We have all done it, we have all been captivated by the gorgeous hotel swimming pool photo, or the stunning views from the hotel window, only to arrive and realize that the pool was really no bigger than a hot tub. When you opened your curtains the view that your nine year old son got was of a couple having sex on the bed of the youth hostel right next door~yep, happened in Barcelona and the youngest Expat could have reached out the window and handed the young the couple a condom we were so close!
That experience had a lot to do with my negativity on that vacation. I owe that city one more try, and it will get another shot however, this time I will do my research a bit differently!
Did you know that "edited hotel photos" is such an issue that there are websites in which people actually upload photos of the hotels they have visited to compare with the hotel websites photos? That's right, that bikini model is not actually sitting by the pool in Jamaica waiting for my husband, like she was in the hotel photo...he was very upset when he found this out!
So, the next time you go to book your dream vacation, take a look at the sites below and see if you can view the real photos of that hotel you are thinking about, and tell me; have you ever been disappointed with your hotel experience?
Ha! That is kind of cool. You need to see what you're really getting.
ReplyDeleteI used to work for Disney Cruise Line and we once had a passenger irate when we got to Castaway Cay {Disney's private island} because there were no Mickey clouds and there were Mickey clouds on the brochure....
I had no words...
You have to be kidding me? How dare you not having Disney clouds. That is priceless!
DeleteGreat pool design near the hotel and so attractive place ....Hotel Design
ReplyDeleteLeave it to The Oatmeal to perfectly illustrate this point...
ReplyDeletehttp://theoatmeal.com/comics/hotel_pool
That's in my head every time I see one of those pictures now...
Oh that is classic!! That's usually me shouting at my kid across the pool! Thanks for the visual!
DeleteWhat you write is so true! There are sites of travel agencies or "book your vacation on line" type of sites that have visitors' comments and grading (if one can believe them - even though there are negative remarks about their stay at specific hotels)
ReplyDeleteI use these sites now to confirm what we are seeing online is in fact the photo! That or a suggestion from a friend is always good!
DeleteOh Please give Barcelona another go - we loved it! (stayed at Hotel Europark)
ReplyDeleteI always jump onto trip advisor to see real opinions and travellers photos but will now also check out your links, thanks for sharing!
Happy travels - Lou @ The Honesty Path
I so agree Lou that I have to give Barcelona another try. Think it may just be a couples weekend when I do it though, and I will check out the Hotel Europark for sure! Thanks for the post!
ReplyDelete