From my research, it seems that when people travel, they have no idea of what to expect when they arrive at their chosen hotel, and I would really like you to tell me why you think this is.
Of course, tourists come in a variety of costumes and age groups but, in my opinion, the type of tourist should not be significant to the way they write reviews. In fact, I wonder if there ought to be a subjective analysis of these people.
For example, let us start with a hotel search. I believe that today most people search on the Internet, either on their own or with help from a travel agency. There are many Websites available, for example, hotels.com, expedia.com, and booking.com, and each site permits a selection of search choices, for example, star rating, review score, etc. Therefore, why do so many tourists, upon their arrival, become dissatisfied.
Let us look at my personal experience: We recently stayed at the 3-star Himalayan Deurali Resort in Pokhara, Nepal. It was chosen because we simply wished to ‘stop the world and get off’. The Website described a resort situated remotely in the mountains and a long way from the nearest town. The photos showed unbelievable views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains; the accommodation looked very comfortable, and there was a restaurant ... what more did we need? Nothing.
Everything on the Website was accurate, but there was no mention of the national power cuts that took place more than once each day, and the resulting effects. But the effects were understandable and, in a sense, beyond the control of the hotel. Nevertheless, should it not affect the star rating and the review score.
For example, someone wrote, “ It is the most excellent hotel in Napal, including the view, service, food, room, and cost-effective (sic) ... (Edited) ... Even I cannot show the fact put into words. You need to know to your cost (sic).” A rating of 10/10 was awarded, and this person was not alone.
I doubt if this Chinese person was related to the owner, therefore, what was on his mind? There are numerous 5-star hotels in Nepal, and many better hotels in Pokhara. The view was excellent, but only on rare cloudless days; the service was very friendly but the effort just average, during our long stay, the carpets were never cleaned, in fact, the hotel did not own a vacuum cleaner; the food was acceptable, considering the location; and the room, notwithstanding the power cuts, was very good.
I awarded 7.1, but the average was 9.3. And I guarantee disappointment if you expect perfection when you go there ... I am not saying that one should expect perfection at a 3-star hotel, but ....
This was not the only hotel that we stayed at, and the same comments apply there too.
This leaves me wondering if people search for reviews with only a 10 score and, thus, are obviously disappointed (unless it is a 5-star hotel), or do we have a group of people who get joyful satisfaction in causing travellers to suffer during their well-earned vacation.
I have no idea. Should I return to my place in the world?
I'm glad you asked Bernie.
ReplyDeleteYour goal was to ‘stop the world and get off". It seems that you succeeded. I guess the cloud cover on the mountains varies with the season. You weren't there to watch TV so a power outage would have given you snuggle time.
A 3 star hotel is just that but some are quite comfortable. Of course when you stay in the same place for a week it can be frustrating. I guess you should chose Sandals or equal for the next one. I would expect to rough it a bit in countries like Nepal.
You probably gave it a fair rating based on your experience and expectations.
Where is your place in the world? I don't think you are in it at the moment but if you know where it is then definitely go there.
John, I’m sorry, but you seem not to see my point.
ReplyDeleteIf you had booked to stay at this ‘hotel (It certainly was not a resort) and made your decision from the hotel Website (or Booking.com), it should go without saying that the breathtaking view of the mountains would have been the prime reason for your booking. Anyone looking for a “Sandals” experience would go elsewhere (and we weren’t). Some guests booked for just one night to experience the view ... with disappointment. Some people trekked for many strenuous kilometers for the same reason.
My point about a star rating is that you shouldn’t expect a 5-star experience at a 3-star hotel. There are great 5-star hotels in Nepal that are equal to anything elsewhere in the world. Therefore, please don’t write, “It is the most excellent hotel in Nepal” and give it a 10, because I may be relying on your review for my choice of booking. If a 3-star hotel genuinely deserves a score of 10, then, the owner should apply for a 5-star rating.
Yes, one may be expected to ‘rough it’ a bit in Nepal (and we did), but a winding rocky dirt road up the side of the mountain to a car park that leaves one to walk up another dirt path to the entrance (A gap in a wall), does not bring the word “excellent” quickly to mind.
By the way, I did discuss the future of the place with the hospitable owner, only to discover why 50% of the site seemed to be a construction site ... because it was.
Therefore, please reviewers, make comments such as, ‘The most wonderful 3-star hotel in the country.’ with, perhaps, a score of 8 or 9 ... but not 10. Our score of 7.1 resulted from our great need for a wonderful, but quiet, much needed no-frills vacation.