Guests should be wary of malicious online reviews

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

20 February 2012

Guests should be wary of malicious online reviews, says Motel Association of New Zealand

People booking accommodation should take a discerning approach to web-based reviews, with a growing incidence of people using the threat of a bad review to try and force a discount, the Motel Association of New Zealand (MANZ) says.

The case of a guest who wrote a scathing review of the Kaimai View Motel in Katikati in the Bay of Plenty after the owner refused to take money off his bill is indicative of a rising trend being reported by motel owners, MANZ Chief Executive Michael Baines says.

“As far as we’re concerned this is blackmail, and we’re concerned that it’s on the increase. It’s dishonest, it’s unfair and we’re advising our members to help put a stop to it by refusing to give in to the blackmailers,” Mr Baines says.

Some accommodation review websites don’t offer the ability for the motel-owners to respond to unwarranted criticism. Many websites are based offshore so the process for motel-owners to respond to a damaging review can be lengthy and result in only a limited right of reply.

Mr Baines advised members of the travelling public to read all the available reviews on any particular motel, and realise that one terrible review amongst a pile of positive ones could reflect a blackmailer whose bid for a cheap night’s accommodation has failed.

“We would suggest that if a prospective guest sees a poor review, do a bit more research to see if it is backed up before you believe it to be accurate,” Mr Baines says.

When done honestly, online reviews are a useful tool for travellers, and ensure the motel industry maintains a high standard of accommodation, Mr Baines says.

“We have no problem with guests posting reviews of motels online; we just want them to give a fair appraisal of their stay.”

“It’s a shame that there are some dishonest people out there, who are abusing this system and falsely damaging the reputation of some motels in a bid to save a few dollars,” Mr Baines concluded.

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