Tripadvisor...

mobertol · 05-12-2011, 14:32

Have been using this site on internet for some time -it's useful for getting an idea of places you're going to visit, things do do and see and for booking hotels...

This last month I have booked hotels through it twice and and have noticed something strange. In both cases the availability of rooms was always in the higher category but at a seemingly reduced price. This Saturday I was staying on Lake Garda, when I booked (through Expedia via Triadvisor) it showed only 2 rooms left in a 15 room hotel, either a junior suite or deluxe double -when we actually got to the hotel the girl on reception told us they had only just re-opened that day and there was only one other couple staying there as well as us!

Something isn't quite right here -I feel as though this is some kind of a scam....

Had heard rumours about some of the people's recommendations being faked on Tripadvisor but didn't expect this....

jaysay · 05-12-2011, 18:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobertol

Have been using this site on internet for some time -it's useful for getting an idea of places you're going to visit, things do do and see and for booking hotels...

This last month I have booked hotels through it twice and and have noticed something strange. In both cases the availability of rooms was always in the higher category but at a seemingly reduced price. This Saturday I was staying on Lake Garda, when I booked (through Expedia via Triadvisor) it showed only 2 rooms left in a 15 room hotel, either a junior suite or deluxe double -when we actually got to the hotel the girl on reception told us they had only just re-opened that day and there was only one other couple staying there as well as us!

Something isn't quite right here -I feel as though this is some kind of a scam....

Had heard rumours about some of the people's recommendations being faked on Tripadvisor but didn't expect this....

Its Simple really mobertol, don't use it again, sorted

SamF · 05-12-2011, 18:40

I wouldn't go that far.

It's probably a case of the Hotel not keeping Tripadvisor up to date with their bookings.

jaysay · 05-12-2011, 18:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamF

I wouldn't go that far.

It's probably a case of the Hotel not keeping Tripadvisor up to date with their bookings.

Or the hotel pulling a fast one Sam

cashman · 05-12-2011, 20:43

If yeh see whats available on yon first n price, THEN phone the hotel up n ask about a booking, i did that once can't remember which site it was, cos was 6/7yrs ago, but we got better than the site was saying, i only suspected n checked, so twas worth a phone call.

Margaret Pilkington · 05-12-2011, 21:05

I am a contributor to Tripadvisor......they take fake reviews very seriously.
I think it is highly likely that the hotel had not kept tripadvisor up to date with their occupancy.
It seems that some people are telling hotels that if they don't give them discounts or room upgrades then they will post bad reviews on tripadvisor....this can be very detrimental to their business.
I have read some really bad reviews of hotels, and yet when I have visited I have been very satisfied with both the service and the hotel in general.
There are some people who want five star service for no star prices.
In this life you get what you pay for. There's nowt fer nowt.

mobertol · 06-12-2011, 13:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman

If yeh see whats available on yon first n price, THEN phone the hotel up n ask about a booking, i did that once can't remember which site it was, cos was 6/7yrs ago, but we got better than the site was saying, i only suspected n checked, so twas worth a phone call.

Probably the wisest thing to do Cashy -from now on I think I'll make that call...

harwood red · 06-12-2011, 20:22

some hotels also only offer websites a limited amount of their rooms to advertise cos if they offered them all to them as they are not directly linked to the hotel it could cause trouble with double bookings

cashman · 06-12-2011, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by harwood red

some hotels also only offer websites a limited amount of their rooms to advertise cos if they offered them all to them as they are not directly linked to the hotel it could cause trouble with double bookings

Thats true n in many instances they offer em rooms wi not so clever views is my experience.

Taggy · 07-12-2011, 20:47

I think Trip Advisor is very good for getting a rough idea via the reviews of certain places, but you are better off asking questions on the Forum part of the website to get a better idea of things & places. There's a forum for almost anywhere you would want to go.

Much better places than Trip Advisor to get accommodation deals though, sites such as Travel Republic, Alpharooms & Lastcheck usually much better & cheaper.

Best Regards - Taggy