What You Don’t Know About TripAdvisor

[JBloggs]

now in the NYPost
Why you should never, ever trust TripAdvisor

 

[SkyLevash]

I'm brand new to this industry - as green as they come, just hired on as the new GM here at Old Wheeler Hotel and soaking up as much information as I can from the Innkeeper's side of the desk. Initially my Marketing background had me chomping at the bit for feedback on TripAdvisor, due to my experience as a Consumer over the years and, quite obviously, my blatant naiveté. Can you say eyes wide shut?? I'm dumbfounded by the ability that the travel giant (not to mention monopoly) has to literally put people out of business with their unverified and otherwise abjectly acquired reviews. I've just met a gentleman (that's putting it nicely) who gives his guests 10% off of their stay if they review his Inn BEFORE their stay. The stories I have read about online today verify that these types of practicies are alive and well, hurting not only Hoteliers, but in the end Travelers too. So, my question is this: What to do, what to do? As someone who is very new to this business, I'd love to get advice on ways to get honest, verifiable feedback from our guests, as well as how to expose the game that is TripAdvisor. Help!
Thanks! Kate

 

[Morticia]

I'm brand new to this industry - as green as they come, just hired on as the new GM here at Old Wheeler Hotel and soaking up as much information as I can from the Innkeeper's side of the desk. Initially my Marketing background had me chomping at the bit for feedback on TripAdvisor, due to my experience as a Consumer over the years and, quite obviously, my blatant naiveté. Can you say eyes wide shut?? I'm dumbfounded by the ability that the travel giant (not to mention monopoly) has to literally put people out of business with their unverified and otherwise abjectly acquired reviews. I've just met a gentleman (that's putting it nicely) who gives his guests 10% off of their stay if they review his Inn BEFORE their stay. The stories I have read about online today verify that these types of practicies are alive and well, hurting not only Hoteliers, but in the end Travelers too. So, my question is this: What to do, what to do? As someone who is very new to this business, I'd love to get advice on ways to get honest, verifiable feedback from our guests, as well as how to expose the game that is TripAdvisor. Help!
Thanks! Kate.

Kate - a word of advice about this forum - don't copy and paste the same comment from thread to thread - that's spammy.

 

[Arks]

I'm brand new to this industry - as green as they come, just hired on as the new GM here at Old Wheeler Hotel and soaking up as much information as I can from the Innkeeper's side of the desk. Initially my Marketing background had me chomping at the bit for feedback on TripAdvisor, due to my experience as a Consumer over the years and, quite obviously, my blatant naiveté. Can you say eyes wide shut?? I'm dumbfounded by the ability that the travel giant (not to mention monopoly) has to literally put people out of business with their unverified and otherwise abjectly acquired reviews. I've just met a gentleman (that's putting it nicely) who gives his guests 10% off of their stay if they review his Inn BEFORE their stay. The stories I have read about online today verify that these types of practicies are alive and well, hurting not only Hoteliers, but in the end Travelers too. So, my question is this: What to do, what to do? As someone who is very new to this business, I'd love to get advice on ways to get honest, verifiable feedback from our guests, as well as how to expose the game that is TripAdvisor. Help!
Thanks! Kate.

Kate - a word of advice about this forum - don't copy and paste the same comment from thread to thread - that's spammy.
.

Kate - a word of advice about this forum - don't copy and paste the same comment from thread to thread - that's spammy.

 

[Anon Inn]

I'm brand new to this industry - as green as they come, just hired on as the new GM here at Old Wheeler Hotel and soaking up as much information as I can from the Innkeeper's side of the desk. Initially my Marketing background had me chomping at the bit for feedback on TripAdvisor, due to my experience as a Consumer over the years and, quite obviously, my blatant naiveté. Can you say eyes wide shut?? I'm dumbfounded by the ability that the travel giant (not to mention monopoly) has to literally put people out of business with their unverified and otherwise abjectly acquired reviews. I've just met a gentleman (that's putting it nicely) who gives his guests 10% off of their stay if they review his Inn BEFORE their stay. The stories I have read about online today verify that these types of practicies are alive and well, hurting not only Hoteliers, but in the end Travelers too. So, my question is this: What to do, what to do? As someone who is very new to this business, I'd love to get advice on ways to get honest, verifiable feedback from our guests, as well as how to expose the game that is TripAdvisor. Help!
Thanks! Kate.

Kate:
Welcome from not so far from you. Just want to say I loved staying at the OWH last fall. Even the thought of it is restful! This reviewer was honest and happy. From my brief stay I'd say that yours is a place that gets it right. I spoke briefly with one of the owners last fall who said she had made some upgrades to what was already a successful remodel.
What I loved: Books, books books, lovely large bath, quality linens and furnishing, and clean clean clean. And the period elevator - sweet. The names on the 'hand holder' clips outside the room is an idea I plan on copying one day!
If guests are happy and make a point of telling me at check out, I usually ask for a TA review. I ask because TA does well in search for our location, and good placement on TA is good for us. We don't pay for a listing.
Again, welcome.

 

[SkyLevash]

I'm brand new to this industry - as green as they come, just hired on as the new GM here at Old Wheeler Hotel and soaking up as much information as I can from the Innkeeper's side of the desk. Initially my Marketing background had me chomping at the bit for feedback on TripAdvisor, due to my experience as a Consumer over the years and, quite obviously, my blatant naiveté. Can you say eyes wide shut?? I'm dumbfounded by the ability that the travel giant (not to mention monopoly) has to literally put people out of business with their unverified and otherwise abjectly acquired reviews. I've just met a gentleman (that's putting it nicely) who gives his guests 10% off of their stay if they review his Inn BEFORE their stay. The stories I have read about online today verify that these types of practicies are alive and well, hurting not only Hoteliers, but in the end Travelers too. So, my question is this: What to do, what to do? As someone who is very new to this business, I'd love to get advice on ways to get honest, verifiable feedback from our guests, as well as how to expose the game that is TripAdvisor. Help!
Thanks! Kate.

Kate - a word of advice about this forum - don't copy and paste the same comment from thread to thread - that's spammy.
.

Thanks for the advice, Morticia - sorry about that!

 

[SkyLevash]

I'm brand new to this industry - as green as they come, just hired on as the new GM here at Old Wheeler Hotel and soaking up as much information as I can from the Innkeeper's side of the desk. Initially my Marketing background had me chomping at the bit for feedback on TripAdvisor, due to my experience as a Consumer over the years and, quite obviously, my blatant naiveté. Can you say eyes wide shut?? I'm dumbfounded by the ability that the travel giant (not to mention monopoly) has to literally put people out of business with their unverified and otherwise abjectly acquired reviews. I've just met a gentleman (that's putting it nicely) who gives his guests 10% off of their stay if they review his Inn BEFORE their stay. The stories I have read about online today verify that these types of practicies are alive and well, hurting not only Hoteliers, but in the end Travelers too. So, my question is this: What to do, what to do? As someone who is very new to this business, I'd love to get advice on ways to get honest, verifiable feedback from our guests, as well as how to expose the game that is TripAdvisor. Help!
Thanks! Kate.

Kate:
Welcome from not so far from you. Just want to say I loved staying at the OWH last fall. Even the thought of it is restful! This reviewer was honest and happy. From my brief stay I'd say that yours is a place that gets it right. I spoke briefly with one of the owners last fall who said she had made some upgrades to what was already a successful remodel.
What I loved: Books, books books, lovely large bath, quality linens and furnishing, and clean clean clean. And the period elevator - sweet. The names on the 'hand holder' clips outside the room is an idea I plan on copying one day!
If guests are happy and make a point of telling me at check out, I usually ask for a TA review. I ask because TA does well in search for our location, and good placement on TA is good for us. We don't pay for a listing.
Again, welcome.

.

Oh wonderful, thanks so much for both the advice and the positive feedback! I'm glad to hear that your stay with us was memorable! I appreciate the information, this is all new to me! We are currently paying for a business listing but I don't believe we'll be renewing it going forward. I've been doing some cost to sales analysis and it doesn't look like it's been very beneficial to us in the end. That said, I will continue to ask for a TA review when I hear positive feedback like yours. Thank you so much!

 

[Jcam]

I'm brand new to this industry - as green as they come, just hired on as the new GM here at Old Wheeler Hotel and soaking up as much information as I can from the Innkeeper's side of the desk. Initially my Marketing background had me chomping at the bit for feedback on TripAdvisor, due to my experience as a Consumer over the years and, quite obviously, my blatant naiveté. Can you say eyes wide shut?? I'm dumbfounded by the ability that the travel giant (not to mention monopoly) has to literally put people out of business with their unverified and otherwise abjectly acquired reviews. I've just met a gentleman (that's putting it nicely) who gives his guests 10% off of their stay if they review his Inn BEFORE their stay. The stories I have read about online today verify that these types of practicies are alive and well, hurting not only Hoteliers, but in the end Travelers too. So, my question is this: What to do, what to do? As someone who is very new to this business, I'd love to get advice on ways to get honest, verifiable feedback from our guests, as well as how to expose the game that is TripAdvisor. Help!
Thanks! Kate.

Kate:
Welcome from not so far from you. Just want to say I loved staying at the OWH last fall. Even the thought of it is restful! This reviewer was honest and happy. From my brief stay I'd say that yours is a place that gets it right. I spoke briefly with one of the owners last fall who said she had made some upgrades to what was already a successful remodel.
What I loved: Books, books books, lovely large bath, quality linens and furnishing, and clean clean clean. And the period elevator - sweet. The names on the 'hand holder' clips outside the room is an idea I plan on copying one day!
If guests are happy and make a point of telling me at check out, I usually ask for a TA review. I ask because TA does well in search for our location, and good placement on TA is good for us. We don't pay for a listing.
Again, welcome.

.

Oh wonderful, thanks so much for both the advice and the positive feedback! I'm glad to hear that your stay with us was memorable! I appreciate the information, this is all new to me! We are currently paying for a business listing but I don't believe we'll be renewing it going forward. I've been doing some cost to sales analysis and it doesn't look like it's been very beneficial to us in the end. That said, I will continue to ask for a TA review when I hear positive feedback like yours. Thank you so much!
.

the trick to dealing with trip is to never be under any sort of illusion they give a stuff about you, your property or anything else that doesn't directly make them money - they are not your friend
However with careful handling of guests they can be beneficial.

 

[TheBeachHouse]

I'm brand new to this industry - as green as they come, just hired on as the new GM here at Old Wheeler Hotel and soaking up as much information as I can from the Innkeeper's side of the desk. Initially my Marketing background had me chomping at the bit for feedback on TripAdvisor, due to my experience as a Consumer over the years and, quite obviously, my blatant naiveté. Can you say eyes wide shut?? I'm dumbfounded by the ability that the travel giant (not to mention monopoly) has to literally put people out of business with their unverified and otherwise abjectly acquired reviews. I've just met a gentleman (that's putting it nicely) who gives his guests 10% off of their stay if they review his Inn BEFORE their stay. The stories I have read about online today verify that these types of practicies are alive and well, hurting not only Hoteliers, but in the end Travelers too. So, my question is this: What to do, what to do? As someone who is very new to this business, I'd love to get advice on ways to get honest, verifiable feedback from our guests, as well as how to expose the game that is TripAdvisor. Help!
Thanks! Kate.

Kate:
Welcome from not so far from you. Just want to say I loved staying at the OWH last fall. Even the thought of it is restful! This reviewer was honest and happy. From my brief stay I'd say that yours is a place that gets it right. I spoke briefly with one of the owners last fall who said she had made some upgrades to what was already a successful remodel.
What I loved: Books, books books, lovely large bath, quality linens and furnishing, and clean clean clean. And the period elevator - sweet. The names on the 'hand holder' clips outside the room is an idea I plan on copying one day!
If guests are happy and make a point of telling me at check out, I usually ask for a TA review. I ask because TA does well in search for our location, and good placement on TA is good for us. We don't pay for a listing.
Again, welcome.

.

Oh wonderful, thanks so much for both the advice and the positive feedback! I'm glad to hear that your stay with us was memorable! I appreciate the information, this is all new to me! We are currently paying for a business listing but I don't believe we'll be renewing it going forward. I've been doing some cost to sales analysis and it doesn't look like it's been very beneficial to us in the end. That said, I will continue to ask for a TA review when I hear positive feedback like yours. Thank you so much!
.

the trick to dealing with trip is to never be under any sort of illusion they give a stuff about you, your property or anything else that doesn't directly make them money - they are not your friend
However with careful handling of guests they can be beneficial.
.

the trick to dealing with trip is to never be under any sort of illusion they give a stuff about you, your property or anything else that doesn't directly make them money - they are not your friend
However with careful handling of guests they can be beneficial.

that's how we feel. sort of, 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
We hear a lot of people say, "I found you on TA."

 

[gillumhouse]

I'm brand new to this industry - as green as they come, just hired on as the new GM here at Old Wheeler Hotel and soaking up as much information as I can from the Innkeeper's side of the desk. Initially my Marketing background had me chomping at the bit for feedback on TripAdvisor, due to my experience as a Consumer over the years and, quite obviously, my blatant naiveté. Can you say eyes wide shut?? I'm dumbfounded by the ability that the travel giant (not to mention monopoly) has to literally put people out of business with their unverified and otherwise abjectly acquired reviews. I've just met a gentleman (that's putting it nicely) who gives his guests 10% off of their stay if they review his Inn BEFORE their stay. The stories I have read about online today verify that these types of practicies are alive and well, hurting not only Hoteliers, but in the end Travelers too. So, my question is this: What to do, what to do? As someone who is very new to this business, I'd love to get advice on ways to get honest, verifiable feedback from our guests, as well as how to expose the game that is TripAdvisor. Help!
Thanks! Kate.

Kate:
Welcome from not so far from you. Just want to say I loved staying at the OWH last fall. Even the thought of it is restful! This reviewer was honest and happy. From my brief stay I'd say that yours is a place that gets it right. I spoke briefly with one of the owners last fall who said she had made some upgrades to what was already a successful remodel.
What I loved: Books, books books, lovely large bath, quality linens and furnishing, and clean clean clean. And the period elevator - sweet. The names on the 'hand holder' clips outside the room is an idea I plan on copying one day!
If guests are happy and make a point of telling me at check out, I usually ask for a TA review. I ask because TA does well in search for our location, and good placement on TA is good for us. We don't pay for a listing.
Again, welcome.

.

Oh wonderful, thanks so much for both the advice and the positive feedback! I'm glad to hear that your stay with us was memorable! I appreciate the information, this is all new to me! We are currently paying for a business listing but I don't believe we'll be renewing it going forward. I've been doing some cost to sales analysis and it doesn't look like it's been very beneficial to us in the end. That said, I will continue to ask for a TA review when I hear positive feedback like yours. Thank you so much!
.

the trick to dealing with trip is to never be under any sort of illusion they give a stuff about you, your property or anything else that doesn't directly make them money - they are not your friend
However with careful handling of guests they can be beneficial.
.

the trick to dealing with trip is to never be under any sort of illusion they give a stuff about you, your property or anything else that doesn't directly make them money - they are not your friend
However with careful handling of guests they can be beneficial.

that's how we feel. sort of, 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
We hear a lot of people say, "I found you on TA."
.

the trick to dealing with trip is to never be under any sort of illusion they give a stuff about you, your property or anything else that doesn't directly make them money - they are not your friend
However with careful handling of guests they can be beneficial.

that's how we feel. sort of, 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
We hear a lot of people say, "I found you on TA."

That is because you cannot UN-LIST with TA. Once on, you are there. My friend closed several years ago. She notified TA that she was closed. Still there today. I wrote a review about how they were a great place when they were open but they have been closed for several years. A week later I got an e-mail telling me my B & B in Toronto (OHIO) was available.

 

[SkyLevash]

I'm brand new to this industry - as green as they come, just hired on as the new GM here at Old Wheeler Hotel and soaking up as much information as I can from the Innkeeper's side of the desk. Initially my Marketing background had me chomping at the bit for feedback on TripAdvisor, due to my experience as a Consumer over the years and, quite obviously, my blatant naiveté. Can you say eyes wide shut?? I'm dumbfounded by the ability that the travel giant (not to mention monopoly) has to literally put people out of business with their unverified and otherwise abjectly acquired reviews. I've just met a gentleman (that's putting it nicely) who gives his guests 10% off of their stay if they review his Inn BEFORE their stay. The stories I have read about online today verify that these types of practicies are alive and well, hurting not only Hoteliers, but in the end Travelers too. So, my question is this: What to do, what to do? As someone who is very new to this business, I'd love to get advice on ways to get honest, verifiable feedback from our guests, as well as how to expose the game that is TripAdvisor. Help!
Thanks! Kate.

Kate:
Welcome from not so far from you. Just want to say I loved staying at the OWH last fall. Even the thought of it is restful! This reviewer was honest and happy. From my brief stay I'd say that yours is a place that gets it right. I spoke briefly with one of the owners last fall who said she had made some upgrades to what was already a successful remodel.
What I loved: Books, books books, lovely large bath, quality linens and furnishing, and clean clean clean. And the period elevator - sweet. The names on the 'hand holder' clips outside the room is an idea I plan on copying one day!
If guests are happy and make a point of telling me at check out, I usually ask for a TA review. I ask because TA does well in search for our location, and good placement on TA is good for us. We don't pay for a listing.
Again, welcome.

.

Oh wonderful, thanks so much for both the advice and the positive feedback! I'm glad to hear that your stay with us was memorable! I appreciate the information, this is all new to me! We are currently paying for a business listing but I don't believe we'll be renewing it going forward. I've been doing some cost to sales analysis and it doesn't look like it's been very beneficial to us in the end. That said, I will continue to ask for a TA review when I hear positive feedback like yours. Thank you so much!
.

the trick to dealing with trip is to never be under any sort of illusion they give a stuff about you, your property or anything else that doesn't directly make them money - they are not your friend
However with careful handling of guests they can be beneficial.
.

the trick to dealing with trip is to never be under any sort of illusion they give a stuff about you, your property or anything else that doesn't directly make them money - they are not your friend
However with careful handling of guests they can be beneficial.

that's how we feel. sort of, 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
We hear a lot of people say, "I found you on TA."
.

the trick to dealing with trip is to never be under any sort of illusion they give a stuff about you, your property or anything else that doesn't directly make them money - they are not your friend
However with careful handling of guests they can be beneficial.

that's how we feel. sort of, 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
We hear a lot of people say, "I found you on TA."

That is because you cannot UN-LIST with TA. Once on, you are there. My friend closed several years ago. She notified TA that she was closed. Still there today. I wrote a review about how they were a great place when they were open but they have been closed for several years. A week later I got an e-mail telling me my B & B in Toronto (OHIO) was available.
.

Yeah, I'm quickly learning that the for-profit factor supersedes anything when dealing with TA - or any OTA, for that matter. I will continue to approach things with guests individually as I hear positive feedback. And, btw, the inability to un-list is just ridiculous. Seems it perhaps may have something to do with them keeping their numbers up as far as listings go?

 

[OnTheShore]

I'm brand new to this industry - as green as they come, just hired on as the new GM here at Old Wheeler Hotel and soaking up as much information as I can from the Innkeeper's side of the desk. Initially my Marketing background had me chomping at the bit for feedback on TripAdvisor, due to my experience as a Consumer over the years and, quite obviously, my blatant naiveté. Can you say eyes wide shut?? I'm dumbfounded by the ability that the travel giant (not to mention monopoly) has to literally put people out of business with their unverified and otherwise abjectly acquired reviews. I've just met a gentleman (that's putting it nicely) who gives his guests 10% off of their stay if they review his Inn BEFORE their stay. The stories I have read about online today verify that these types of practicies are alive and well, hurting not only Hoteliers, but in the end Travelers too. So, my question is this: What to do, what to do? As someone who is very new to this business, I'd love to get advice on ways to get honest, verifiable feedback from our guests, as well as how to expose the game that is TripAdvisor. Help!
Thanks! Kate.

Kate:
Welcome from not so far from you. Just want to say I loved staying at the OWH last fall. Even the thought of it is restful! This reviewer was honest and happy. From my brief stay I'd say that yours is a place that gets it right. I spoke briefly with one of the owners last fall who said she had made some upgrades to what was already a successful remodel.
What I loved: Books, books books, lovely large bath, quality linens and furnishing, and clean clean clean. And the period elevator - sweet. The names on the 'hand holder' clips outside the room is an idea I plan on copying one day!
If guests are happy and make a point of telling me at check out, I usually ask for a TA review. I ask because TA does well in search for our location, and good placement on TA is good for us. We don't pay for a listing.
Again, welcome.

.

Oh wonderful, thanks so much for both the advice and the positive feedback! I'm glad to hear that your stay with us was memorable! I appreciate the information, this is all new to me! We are currently paying for a business listing but I don't believe we'll be renewing it going forward. I've been doing some cost to sales analysis and it doesn't look like it's been very beneficial to us in the end. That said, I will continue to ask for a TA review when I hear positive feedback like yours. Thank you so much!
.

the trick to dealing with trip is to never be under any sort of illusion they give a stuff about you, your property or anything else that doesn't directly make them money - they are not your friend
However with careful handling of guests they can be beneficial.
.

the trick to dealing with trip is to never be under any sort of illusion they give a stuff about you, your property or anything else that doesn't directly make them money - they are not your friend
However with careful handling of guests they can be beneficial.

that's how we feel. sort of, 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
We hear a lot of people say, "I found you on TA."
.

the trick to dealing with trip is to never be under any sort of illusion they give a stuff about you, your property or anything else that doesn't directly make them money - they are not your friend
However with careful handling of guests they can be beneficial.

that's how we feel. sort of, 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
We hear a lot of people say, "I found you on TA."

That is because you cannot UN-LIST with TA. Once on, you are there. My friend closed several years ago. She notified TA that she was closed. Still there today. I wrote a review about how they were a great place when they were open but they have been closed for several years. A week later I got an e-mail telling me my B & B in Toronto (OHIO) was available.
.

Yeah, I'm quickly learning that the for-profit factor supersedes anything when dealing with TA - or any OTA, for that matter. I will continue to approach things with guests individually as I hear positive feedback. And, btw, the inability to un-list is just ridiculous. Seems it perhaps may have something to do with them keeping their numbers up as far as listings go?
.

This dates back to the time whan TA was solely a review site. The information in their basic listings is all public directory information that you can't withhold. Now new businesses often seek to be listed on TA, but initially TA built their database by scraping information from other sites, and from travelers entering reviews of properties....