Review- need your help

[MtnKeeper]

I am not sure how you can expect TA to remove or do whatever if reviews are anon. How are you going to tell them this person did not stay there if you don't know who they are. Yes we do detective work and are intuitive on who our guests are, moreso than the avg lodging choice, but still, that is the point of TA to review anon.
I am very sorry to hear this. We know you are awesome!.

I am not holding my breath that they will remove. The person who reviewed is only anon on line, TA must have more info on them and ways of contacting them for the proof of stay. All I knew about them that they are from a very specific location and I checked all guest that came from there. We have ResKey system and all bookings are entered through that, so I can proof that they did not stay here as long as I know the date and/or name. I am less fuming today, but it still hurts.
.

TA will not take it down. The reviewer does not need to show proof of stay and frankly, TA just doesn't care. bb.com is the only directory that I know of that will go back to the reviewer for proof of stay.
Just do your management response and with all your other fabulous reviews, the traveler who is reading the reviews will know what's up.
I'm sorry this happened to you.
.

Dealing with this too - we always get 5s and an occasional 4 but got two 3s in two days. One picked the cheapest room for her 40th anniversary even though I advised against it as it's the handicap-equipped room and not romantic at all. She didn't want to pay the $90 extra for the huge, gorgeous room with fireplace, jacuzzi and patio for her one special night away. Review complained she had to sign an "agreement" to check-in and tv was only 20" (can't put larger one as wheelchair guests could bump head). Didn't mention my husband volunteered to take lots of photos of them around the place after she told him they have almost no photos of themselves together in 40 years. Only that room wasn't good, etc. drives you nuts as he didn't have to take all those photos for her but did to be nice. The other one booked least expensive, after 20 minutes asked to see most expensive which they saw online was still empty and asked for 20% discount to switch. Husband did it and she then wrote review the room was way overpriced and heard a guest above her at some point. Live and learn - being nice and/or upgrading at discount won't stop the negative peeps from giving bad reviews. I think it's in their nature.
just write a good response and let it go (when you figure out how let me know because I'm still irritated)!
.

I do not think it will ever stop hurting and irritating. After a while we just choose not to think about it.
.

I do not think it will ever stop hurting and irritating. After a while we just choose not to think about it.

Spot on. I have a -ve review from about 5 years ago. They were noisy, I asked them to keep the noise down, they left a spiteful and retaliatory review. Still makes me angry even now, can't even read it still.
.

On the days like that I think I am in the wrong business and all I want to do is quit. Unfortunately I am in years 1 of 5 years exit plan.
.

That caught my attention! We are formulating our exit strategy. Any tips would be appreciated now that you are in the first year of yours.
.

My strategy is simple- I just told my husband I will not do it for longer than 5 years. We own a couple of properties and the grand plan is that all but one (the house I live in) of them will be rented to regular tenants. I am still toying with idea of just continuing with 2-3 bedroom B&B perhaps on seasonal basis only. We are both visual artists and want go back to painting. I am also interested in reflexology, reiki and yoga and would like to do something with that as well.
.

I love that strategy. It kind of sounds like you may choose to to retire where you are without selling assets. We have thought a lot about that because we love where we live, but the maintenance on such a large house can be more than we might want to handle.
.

It's great to have a plan. We have to get our kids through school and off to college before we would ever sell. By then, we'll have the place paid off and have saved for our retirement place down South. However, we don't want to live down there in July & August, so one idea is to keep this place an run it seasonally from July-October when we make more than 60% of our money anyway. So at mid-50s, we'll only work 4 months a year until we decide to sell. Something to look forward to on those days when ...

 

[EmptyNest]

I am not sure how you can expect TA to remove or do whatever if reviews are anon. How are you going to tell them this person did not stay there if you don't know who they are. Yes we do detective work and are intuitive on who our guests are, moreso than the avg lodging choice, but still, that is the point of TA to review anon.
I am very sorry to hear this. We know you are awesome!.

I am not holding my breath that they will remove. The person who reviewed is only anon on line, TA must have more info on them and ways of contacting them for the proof of stay. All I knew about them that they are from a very specific location and I checked all guest that came from there. We have ResKey system and all bookings are entered through that, so I can proof that they did not stay here as long as I know the date and/or name. I am less fuming today, but it still hurts.
.

TA will not take it down. The reviewer does not need to show proof of stay and frankly, TA just doesn't care. bb.com is the only directory that I know of that will go back to the reviewer for proof of stay.
Just do your management response and with all your other fabulous reviews, the traveler who is reading the reviews will know what's up.
I'm sorry this happened to you.
.

Dealing with this too - we always get 5s and an occasional 4 but got two 3s in two days. One picked the cheapest room for her 40th anniversary even though I advised against it as it's the handicap-equipped room and not romantic at all. She didn't want to pay the $90 extra for the huge, gorgeous room with fireplace, jacuzzi and patio for her one special night away. Review complained she had to sign an "agreement" to check-in and tv was only 20" (can't put larger one as wheelchair guests could bump head). Didn't mention my husband volunteered to take lots of photos of them around the place after she told him they have almost no photos of themselves together in 40 years. Only that room wasn't good, etc. drives you nuts as he didn't have to take all those photos for her but did to be nice. The other one booked least expensive, after 20 minutes asked to see most expensive which they saw online was still empty and asked for 20% discount to switch. Husband did it and she then wrote review the room was way overpriced and heard a guest above her at some point. Live and learn - being nice and/or upgrading at discount won't stop the negative peeps from giving bad reviews. I think it's in their nature.
just write a good response and let it go (when you figure out how let me know because I'm still irritated)!
.

I do not think it will ever stop hurting and irritating. After a while we just choose not to think about it.
.

I do not think it will ever stop hurting and irritating. After a while we just choose not to think about it.

Spot on. I have a -ve review from about 5 years ago. They were noisy, I asked them to keep the noise down, they left a spiteful and retaliatory review. Still makes me angry even now, can't even read it still.
.

On the days like that I think I am in the wrong business and all I want to do is quit. Unfortunately I am in years 1 of 5 years exit plan.
.

That caught my attention! We are formulating our exit strategy. Any tips would be appreciated now that you are in the first year of yours.
.

My strategy is simple- I just told my husband I will not do it for longer than 5 years. We own a couple of properties and the grand plan is that all but one (the house I live in) of them will be rented to regular tenants. I am still toying with idea of just continuing with 2-3 bedroom B&B perhaps on seasonal basis only. We are both visual artists and want go back to painting. I am also interested in reflexology, reiki and yoga and would like to do something with that as well.
.

I love that strategy. It kind of sounds like you may choose to to retire where you are without selling assets. We have thought a lot about that because we love where we live, but the maintenance on such a large house can be more than we might want to handle.
.

It's great to have a plan. We have to get our kids through school and off to college before we would ever sell. By then, we'll have the place paid off and have saved for our retirement place down South. However, we don't want to live down there in July & August, so one idea is to keep this place an run it seasonally from July-October when we make more than 60% of our money anyway. So at mid-50s, we'll only work 4 months a year until we decide to sell. Something to look forward to on those days when ...
.

Our plan changed when the recession kicked in. We couldn't sell our place. So we are still here and love it. It isn't expensive on upkeep so unless someone hands us the cash we want, we will be here till they roll us out the door

 

[timberbandb]

Really not alot you can do but do a professional sounding mgt response and move on. Let the new good ones play over the crap. If people see you have mostly all excellent reviews, why would they bother with one nasty one?
Don't whine, don't apologize, just state the facts..

Really not alot you can do but do a professional sounding mgt response and move on. Let the new good ones play over the crap. If people see you have mostly all excellent reviews, why would they bother with one nasty one?
Don't whine, don't apologize, just state the facts.

And remember that you are really writing to new, potential guests. That's who you want to make the impression on, those folks and your "regulars" (who already know and love you) will be the ones reading the review.

 

[happykeeper]

I am not sure how you can expect TA to remove or do whatever if reviews are anon. How are you going to tell them this person did not stay there if you don't know who they are. Yes we do detective work and are intuitive on who our guests are, moreso than the avg lodging choice, but still, that is the point of TA to review anon.
I am very sorry to hear this. We know you are awesome!.

I am not holding my breath that they will remove. The person who reviewed is only anon on line, TA must have more info on them and ways of contacting them for the proof of stay. All I knew about them that they are from a very specific location and I checked all guest that came from there. We have ResKey system and all bookings are entered through that, so I can proof that they did not stay here as long as I know the date and/or name. I am less fuming today, but it still hurts.
.

TA will not take it down. The reviewer does not need to show proof of stay and frankly, TA just doesn't care. bb.com is the only directory that I know of that will go back to the reviewer for proof of stay.
Just do your management response and with all your other fabulous reviews, the traveler who is reading the reviews will know what's up.
I'm sorry this happened to you.
.

Dealing with this too - we always get 5s and an occasional 4 but got two 3s in two days. One picked the cheapest room for her 40th anniversary even though I advised against it as it's the handicap-equipped room and not romantic at all. She didn't want to pay the $90 extra for the huge, gorgeous room with fireplace, jacuzzi and patio for her one special night away. Review complained she had to sign an "agreement" to check-in and tv was only 20" (can't put larger one as wheelchair guests could bump head). Didn't mention my husband volunteered to take lots of photos of them around the place after she told him they have almost no photos of themselves together in 40 years. Only that room wasn't good, etc. drives you nuts as he didn't have to take all those photos for her but did to be nice. The other one booked least expensive, after 20 minutes asked to see most expensive which they saw online was still empty and asked for 20% discount to switch. Husband did it and she then wrote review the room was way overpriced and heard a guest above her at some point. Live and learn - being nice and/or upgrading at discount won't stop the negative peeps from giving bad reviews. I think it's in their nature.
just write a good response and let it go (when you figure out how let me know because I'm still irritated)!
.

I do not think it will ever stop hurting and irritating. After a while we just choose not to think about it.
.

I do not think it will ever stop hurting and irritating. After a while we just choose not to think about it.

Spot on. I have a -ve review from about 5 years ago. They were noisy, I asked them to keep the noise down, they left a spiteful and retaliatory review. Still makes me angry even now, can't even read it still.
.

On the days like that I think I am in the wrong business and all I want to do is quit. Unfortunately I am in years 1 of 5 years exit plan.
.

That caught my attention! We are formulating our exit strategy. Any tips would be appreciated now that you are in the first year of yours.
.

My strategy is simple- I just told my husband I will not do it for longer than 5 years. We own a couple of properties and the grand plan is that all but one (the house I live in) of them will be rented to regular tenants. I am still toying with idea of just continuing with 2-3 bedroom B&B perhaps on seasonal basis only. We are both visual artists and want go back to painting. I am also interested in reflexology, reiki and yoga and would like to do something with that as well.
.

I love that strategy. It kind of sounds like you may choose to to retire where you are without selling assets. We have thought a lot about that because we love where we live, but the maintenance on such a large house can be more than we might want to handle.
.

It's great to have a plan. We have to get our kids through school and off to college before we would ever sell. By then, we'll have the place paid off and have saved for our retirement place down South. However, we don't want to live down there in July & August, so one idea is to keep this place an run it seasonally from July-October when we make more than 60% of our money anyway. So at mid-50s, we'll only work 4 months a year until we decide to sell. Something to look forward to on those days when ...
.

Our plan changed when the recession kicked in. We couldn't sell our place. So we are still here and love it. It isn't expensive on upkeep so unless someone hands us the cash we want, we will be here till they roll us out the door
.

LOL We sometimes think we may do the same. Perhaps when we put together our exit plan, we should have a couple of paths to choose from.

 

[happykeeper]

I am not sure how you can expect TA to remove or do whatever if reviews are anon. How are you going to tell them this person did not stay there if you don't know who they are. Yes we do detective work and are intuitive on who our guests are, moreso than the avg lodging choice, but still, that is the point of TA to review anon.
I am very sorry to hear this. We know you are awesome!.

I am not holding my breath that they will remove. The person who reviewed is only anon on line, TA must have more info on them and ways of contacting them for the proof of stay. All I knew about them that they are from a very specific location and I checked all guest that came from there. We have ResKey system and all bookings are entered through that, so I can proof that they did not stay here as long as I know the date and/or name. I am less fuming today, but it still hurts.
.

TA will not take it down. The reviewer does not need to show proof of stay and frankly, TA just doesn't care. bb.com is the only directory that I know of that will go back to the reviewer for proof of stay.
Just do your management response and with all your other fabulous reviews, the traveler who is reading the reviews will know what's up.
I'm sorry this happened to you.
.

Dealing with this too - we always get 5s and an occasional 4 but got two 3s in two days. One picked the cheapest room for her 40th anniversary even though I advised against it as it's the handicap-equipped room and not romantic at all. She didn't want to pay the $90 extra for the huge, gorgeous room with fireplace, jacuzzi and patio for her one special night away. Review complained she had to sign an "agreement" to check-in and tv was only 20" (can't put larger one as wheelchair guests could bump head). Didn't mention my husband volunteered to take lots of photos of them around the place after she told him they have almost no photos of themselves together in 40 years. Only that room wasn't good, etc. drives you nuts as he didn't have to take all those photos for her but did to be nice. The other one booked least expensive, after 20 minutes asked to see most expensive which they saw online was still empty and asked for 20% discount to switch. Husband did it and she then wrote review the room was way overpriced and heard a guest above her at some point. Live and learn - being nice and/or upgrading at discount won't stop the negative peeps from giving bad reviews. I think it's in their nature.
just write a good response and let it go (when you figure out how let me know because I'm still irritated)!
.

I do not think it will ever stop hurting and irritating. After a while we just choose not to think about it.
.

I do not think it will ever stop hurting and irritating. After a while we just choose not to think about it.

Spot on. I have a -ve review from about 5 years ago. They were noisy, I asked them to keep the noise down, they left a spiteful and retaliatory review. Still makes me angry even now, can't even read it still.
.

On the days like that I think I am in the wrong business and all I want to do is quit. Unfortunately I am in years 1 of 5 years exit plan.
.

That caught my attention! We are formulating our exit strategy. Any tips would be appreciated now that you are in the first year of yours.
.

My strategy is simple- I just told my husband I will not do it for longer than 5 years. We own a couple of properties and the grand plan is that all but one (the house I live in) of them will be rented to regular tenants. I am still toying with idea of just continuing with 2-3 bedroom B&B perhaps on seasonal basis only. We are both visual artists and want go back to painting. I am also interested in reflexology, reiki and yoga and would like to do something with that as well.
.

I love that strategy. It kind of sounds like you may choose to to retire where you are without selling assets. We have thought a lot about that because we love where we live, but the maintenance on such a large house can be more than we might want to handle.
.

It's great to have a plan. We have to get our kids through school and off to college before we would ever sell. By then, we'll have the place paid off and have saved for our retirement place down South. However, we don't want to live down there in July & August, so one idea is to keep this place an run it seasonally from July-October when we make more than 60% of our money anyway. So at mid-50s, we'll only work 4 months a year until we decide to sell. Something to look forward to on those days when ...
.

We really do like what we do and the idea of opening seasonally is very appealing. Our challenge is that we will have to choose what season, since we can be very busy most anytime of the year. The peak season is DEC 15- APR 15, but our August is super busy. We would have to work less 5 years from now to continue to enjoy it as we do now.
Of course, we have to get on that 5 year exit plan now, since we are coming into our mid-50's now.
Thanks for reinforcing the benefit of having a plan.