Regarding tripadvisor.
I've actually been asked a few times,if I've had a good chat with a hotel manager to write a review on trip advisor.I've been emailed with a link to the site...in case I didn't know what it is.
That might explain some of the "glowing" on review reviewers on there.
I'm thinking it happens a lot.
Re Earthman: Gosh, I have never been asked by any hotel to do this - it's a bit tacky to ask, isn't it? I have posted about 50 TA reviews - most of which have been positive. I have written several negative ones, but never a "stinker" though! However your comments make me wonder and I certainly do disregard ANY reviews from "single" contributors for this very reason. I certainly like to combine TA reviews with comments from this forum, with all the usual TA caveats already discussed.
Same happened to me with Conde Nast. I also tried to vote for some other awards thing recently and was given the most extraordinary pre-selected list of hotels - none of which I would dream of voting for. No wonder we end up with such distorted awards...
Somehow or other I have been added to a couple of lists that ask for reviews for awards in the Asian Pacific area, and each time there has been a pre selected list. I comply only because it channels some mileage or points into some program, but it irks me that IMO there are better hotels or I would like to add, "It still is good but it's aging quickly". Travelling a lot, the truely unusual luxury hotels like Aman, are beyond my reach for anything other than 1 night, and that's not practical. However if a new hotel opens or gets a good write up I will call in and check it out, but usually they are unable to match what my preferred hotel will offer. The strange thing is if I see a travel mag with the 10 best resorts/hotels in wherever, I buy it. I rarely agree with their choices, it is so much like the best airline, the favourite all time winner operates older style regional seating from my port, no way known will I say it's the best. My current favourite serves ice cream, what logic is there to fly with anyone only because of that . regards bkkrop
Programs: LH Sen, EK G, A-Club Diam, HH Diam, RZGP G, Leaders Club, Vertu Concierge
Posts: 283
Quote:
Originally Posted by obscure2k
I recently wrote a very negative review on Trip Advisor re: my bad experience at Kona Village. This review is still "pending." I have to wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that Kona Village Resort has a lot of advertising on the Tripadvisor website? Positive reviews posted after mine were posted in a timely manner.
I made similar experiences on Tripadvisor.
Even worse: my very negative report about the Dolder Grand was initially activated, then - after a couple of weeks - put on "pending" again. I wrote a mail to TA if the Dolder investor/owner had some shares in TA - or else..., and shortly after my post was activated again.
In general however, I find TA very useful. It's the best way to find a hotel in remote places that are not at all covered in the traditional media or here on FT.
. regards bkkrop
