The British Press is Addressing Claims that Hotels Are Bribing Guests to Submit Favorable Reviews to TripAdvisor

Because I am accused of being prejudiced against TripAdvisor, I am writing without comment about a news item, "Hotels bribe guests for online reviews," in the London Daily Mail for July 11, 2011. The article states that guests of the Cove Hotel in Cornwall, are offered 10% off food and drink in the hotel's restaurant, and a "free apartment upgrade" if they post a favorable review about their stay at that hotel. Apparently, the Cove's website states that "the moment your comment goes live on TripAdvisor or either of the Food Guides mentioned [which also print customers' comments], we will activate your card! [granting the gifts]"

The Daily Mail -- a big London newspaper -- goes on to state that the British Office of Fair Trading is planning to investigate.

According to The Daily Mail, all but two of 26 TripAdvisor reviews of the hotel in question have awarded it four or five-star ratings. Comments include "a dream come true," "wow -- what a find," and "a peaceful paradise."