Food & quality
I look at flavour, freshness, how well everything is cooked, presentation, portion size and whether the dishes are consistent from start to finish.
Behind every review
This page explains what I look for and how I keep different experiences fair. It does not list individual venues or their review ratings.
A fair comparison
I consider the type of experience, the price and what a visitor should reasonably expect. A simple, affordable option can be excellent at what it does, while a more expensive experience has to deliver more to justify the cost.
Restaurant reviews
I score each of these four parts out of 10, then use the average for the overall Reeve Rating.
I look at flavour, freshness, how well everything is cooked, presentation, portion size and whether the dishes are consistent from start to finish.
I rate the welcome, friendliness, knowledge and attentiveness of the staff, as well as the timing of the meal and how any problems are handled.
I consider the comfort, cleanliness, noise level, décor and general feeling of the restaurant, including whether the setting makes the meal more enjoyable.
I compare the price with the food, portions, service and whole experience to decide whether I would feel happy paying the same amount again.
Hotel reviews
I score each of these six parts out of 10, then use the average for the overall Reeve Rating.
I look at the amount of space, the layout, storage and whether the room feels comfortable and practical rather than cramped or awkward.
I rate the mattress, pillows, temperature, noise and overall sleep quality, because a good night’s rest is one of the most important parts of any stay.
I consider the welcome, check-in and check-out, how helpful the staff are and whether requests or problems are dealt with quickly and politely.
I judge breakfast and any hotel meals on their choice, freshness, quality, presentation and the service provided in the restaurant or dining area.
I look at cleanliness, décor, noise, shared areas and the general feeling of the hotel, including whether it feels relaxing, welcoming and well cared for.
I compare the room price with the comfort, service, food, facilities and complete stay to decide whether the hotel was genuinely worth what I paid.
Flight reviews
I score six parts of the complete journey, then bring them together in one clear overall rating.
I consider the fare, baggage allowance, optional extras, how clear the booking process is and whether the final price feels fair.
I look at check-in, bag drop, lounge access where relevant, queues, announcements and how organised the boarding process feels.
I judge the space, cleanliness, storage, seat condition and overall comfort for the length and type of journey.
I rate how welcoming, helpful and attentive the crew are, including the clarity of communication and how problems are handled.
I consider the choice, quality, presentation and value of anything included or available to buy during the journey.
I look at delays, the quality of communication and how smoothly the journey runs from departure through to arrival.
Landmark reviews
I score each of these six parts out of 10, then use the average for the overall Reeve Rating.
I rate how enjoyable and memorable the visit feels from arrival to leaving, and whether the attraction lives up to expectations.
I look at what makes the place special, including its history, views, design, story and whether it holds my attention during the visit.
I consider cleanliness, maintenance, displays and how well the landmark is cared for and presented to visitors.
I rate how easy it is to find, enter and explore, including parking, public transport, queues, signs and access for different visitors.
I look at toilets, seating, cafés, visitor information and staff support, judging whether the practical details make the visit easier.
I compare the entry price and any extra costs with the length, quality and enjoyment of the experience, including free attractions.
The Reeve Guide approach
The aim is not to compare things that were never meant to be the same. It is to explain clearly whether each experience succeeded on its own terms and whether it deserves your time and money.
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