Getting down and dirty

These days everyone wants to have their say. The internet and talent shows like the X Factor have encouraged us all to act as a judge and jury.

And, to be fair, most of us enjoy being a little outspoken but I believe our comments and remarks should also be fair and based on honestly held opinions.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

I’ve been reading about the EU commission receiving complaints regarding review sites such as Trip Advisor and their ‘Dirty Lists’.

These lists catalogue the top 10 dirtiest hotels in the UK, based on reviews from their members.

Apparently Bob Cotton of the BHA (British Hospitality Association) is quoted as saying: “I am not opposed to people saying what they think about a place but reviews should at least be based on having stayed there rather than being made up.”

This seems to be the main sticking point; anybody can register on Trip Advisor and leave ‘reviews’ on any hotel website, even if they have never set foot on the premises in question.

I agree that these sites would be worthwhile if they had a filter to ensure only clients were able to create feedback.

Lists created from viable sources are definitely a good thing and should be encouraged and supported by every hotelier or restaurateur across the country.

There are various sites that have got this right such as late rooms, which only sends links to review listings after a registered guest has stayed at the venue, meaning it’s a trusted and viable feedback portal.

Reviews are a critical part of the sector and if a venue has high standards and a good reputation, I feel it will push them on to be the best they can be and help healthy completion locally and a wider understanding of the industry nationally.

It is all well and good being judge and jury, but only if your comments are fair and based on fact rather than fiction.