Tripadvisor's AI-powered hotel summaries have been accused of glossing over severe health and safety issues at popular resorts, leaving holidaymakers vulnerable to food poisoning and other hazards. A Which? investigation revealed stark discrepancies between glowing AI reviews and scathing guest feedback, raising concerns about the reliability of these automated tools.
At the Riu Palace Santa Maria in Cape Verde, for instance, an AI summary hailed it as a 'beachfront resort with spacious rooms' and 'spotless cleanliness'. Yet guests reported 'exceptionally poor hygiene', 'raw chicken served', and even dead rodents found in communal areas. The severity of the situation is underlined by seven reported deaths since 2023 linked to stays at the property, with over 400 holidaymakers pursuing a group legal action against the resort.
When asked about food poisoning risks at Riu Palace, Tripadvisor's AI chat assistant Ollie suggested it was 'quite unlikely', despite Which? highlighting numerous cases of guests falling ill. This raises questions about the effectiveness of AI tools in providing accurate and balanced information – particularly on critical health and safety concerns.
Similar discrepancies were found at other resorts popular with British tourists, including Garza Blanca in Cancun and Occidental Caribe in the Dominican Republic, where guests reported illnesses despite positive AI summaries. This highlights a potential problem: relying too heavily on AI that may obscure vital information for travellers to make informed decisions.
For UK holidaymakers considering trips to Cape Verde, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic, it's essential to exercise caution and scrutinise hotel reviews beyond automated AI overviews. British nationals enjoy visa-free entry up to 30 days in these destinations, but a careful assessment of resort conditions is vital to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.