Ken Gargett Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 saw this on a local newspaper. can't imagine that 'no vacancy' sign will be up for long. morons. US hotel Union Street Guest House fines guests $500 per bad review Date August 5, 2014Comments 37 Read later Annie Dang Credit or debit? The hotel that fines guests for a bad review. Photo: Facebook What is the cost of giving a bad review? According to one US hotel, it’s $US500 ($A537). Union Street Guest House, a boutique New York hotel in Hudson, New York, has threatened to charge guests hundreds of dollars if they post a negative review about their stay. The policy outlines that a couple looking to book a wedding at the hotel will have a fine deducted from their deposit for every negative review the hotel receives from any of their wedding guests. Guests who stay at the hotel to attend a wedding in the area will also be fined if they post a bad review. It is not clear why the policy applies to a specific class of guests – wedding guests and wedding parties – and not all guests staying at the hotel. There is speculation that the hotel was aiming to manage its reputation following a few bad reviews by wedding guests and parties. The policy, which has since been removed from the hotel’s website, is reported to have read: "There will be a $500 dollar fine that will be deducted from your deposit for every negative review of USGH place on any internet site by anyone in your party and/or attending your wedding even if you stay here to attend a wedding anywhere in the area and leave us a negative review on any internet site you agree to a $500 fine for each negative review.” Additionally, the hotel said it will refund the fine if the negative review is removed. The $US500 has outraged web users with many taking to the hotel’s Facebook page and hotel review site Yelp to vent their spleen. “If you don't want bad reviews, provide amazing service. Having a policy that fines people for expressing their opinion of the service is unbelievable. The Internet is not controlled by your organization. Any guest willing to stay here with this policy in place is ignorant of the policy or stupid,” Marty B. From Chicago posted on Yelp, where the hotel has received a 1 out of 5 rating. Julio Laliberte posted to Facebook: “Holy cow! What an epic screw up!!! The way to avoid negative reviews is to provide excellent service, not penalize negative reviews. I don't know whether to laugh or feel sad for the place.” This is the latest incident in a long-running spat over user-generated reviews of hotels by sites, such as Yelp and TripAdvisor. Earlier this year, Italy’s competition watchdog conducted an investigation into TripAdvisor after complaints from consumers as well as hotels and restaurants over 'fake reviews'. The Italian Competition Authority published a document suggesting TripAdvisor may have published reviews made by people who had not actually been to the places they rated.
mncz Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 Wow, talk about shooting yourself in the foot. With that sort of understanding of public relations, I'm surprised that they ever even got the establishment running. Where else but in New York might you come upon such idiotic audacity? 1
Scdalak Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 Does this mean You and Rob will start charging members who post bad comments of all your Video Reviews? Pretty penny to be made there..
DWC Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 I read somewhere the 'fine' was posted tongue in cheek by the hotel. Like usual, no one seems to have a sense of humor anymore and everyone came up in arms against the hotel. I thought it was funny.
Trimming Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 They raised there own red flag, would make anyone think twice, as Ken stated the sign will start reading differently.
Grahamsant Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 This is absolutely disgusting!!! If you really want to show your guests and future customers that you're a great place to stay - take the negative feedback and do something about it! As a business, the one, absolutely critical thing you should do in order to keep your business running is listen to your customers! Lets hope for a little Karma eh? 1
mncz Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 I read somewhere the 'fine' was posted tongue in cheek by the hotel. Like usual, no one seems to have a sense of humor anymore and everyone came up in arms against the hotel. I thought it was funny. A link proving that it was in good humor would make me feel better about it.
mikek Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 My daughter is the manager of the wedding chaple on the strip,you would'nt believe what some of these BRIDEZILLAS want at the last minute! Even if it was'nt in the contract,I mean rediculous things!!! If they dont get it they litteraly go on TILT! They are always trying to find ways to get comped,like A whole wedding party all the cabanas for two nights! If they dont get it they right up all kinds of BS! Luckuly for her she is now in upper management in A very exclusive chaple,so it's not so bad for her. Watch that TV show Bridezillas!
DWC Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 Here's just one; http://www.today.com/travel/union-street-guest-house-500-joke-cost-it-3-000-1D80024902 God only knows what really happened. This might be just the owner trying to save face.
Ken Gargett Posted August 8, 2014 Author Posted August 8, 2014 Does this mean You and Rob will start charging members who post bad comments of all your Video Reviews? Pretty penny to be made there.. i'd be richer than anyone!
El Presidente Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 Seriously ken, our investigations on negative comments to our You Tube reviews has shown the vast majority to be posted by shoe manufacturers and fashion houses. 2
mikek Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 Seriously ken, our investigations on negative comments to our You Tube reviews has shown the vast majority to be posted by shoe manufacturers and fashion houses. Fashion Houses are legal in Pharump about 60 mi. out of Vegas!
... Posted August 9, 2014 Posted August 9, 2014 Seriously ken, our investigations on negative comments to our You Tube reviews has shown the vast majority to be posted by shoe manufacturers and fashion houses. I remember Ken complaining about a snake shedding its skin on the rug outside his patio door in one of your reviews...In hindsight maybe the snake was actually trying to do a good deed, leaving his previous garment for the less fortunately dressed
Ken Gargett Posted August 9, 2014 Author Posted August 9, 2014 Seriously ken, our investigations on negative comments to our You Tube reviews has shown the vast majority to be posted by shoe manufacturers and fashion houses. people in glass shirts...
perkinke Posted August 9, 2014 Posted August 9, 2014 That's right up there with these nutjobs: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/14/amys-baking-company-kitchen-nightmares_n_3274345.html I don't by the "it was a bad joke" especially after they tried to bill two different customers. Some folks just shouldn't own businesses.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now