Why didn't she simply call her credit card company and have the additional $350 charge removed. Threatening legal action and actually taking legal action are two very different things. She should have called their bluff - unless, of course, she was lying in her review.
“Resort Fee”
Was the $350 the cost of the room that they rented? I am finding it hard to believe that they charged her $350 MORE, later. Seems like you could dispute that on your credit card, and then also threaten with legal action.
Someone tell Dan Bell and the series “Another Dirty Room”
Does she have a white glove as proof?
The lawsuit reportedly states the Abbey Inn had a policy which allowed them to charge customers the fee for poor reviews, which the state of Indiana alleges violated the state’s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act, which aims to modify “deceptive and unconscionable consumer sales practices.”
The lawsuit claimed the policy read: “Guests agree that if guests find any problems with our accommodations, and fail to provide us the opportunity to address those problems while the guest is with us, and/or refuses our exclusive remedy, but then disparages us in any public manner, we will be entitled to charge their credit card an additional $350 damage. Should the guest refuse to retract any such public statements legal action may be pursued.”
...
The policy could be found briefly on a document on the hotel’s website, but it wasn’t provided to guests or posted anywhere at the inn, according to the lawsuit.
Apparently, the Indiana AG has filed suit against the owners of the hotel (possibly the wrong owners, but that is a separate issue).
I recall some crazy place in New York that had a policy of penalizing people who booked weddings at their place if one of their guests posted a negative review.
Naturally that led to thousands of bad reviews on the place.
She can reverse the charge with her CC company.
Companithat dump on their customers are companies that will soon be out of business.
Place is listed as permanently closed on google.
Bet there is a Patel in the ownership group.
lol...
“Message from TripAdvisor: Due to a recent event that has attracted media attention and has caused an influx of review submissions that do not describe a first-hand experience, we have temporarily suspended publishing new reviews for this listing. If you’ve had a firsthand experience at this property, please check back soon - we’re looking forward to receiving your review!”
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g37361-d302301-Reviews-Abbey_Inn-Nashville_Indiana.html
I pass this place often, it is a secluded B+B type place, that usually only open on weekends.
I bought a major appliance from Home Depot online. They keep emailing me asking for a review - I could win $1k if I comply!
The appliance is totally unsatisfactory, not even a one-star. I haven’t gotten around to reviewing yet but I don’t think they’re going to enter me in the drawing when they see what’s on my mind. :(
Can’t really blame the hotel. I sue anyone who downvotes my posts on Reddit.
Great customer service!
Now she'll end up owning the place if she wants to.
ML/NJ