd review ...... but if there is high percentage of folks complaining you have to take note

More is to be taken from reading the review rather than a star rating that the reviewer has nothing to reference too.
The things I take note of are:

Was it dirty? No excuse whatever the budget.
Was it noisy? In which case it's not form me.
Are the claimed facilities really there?
What do they say about the food? I'm not a fussy eater but again comments re cleanliness are relevant. Likewise a 4* hotel that just serves burger and chips is probably to be avoided by me.
Does the plumbing work? I expect ample hot water in a hotel whatever the budget.

Sure most reviews may well be negative - but read what they are negative about and then make your own judgement.