I know there was a thread recently about TripAdvisor, I can't find it.

I am always intrigued at the extremes seen in reports, for example, two reports on the same property :

This hotel is basic. It's rooms are small, beds uncomfortable and it has no onsite restaurant.

compared with :

Very nice hotel, lovely building and pool surrounds.
Room was nice, with sunny balcony and very comfortable bed, clean white sheets and towels. The bathroom had toiletries provided as well as toothbrush/paste, shaver and cream, lotions, soaps etc - added bonus.

or this about the infamous Nanford house in Oxford :

I stayed at the Nanford Guest House ........ The place was absolutely perfect for what I needed. Extremely close to the O2, secure parking (I went out late at night for a cigarette in the car and someone who worked for the guest house came out to check that everything as OK), perfectly adequate en-suite rooms.

From what I can see, this is the perfect hotel for anyone visiting the O2 and it is great value for money - even breakfast is included.

compared with :


The hall and stairs had carpets that were completely frayed and appeared like they had never seen a hoover, wires were hanging from the stairs and the whole area had dirty stained walls. The side boards were covered in clutter with thick dust and dirt. The 2 rooms we were shown had a dirty shower, unfinished flooring and generally was unclean. This is a dirty, disgusting B&B with a rude host and needs a visit from health and safety.

awful b&bl its never been cleaned, there were holes in the bedding. towels very yellow dust everywhere, blood on the mattress very very old fashioned and this place needs to be knocked down and start again........

Creepy miserable rude owner who looked more than a little irritated at having to deal with paying customers.

....... you step into a house that is falling apart.

As for the room,don't expect a seat, a wardrobe or even a bathroom door that shuts, however there are plenty of stained holey towels to choose from. The sink isn't even in the bathroom and no soap is provided.

What a dump... rude owner, dirty rooms, funny smells, dust everywhere, pure filth in the carpets, cant bare thinking about whats in the beds, grease everwhere in kitchen and dinning room, wierd cats, stash of ant killer in the garden, mushrooms growing in a caravan out the back, cars locked away after 21.30 (no way out), drug addicts using the rooms at night, smell of weed everywhere...what a dump! We heard it has been closed down several times... please dont stay here, £25 per person seems cheap but its by far too much to pay for that dump.

Capetonian my dear chap I thought it was you who started this one: :confused:

http://www.pprune.org/jet-blast/450812-trip-advisors-top-25-destinations-world.html

That's so funny, Exascot.

Hoist by his own Kaapstad petard.:E

I favour Pietermaritzburg as the #1 place.:ok:

Not hoist by any petard, I simply couldn't find the thread where the discussion of TA took place. I started it for a different reason and it branched out into a different direction.

Is this such a big deal?

Hahaha! Your inconsequential pompous jackass threads make me laugh.

LMAO. You made my day with your joke!

Capetonian, sorry I wasn't taking the p.ss it was just a point. Guess I owe you a beer now next time we go down there :ok:

This does however give me an opportunity to reiterate my point about Trip Advisor posted on the other thread:

6434351

Exascot : I didn't think you were taking the urine, and I've on idea what Sirikit is on but most of her comments are either plain vitriol or simply nonsensical, I ignore them!

The beer sounds like a good idea!

I have often thought the same thing - can these people be staying at the same hotel as each other?

I do use their reviews as a guide, and I do contribute my own reviews, but I always take a pinch of salt when reading them. I tend to focus in on the "terrible" reviews and see how many reviews that person has - if it's only one I usually ignore it.

So far I have been OK in my choices based on TA...

I think you can take Trip advisor with a pinch of salt. I firmly believe hotel owners, family, friends post some of the reviews.

One hotel we stayed in in Phuket a few years back had the unfortunate event of a 12 year child being electrocuted as she touched an incorrectly wired poolside lamp fitting. Our three children were in the pool at the time and I will never never forget it. Trip advisor deleted my review. However, I contacted the Sunday Times and they ran an article on it in their Travel section.

Another case was the hotel in Mauritius where the Irish bride was murdered when she went back to the room. Trip advisor deleted reviews. That's why I don't trust it.

I believe there are laws about discussions of legal cases which are sub judice. This might account for their deletion of reports such as you mentioned. I'm not trying to defend TripAdvisor, just making a suggestion.

Also, they don't 'delete' reports. They are pre-moderated, so they simply won't appear if the moderators consider them inappropriate.

Somewhat amusing...

A thread on an internet forum about the limitations of reviews on internet forums.

Suggest you pop over to the wannabees forum and read up some of the contrasting reviews on different flying schools...might find some similarities with the Trip Advisor review styles!

If someone can't work out for themselves the good and the bad of internet reviews, should they even be allowed access to a computer?

PS Trip Advisor is actually superb when contrasted with the average holiday brochure.

PPS I'm not surprised the average holiday consultant hates Trip Advisor, or anything else that might actually portray truth and clarity within an industry that for decades has been marketed on ninety percent bullsh1t.

As always...Caveat Emptor.

PPS I'm not surprised the average holiday consultant hates Trip Advisor, or anything else that might actually portray truth and clarity within an industry that for decades has been marketed on ninety percent bullsh1t.


The Old Fat One. If this is aimed at our company perhaps you should read this in detail:

http://www.pprune.org/showthread.php?p=6434351 (http://www.pprune.org/showthread.php?p=6434351)

We are independent consultants with no financial interest in any of the establishments we recommend.

Aw, Capetonian. Maybe you should spend a night in my abode then write a review on TripAdvisor?:E

I can think of a number of reasons why this would be a bad idea, and not one why it would be a good idea.

Nope not aimed at any company...it's aimed at the industry in general. An industry that loves to play footloose and fancy free with the "truth" (whatever that is, in this day and age). Of course many industries love to heap on the gloss, so nothing out of the ordinary, except perhaps to the degree the holiday industry do it.

Anybody who has spent two weeks trying to match the reality of their TravelHutch next to Sewage on Sea with the resplendent luxury of the five star all inclusive beach resort they thought they were getting knows what I mean.

So does anybody who has slept for two days on an airport bench, whilst trying to find someone (anyone) to take reponsibility for their plight because their airline has gone belly up because some dodgy Cypriot dude has legged it with the dosh.

I could go on...but bravo to the internet for levelling the playing field just a little.

Another good thing...and on a personal note. The expression: "you'll be reading about this on Trip Advisor" has got me an upgrade twice already this year.

The Old Fat One. Thank you. Your whole post just demonstrates why people should use a truly independent and respected travel consultant and not try 'DIY' unless you are absolutely sure. It may seem to cost a little more in the long run but think of the time saved not only in planning but also trying to find someone (anyone) to take reponsibility for their plight because their airline has gone belly up because some dodgy Cypriot dude has legged it with the dosh And, sleeping on a beach.

We have operations here in Greece and in Botswana.

We quoted for a holiday for two here and they decided to DIY. They got kidnapped on the quay by the wrong hotel and had to pay double for two nights until they had sorted out which hotel they were supposed to be at. When leaving they went down to the port and sat there all day for a ship that didn't exist.

At a luxury safari camp in Botswana we met a honeymoon couple who could barely afford said holiday. Their (well known) high street travel agent who knew nothing of this specialist market had made a mistake in the camps. They flew in by light aircraft, which subsequently departed, no room at the inn. And, certainly no 'hotel next door' to go to.

I could go on. The fact of the matter is that with TA you are dealing with amateurs.

As for your: "you'll be reading about this on Trip Advisor" has got me an upgrade twice already this year

Well done sir, I am sure that you were justified. Personaly I would have said 'The Times'. However, these owners clearly didn't know how to play the system and get bad postings removed. It is just as easy to do as it is for them to post 5 star reviews for themselves.

Capetonian

TripAdvisor are now offering badges if you write reviews. Want to give it a shot to earn a badge for your brown polyester suit with flares?:O

I continue my point about Trip Advisor.

Flights to Amorgos - TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Flights-g189423-Amorgos_Cyclades-Cheap_Discount_Airfares.html)

We do not have an airport and never will. We were commissioned to look at the possibility of putting one here. Short of moving a few mountains around it is impossible thank goodness.

Sorry, I know I keep on saying this but here is more evidence:

Hotels 'bribe guests for online reviews' on Tripadvisor website with free rooms and meals | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2013291/Hotels-bribe-guests-online-reviews-Tripadvisor-website-free-rooms-meals.html)

I had a rather surreal experience. Booked a hotel (in Madrid) on the company's own website, confirmed at €125/night. Checked in, was told the room was €155/night. Asked why the difference and was told that the website rates were wrong. As it was 1 in the morning I couldn't be arsed to stand and argue so thought I'd take it up through proper channels rather than argue with a night receptionist. Room was tatty, tired, noisy, and they 'forgot' to clean it or replenish supplies 2 days runnning.

Forgot about the rate discrepancy until I checked out, then found they'd added other little touches like room service that I hadn't had, use of minibar, and so on.

Demanded General Manager, was fobbed off with Duty Manager (GM was 'out'), got the charges taken off and the rate reduced to the previously confirmed rate, but he was thoroughly patronising and unpleasant about it, so I told him I would be writing to the press, Madrid Tourism Authorities, and writing it up on Trip Advisor.

The extraordinary response I got was that I would be banned from ever staying in any hotel of that group again! So much for bribery!

At last TripAdvisor are being officially investigated. Let us hope that this will be the end of this company.

TripAdvisor investigated by Advertising Standards Authority after complaints - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8735669/TripAdvisor-investigated-by-Advertising-Standards-Authority-after-complaints.html)

Pressure on TripAdvisor grows with media coverage and evidence from around the world | KwikChex - Global Reputation, Reassurance & Resolution Services (http://www.kwikchex.com/2011/08/pressure-on-tripadvisor-grows-with-media-coverage-and-evidence-from-around-the-world/)

TripAdvisor: upmarket hotelier faces ruin after website 'red flags hotel' - Telegraph (http://click.email.telegraph.co.uk/?qs=53a07d683b43f152b4cb2e8f286cd7a721b3887d8d8de521b88eed7aa4fc90ac7fa88c780899b94f)

and here's why .............


Riverside Hotel Evesham Reviews and Photos, Evesham, United Kingdom - TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186422-d192020-Reviews-or10-Riverside_Hotel_Restaurant-Evesham_Worcestershire_England.html#REVIEWS)

I know the Riverside Hotel Evesham and have heard good reports. I have never stayed there. However if you look at the reviews, how can half the reviews be one star and the other half five stars? TripAdvisor cannot be trusted.

I don't know this hotel in particular and it is unusual for votes to be either one star or five star but not inbetween so which votes are fixed ... the one star's or the five star's?

Well of the five star voters some live in such locations as Tewkebury, West Midlands etc, a little too close to home to be staying in a hotel in Evesham perhaps, and then comes this one from someone that actually lives in Evesham and has only ever reviewed one hotel, this hotel, which suggests to me that it is the five star votes that are fixed, why would someone that lives in Evesham be posting that they will be returning very soon to stay at a hotel in their home town?:

katik1
Evesham,
United Kingdom
1 review

“stunning location”

Had an amazing stay at the riverside in the penthouse suite and couldn't have hoped for a better relaxing break. The views were breath taking as we lounged on the terrace of the penthouse in the sun and the staff couldn't do enough to make sure we had everything that we needed! food was also fab, and we will definitely be returning very soon!!

PF, I agree totally. It could have been a special weekend I suppose. We stayed at a hotel after our wedding just down the road. However, who knows. For TripAdvisor to publish reports you should have to prove that you stayed there. Even then if you see previous posts of mine; hotels bribe with free dinners etc for outstanding reports. And, then you have the competition who will put in false reports. Sorry, but the system stinks both ways.

I have tested this system using all sorts of e-mail addresses and locations around the world. Believe me, anyone can post anything. I have been barred three times for criticising their so called experts in posts. I have always managed to open up another account under another name and location.

TripAdvisor is a joke and I hope that their sponsors start to realise this.

If you read the article you will see that some of the 5 star reviews were posted using the hotel's own network. How likely is it that a guest will have checked out, as is claimed, and then sat in reception and posted a report before heading off.

When you post reviews on TA, you have to supply an email, the review is then moderated before posting. It is therefore possible for TA to verify, even if not with total accuracy, the sources of reviews. I suspect that their assessment that the 5 star reviews were fake, is correct.

How likely is it that a guest will have checked out, as is claimed, and then sat in reception and posted a report before heading off.

How about (and I am not saying that this happened). 'Why don't you just sit down here in our office and write up a report for us on TripAdvisor and then stay for lunch and a bottle of claret on us'?

I stayed at a newly opened resort last year, because I am going to be opening up a resort just up the road from this resort I bounced questions of these resort owners and rather than become business rivals we became firm friends, I was their first paying guest so, at my own behest, I posted them a well warranted excellent TA review which I actually showed to them, and they laughed at, before I clicked to post it, I had posted it from their WiFi.

Thereafter TA sent me an email, probably because it was a first and excellent review, to check that the review was genuine and it became posted. A few weeks later a second review of that resort appeared and I know who posted it ... The owner's daughter posted it and she had been staying there as a non paying guest for the month (ish) during which I had stayed there ... So the reviews can be posted by family members, interested parties, it's something that's impossible to police.

The saying 'No smoke without fire' seems very apt with this Evesham hotel, the bad reviews come from people living far and wide, the seemingly genuine travellers, the five star reviews seem to come from people that are living closer to Evesham thus less likely to have need of a hotel in Evesham and that report, the owner's complaints, her business is decimated or similar ..... only a small percentage of guests would visit Trip Advisor before booking and much hotel business is repeat business, returning business, of guests that have stayed previously!

Very Prunish - Review of Auberge du Quebec, Port-au-Prince, Haiti - TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147307-d619529-r118845159-Auberge_du_Quebec-Port_au_Prince_Haiti.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT)

Audrey with a Hotmail address from Newcastle UK who has never left the UK in her life although she claims that she is from Caracas, Venezuela filed this report of a hotel in Haiti from a Greek IP address with a pseudonym of Prune Stone.

They never even sent an e-mail to check her credibility although this would have been dealt with.

Please note that it is an average of the other reports so that it hasn't affected their overall ratings but it could have been in the extreme either way. The system is corrupt.

I keep saying that I rest my case but I guess that I never will until this company closes down.

P.S. She doesn't even have a computer or know how to use one. In fact she doesn't even exist :eek:

21:00 ATTACK OF THE TRIP ADVISORS 60*MINS
Monday 31 October, Channel 4,

The British hospitality industry's under attack from online critics. Cutting Edge reveals Britain's most meticulous Trip Advisors and meets hoteliers and restaurateurs at war with the site.

A look at the virtual AA Gills and Michael Winners using Trip Advisor to get their own back on hotels and restaurants, and the hoteliers and restaurateurs at war with the site

Might be interesting.

That should indeed be interesting. It's a pity we will not be able to watch it.

Exascot If it's of interest to you I can get it onto a DVD and post to you.
Otherwise these programmes are mostly available on I-player, of course you need to run through a proxy server so it thinks you are in UK.

I watched the programme last night. Disappointing.

It seemed to concentrate on people who are what I can only describe as socially inadequate, the sort of people who will tell the management of an establishment to their faces that everything is fine, and then go home and write a scathing review on TripAdvisor. Some of them looked as if they got more pleasure from this than they would have done if they'd found the place perfect.

One of the B&B owners seemed to have modelled himself on a certain well known classic TV comedy but couldn't quite pull it off.

It was an interesting insight into the type of people who place reviews on TripAdvisor, for some of whom that seems to be their main objective when travelling, a little odd.

Either there was no point to this programme, or I missed it!

Holly smoke!!!

Trip is good for some areas but not in Europe I find.

Thank you Advertising Watchdog:

TripAdvisor reviews that can't be trusted | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2094602/TripAdvisor-reviews-trusted.html) :ok:

Anyone can post a review:

Reviews of Hotels, Flights and Vacation Rentals - TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147307-d619529-r118845159-Auberge_du_Quebec-Port_au_Prince_Haiti.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT?cjs=skim42X487496Xdfd8d049bb89b75794b1df72f9d0e1af&cjp=3667369&cja=10775740)