No, its a well recognised and very commonly used blag at check-out now, to complain bitterly about some random and inconsequential (and sometimes invented) problem, then when offered a future free nights stay they grab it with both hands and walk out with a big grin.

There have been some customers noted who have then repeated the tactic on their return visit too in order to blag another free stay, its not usually offered a second time around

Thing is with TripAdvisor, you can see straight through the stupid-trivial-complaint-blown-up-into-a-major-incident-stuff and the over-the-top-friend-of-the-owner doing-a-favour stuff.
You get to able to judge from it anyway.
If a place gets nothing but complaints, there's got to be a reason.
If an American liked the service and says so on TripAdvisor, wow, it's got to be top-notch.

As my work has taken me all over the place over the years and as my indulgences have also been travel and eating-out, I have contributed to TripAdvisor (fairly, I like to think) about hotels and restaurants, usually on either end of the satisfaction scale ... I mean what's the point posting about Pizza Express for example, doesn't everyone already know it's acceptably bland but out-competed by Zizzi?

I once started a TA review of a Travel Lodge in Birmingham with "I must have stayed at a different place to everyone who has already reviewed this place" because I found it perfectly acceptable in line with the Travel Lodge business model.

All of the reviews that preceded mine were having a right old go at it and rating it one star, in a perverse way I was looking forward to staying there just to see how bad it was, but it was fine, as a Travel Lodge it was exactly what it said on the tin.

Strange enough, every review that followed mine then said "Yeah I thought it was ok too..."

I'm surprised this lot haven't repealed that one already.They could always throw in the staff meals as remuneration too, so if they take a meal during their duty, the restaurant could dock them the £60 or so it would usually charge a punter

I've done similar ... and also the opposite, for places that preceding reviewers seemed to have thought that, because it was sy and they paid a lot, it must have been excellent.
If I pay a lot, I expect highly.
If I pay a little, I expect accordingly.

Missed this reply, sorry, thanks for that.
That's good then, as far as it goes.

On topic (ish), I see HMRC have headhunted their new Chief Information Officer.

From Vodafone.

Presumably, "if you can't beat 'em employ 'em" is the new motto.

Revolving doors, Andy, revolving doors.

Although I do it, tipping is ludicrous given we now have a MNW and that is the mode wage rate nationally. Why do staff in pubs / hotels / restaurants (or often the business owners) expect tipping from people earning NMW?

Wouldn't it be better to write more formally if you wish for a reply?

I mentioned it in a blog post and tweeted them the link, asking for a comment.

It's the modern way to do things. I have had comments back after doing that.

A Mational Ninimum Wage?

Mainly Notional Wage.

Strange comment really as things are looking better for the Tories now than at any time since the last election.

Blame Premier Travel Inn or what ever handle they are using this month, they had a guarantee of a good night where absolutely anything could be brought up and used to claim against this guarantee, not enough towels? Claim a free nigh, room too warm ? Claim a free night, what happened to ask at the front desk for more towels and turning the heating down.

I never understand why people bitch and moan about TL's ... they serve a purpose, especially for short stays, usually at a very competitive price. If people want 4 or 5 star then pay for it but don't expect it with TL.

Anyone bitching about Travel Lodge has obviously never stayed at a Formule 1

Yup, if you plan nicely you can get a decent stay at good prices, the breakfast box is to be avoided but at the prices they charge you can't go wrong. Mind if I was staying more than the odd night I'd go for Innkeepers or Premier Inn.

Never tried the breakfast box, it doesn't look that appetising. Some TL's do have the buffet breakfast bars (Bolton and Meadowhall immediately spring to mind) and in keeping with the brand are reasonable enough.

I concur reference looking elsewhere for a little longer ... Premier is normally my next option.

Stayed at the Newcastle Airport (not really AT the airport) Innkeepers a few years ago - the buffet breakfast had no cooked option but it was the best breakfast buffet I have ever seen or eaten in ANY hotel - its now Premier Inn