UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
May 3rd 2006, 5:51 am
#31
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in
message news:1herhh1.1ai1t05jm00ejN%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> I think it's certainly of interest to point out that Travelodge has this
> system, but I don't think it's a scam. There's an infrastructure
> involved in having phones in rooms.
And as they have ramped up the price to the point
where most guests don't make outgoing calls they
probably have no choice but to make income from
the incoming ones.
tim
prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in
message news:1herhh1.1ai1t05jm00ejN%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> I think it's certainly of interest to point out that Travelodge has this
> system, but I don't think it's a scam. There's an infrastructure
> involved in having phones in rooms.
And as they have ramped up the price to the point
where most guests don't make outgoing calls they
probably have no choice but to make income from
the incoming ones.
tim
May 3rd 2006, 5:54 am
#32
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"Ian F." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Mark Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in
> message
>>> But the thing that left me gobsmacked was that incoming calls to guests
>>> are on an 090 number
> It would be an easy matter to find the corresponding geographic number,
Is it.
How would you do this?
Not all non geographic numbers point to real numbers.
>if incoming callers were that bothered.
I suspect that it is well beyond the capabilities
of most, even if there were minded to try.
tim
news:[email protected]...
> "Mark Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in
> message
>>> But the thing that left me gobsmacked was that incoming calls to guests
>>> are on an 090 number
> It would be an easy matter to find the corresponding geographic number,
Is it.
How would you do this?
Not all non geographic numbers point to real numbers.
>if incoming callers were that bothered.
I suspect that it is well beyond the capabilities
of most, even if there were minded to try.
tim
May 3rd 2006, 6:24 am
#33
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"tim (back at home)" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> How would you do this?
In the UK, we have a facility to find real numbers for 0870 numbers, which
is what Travelodge numbers are - not 090.
http://www.saynoto0870.com/search.php
> Not all non geographic numbers point to real numbers.
I think they have to, although ICBW. If anyone is that bothered, the guys
on uk.telecom know these things.
Ian
news:[email protected]...
> How would you do this?
In the UK, we have a facility to find real numbers for 0870 numbers, which
is what Travelodge numbers are - not 090.
http://www.saynoto0870.com/search.php
> Not all non geographic numbers point to real numbers.
I think they have to, although ICBW. If anyone is that bothered, the guys
on uk.telecom know these things.
Ian
May 3rd 2006, 7:18 am
#34
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"Mark Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> > Yeah, and consequently I don't use pricy hotel phones. However, I would
> > normally expect incoming calls to be on normal land line, which would cost
> > anyone wanting to contact me less than a call to a mobile.
> You really expected a call to a hotel phone to be less than to a mobile?
> Sorry but that's just naive.
Rubbish. Most proper hotels have a normal geographic number you can call, and be put
through to the required person's room. Sometimes they publish 0870 numbers, but even
calling 0870 can be cheaper than calling a mobile.
--
Andy
news:[email protected]...
> > Yeah, and consequently I don't use pricy hotel phones. However, I would
> > normally expect incoming calls to be on normal land line, which would cost
> > anyone wanting to contact me less than a call to a mobile.
> You really expected a call to a hotel phone to be less than to a mobile?
> Sorry but that's just naive.
Rubbish. Most proper hotels have a normal geographic number you can call, and be put
through to the required person's room. Sometimes they publish 0870 numbers, but even
calling 0870 can be cheaper than calling a mobile.
--
Andy
May 3rd 2006, 7:23 am
#35
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
Andy Pandy <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Mark Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > > Yeah, and consequently I don't use pricy hotel phones. However, I would
> > > normally expect incoming calls to be on normal land line, which would cost
> > > anyone wanting to contact me less than a call to a mobile.
> >
> > You really expected a call to a hotel phone to be less than to a mobile?
> > Sorry but that's just naive.
>
> Rubbish. Most proper hotels have a normal geographic number you can call,
> and be put through to the required person's room. Sometimes they publish
> 0870 numbers, but even calling 0870 can be cheaper than calling a mobile.
Rarely though. I mentioned that you can call mobiles from a BT landline
for 2p a minute anytime. I can't find a callthrough for 0870 for less
than 7p for peak calls, though I'd be happy for pointers. It's 8.5p per
minute from the Tesco extra mobile sim.
--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://homepage.mac.com/davidhornecomposer http://soundjunction.org
> "Mark Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > > Yeah, and consequently I don't use pricy hotel phones. However, I would
> > > normally expect incoming calls to be on normal land line, which would cost
> > > anyone wanting to contact me less than a call to a mobile.
> >
> > You really expected a call to a hotel phone to be less than to a mobile?
> > Sorry but that's just naive.
>
> Rubbish. Most proper hotels have a normal geographic number you can call,
> and be put through to the required person's room. Sometimes they publish
> 0870 numbers, but even calling 0870 can be cheaper than calling a mobile.
Rarely though. I mentioned that you can call mobiles from a BT landline
for 2p a minute anytime. I can't find a callthrough for 0870 for less
than 7p for peak calls, though I'd be happy for pointers. It's 8.5p per
minute from the Tesco extra mobile sim.
--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://homepage.mac.com/davidhornecomposer http://soundjunction.org
May 3rd 2006, 7:29 am
#36
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"Jim Ley" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 3 May 2006 11:57:16 +0100, "ALAN HARRISON"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
> >> It was only recently that travelodge installed phones in the rooms at all.
> >>
> >What I think was more worrying than the incoming calls scam was the
> >inability to phone reception from the rooms. Having had a heart attack
> >(during the night) a few years ago, I wouldn't relish stumbling along the
> >corridor and downstairs to the desk in the event of a repeat performance.
> Why would you call reception in such a situation? Hotel staff are
> generally not equipped or trained medical practitoineers. Call an
> ambulane...
Because if you called reception and they just heard "arghhhhhh" they'd probably send
someone to investigate, and call an ambulance if necessary. You wouldn't have to tell
them where you are.
If you are choking, for instance, it'd probably be better to have someone who once
saw what to do on telly on the scene in 2 minutes than a fully trained paramedic on
the scene in 10 mins.
--
Andy
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 3 May 2006 11:57:16 +0100, "ALAN HARRISON"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
> >> It was only recently that travelodge installed phones in the rooms at all.
> >>
> >What I think was more worrying than the incoming calls scam was the
> >inability to phone reception from the rooms. Having had a heart attack
> >(during the night) a few years ago, I wouldn't relish stumbling along the
> >corridor and downstairs to the desk in the event of a repeat performance.
> Why would you call reception in such a situation? Hotel staff are
> generally not equipped or trained medical practitoineers. Call an
> ambulane...
Because if you called reception and they just heard "arghhhhhh" they'd probably send
someone to investigate, and call an ambulance if necessary. You wouldn't have to tell
them where you are.
If you are choking, for instance, it'd probably be better to have someone who once
saw what to do on telly on the scene in 2 minutes than a fully trained paramedic on
the scene in 10 mins.
--
Andy
May 3rd 2006, 7:42 am
#37
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and prestwich tesco
24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:1hes353.1gkws25gxtfh7N%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> > > You really expected a call to a hotel phone to be less than to a mobile?
> > > Sorry but that's just naive.
> >
> > Rubbish. Most proper hotels have a normal geographic number you can call,
> > and be put through to the required person's room. Sometimes they publish
> > 0870 numbers, but even calling 0870 can be cheaper than calling a mobile.
> Rarely though. I mentioned that you can call mobiles from a BT landline
> for 2p a minute anytime. I can't find a callthrough for 0870 for less
> than 7p for peak calls, though I'd be happy for pointers. It's 8.5p per
> minute from the Tesco extra mobile sim.
I would guess most people aren't in their hotel room much during the day, so off-peak
rates would be more relavent in this situation. Evening calls to 0870 numbers are
3.75p/min, weekends 1.5p/min, that's on BT option 1 with no need for callthroughs.
Anyway, Ofcom have now decided that 0870 numbers are to be charged at the same rate
as national calls, although this won't come into effect for about 18 months or so.
--
Andy
24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:1hes353.1gkws25gxtfh7N%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> > > You really expected a call to a hotel phone to be less than to a mobile?
> > > Sorry but that's just naive.
> >
> > Rubbish. Most proper hotels have a normal geographic number you can call,
> > and be put through to the required person's room. Sometimes they publish
> > 0870 numbers, but even calling 0870 can be cheaper than calling a mobile.
> Rarely though. I mentioned that you can call mobiles from a BT landline
> for 2p a minute anytime. I can't find a callthrough for 0870 for less
> than 7p for peak calls, though I'd be happy for pointers. It's 8.5p per
> minute from the Tesco extra mobile sim.
I would guess most people aren't in their hotel room much during the day, so off-peak
rates would be more relavent in this situation. Evening calls to 0870 numbers are
3.75p/min, weekends 1.5p/min, that's on BT option 1 with no need for callthroughs.
Anyway, Ofcom have now decided that 0870 numbers are to be charged at the same rate
as national calls, although this won't come into effect for about 18 months or so.
--
Andy
May 3rd 2006, 7:54 am
#38
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
Andy Pandy <[email protected]> wrote:
> "David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
> prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in
> message news:1hes353.1gkws25gxtfh7N%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> > > > You really expected a call to a hotel phone to be less than to a mobile?
> > > > Sorry but that's just naive.
> > >
> > > Rubbish. Most proper hotels have a normal geographic number you can call,
> > > and be put through to the required person's room. Sometimes they publish
> > > 0870 numbers, but even calling 0870 can be cheaper than calling a mobile.
> >
> > Rarely though. I mentioned that you can call mobiles from a BT landline
> > for 2p a minute anytime. I can't find a callthrough for 0870 for less
> > than 7p for peak calls, though I'd be happy for pointers. It's 8.5p per
> > minute from the Tesco extra mobile sim.
>
> I would guess most people aren't in their hotel room much during the day,
> so off-peak rates would be more relavent in this situation. Evening calls
> to 0870 numbers are 3.75p/min, weekends 1.5p/min, that's on BT option 1
> with no need for callthroughs.
But like I said, calling a mobile is 2p a minute anytime. Unless all
your calls are at the weekend, my point stands, and then some. Besides,
we're talking here about very small amounts of money per minute. The OP
was complaining about the expensive cost of calling the hotel, and I
wonder to what extent people actually research the options. I bet most
UK readers don't investigate or use the 2p option from BT landlines for
calling mobiles, for example. Probably a good thing, as I doubt it would
work so well if everyone used it! :)
> Anyway, Ofcom have now decided that 0870 numbers are to be charged at the
> same rate as national calls, although this won't come into effect for
> about 18 months or so.
If Ofcom's ruling didn't affect 0871 numbers, expect many if not most of
the companies currently using 0870 to switch to them.
--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://homepage.mac.com/davidhornecomposer http://soundjunction.org
> "David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
> prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in
> message news:1hes353.1gkws25gxtfh7N%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> > > > You really expected a call to a hotel phone to be less than to a mobile?
> > > > Sorry but that's just naive.
> > >
> > > Rubbish. Most proper hotels have a normal geographic number you can call,
> > > and be put through to the required person's room. Sometimes they publish
> > > 0870 numbers, but even calling 0870 can be cheaper than calling a mobile.
> >
> > Rarely though. I mentioned that you can call mobiles from a BT landline
> > for 2p a minute anytime. I can't find a callthrough for 0870 for less
> > than 7p for peak calls, though I'd be happy for pointers. It's 8.5p per
> > minute from the Tesco extra mobile sim.
>
> I would guess most people aren't in their hotel room much during the day,
> so off-peak rates would be more relavent in this situation. Evening calls
> to 0870 numbers are 3.75p/min, weekends 1.5p/min, that's on BT option 1
> with no need for callthroughs.
But like I said, calling a mobile is 2p a minute anytime. Unless all
your calls are at the weekend, my point stands, and then some. Besides,
we're talking here about very small amounts of money per minute. The OP
was complaining about the expensive cost of calling the hotel, and I
wonder to what extent people actually research the options. I bet most
UK readers don't investigate or use the 2p option from BT landlines for
calling mobiles, for example. Probably a good thing, as I doubt it would
work so well if everyone used it! :)
> Anyway, Ofcom have now decided that 0870 numbers are to be charged at the
> same rate as national calls, although this won't come into effect for
> about 18 months or so.
If Ofcom's ruling didn't affect 0871 numbers, expect many if not most of
the companies currently using 0870 to switch to them.
--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://homepage.mac.com/davidhornecomposer http://soundjunction.org
May 3rd 2006, 8:38 am
#39
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and prestwich tesco
24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:1hes49u.7f97b8zpf9r0N%this_address_is_for_spa [email protected]...
> > > > > You really expected a call to a hotel phone to be less than to a mobile?
> > > > > Sorry but that's just naive.
> > > >
> > > > Rubbish. Most proper hotels have a normal geographic number you can call,
> > > > and be put through to the required person's room. Sometimes they publish
> > > > 0870 numbers, but even calling 0870 can be cheaper than calling a mobile.
> > >
> > > Rarely though. I mentioned that you can call mobiles from a BT landline
> > > for 2p a minute anytime. I can't find a callthrough for 0870 for less
> > > than 7p for peak calls, though I'd be happy for pointers. It's 8.5p per
> > > minute from the Tesco extra mobile sim.
> >
> > I would guess most people aren't in their hotel room much during the day,
> > so off-peak rates would be more relavent in this situation. Evening calls
> > to 0870 numbers are 3.75p/min, weekends 1.5p/min, that's on BT option 1
> > with no need for callthroughs.
> But like I said, calling a mobile is 2p a minute anytime. Unless all
> your calls are at the weekend, my point stands, and then some.
I did say 0870 *can* be cheaper calling a mobile. Eg at weekends.
BTW which callthrough do you use? Is it reliable?
> Besides,
> we're talking here about very small amounts of money per minute.
Well, exactly. It's a different kettle of fish to paying 09xx rates.
TBH I wouldn't bother with a callthrough if it would only save 1p/min or so. You also
have to pay the if the called person is engaged or doesn't answer.
> The OP
> was complaining about the expensive cost of calling the hotel, and I
> wonder to what extent people actually research the options.
> I bet most
> UK readers don't investigate or use the 2p option from BT landlines for
> calling mobiles, for example. Probably a good thing, as I doubt it would
> work so well if everyone used it! :)
Not many people read rte, so you can tell us :-)
> > Anyway, Ofcom have now decided that 0870 numbers are to be charged at the
> > same rate as national calls, although this won't come into effect for
> > about 18 months or so.
> If Ofcom's ruling didn't affect 0871 numbers, expect many if not most of
> the companies currently using 0870 to switch to them.
I think they'd have to comply by ICSTIS rules, as they're going to be treated like
premium rate numbers (as they should be).
I think the main reason for the Ofcom decision was the con trick of pretending 0870
numbers are charged at "national rate", when for the vast majority of people they're
not. Companies who move to an 0871/09 number would have to be honest about the
charges.
--
Andy
24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:1hes49u.7f97b8zpf9r0N%this_address_is_for_spa [email protected]...
> > > > > You really expected a call to a hotel phone to be less than to a mobile?
> > > > > Sorry but that's just naive.
> > > >
> > > > Rubbish. Most proper hotels have a normal geographic number you can call,
> > > > and be put through to the required person's room. Sometimes they publish
> > > > 0870 numbers, but even calling 0870 can be cheaper than calling a mobile.
> > >
> > > Rarely though. I mentioned that you can call mobiles from a BT landline
> > > for 2p a minute anytime. I can't find a callthrough for 0870 for less
> > > than 7p for peak calls, though I'd be happy for pointers. It's 8.5p per
> > > minute from the Tesco extra mobile sim.
> >
> > I would guess most people aren't in their hotel room much during the day,
> > so off-peak rates would be more relavent in this situation. Evening calls
> > to 0870 numbers are 3.75p/min, weekends 1.5p/min, that's on BT option 1
> > with no need for callthroughs.
> But like I said, calling a mobile is 2p a minute anytime. Unless all
> your calls are at the weekend, my point stands, and then some.
I did say 0870 *can* be cheaper calling a mobile. Eg at weekends.
BTW which callthrough do you use? Is it reliable?
> Besides,
> we're talking here about very small amounts of money per minute.
Well, exactly. It's a different kettle of fish to paying 09xx rates.
TBH I wouldn't bother with a callthrough if it would only save 1p/min or so. You also
have to pay the if the called person is engaged or doesn't answer.
> The OP
> was complaining about the expensive cost of calling the hotel, and I
> wonder to what extent people actually research the options.
> I bet most
> UK readers don't investigate or use the 2p option from BT landlines for
> calling mobiles, for example. Probably a good thing, as I doubt it would
> work so well if everyone used it! :)
Not many people read rte, so you can tell us :-)
> > Anyway, Ofcom have now decided that 0870 numbers are to be charged at the
> > same rate as national calls, although this won't come into effect for
> > about 18 months or so.
> If Ofcom's ruling didn't affect 0871 numbers, expect many if not most of
> the companies currently using 0870 to switch to them.
I think they'd have to comply by ICSTIS rules, as they're going to be treated like
premium rate numbers (as they should be).
I think the main reason for the Ofcom decision was the con trick of pretending 0870
numbers are charged at "national rate", when for the vast majority of people they're
not. Companies who move to an 0871/09 number would have to be honest about the
charges.
--
Andy
May 3rd 2006, 8:43 am
#40
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
Andy Pandy <[email protected]> wrote:
> "David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
> prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in
> message news:1hes49u.7f97b8zpf9r0N%this_address_is_for_spa [email protected]...
> > > > > > You really expected a call to a hotel phone to be less than to a
> > > > > > mobile? Sorry but that's just naive.
> > > > >
> > > > > Rubbish. Most proper hotels have a normal geographic number you
> > > > > can call, and be put through to the required person's room.
> > > > > Sometimes they publish 0870 numbers, but even calling 0870 can be
> > > > > cheaper than calling a mobile.
> > > >
> > > > Rarely though. I mentioned that you can call mobiles from a BT landline
> > > > for 2p a minute anytime. I can't find a callthrough for 0870 for less
> > > > than 7p for peak calls, though I'd be happy for pointers. It's 8.5p per
> > > > minute from the Tesco extra mobile sim.
> > >
> > > I would guess most people aren't in their hotel room much during the day,
> > > so off-peak rates would be more relavent in this situation. Evening calls
> > > to 0870 numbers are 3.75p/min, weekends 1.5p/min, that's on BT option 1
> > > with no need for callthroughs.
> >
> > But like I said, calling a mobile is 2p a minute anytime. Unless all
> > your calls are at the weekend, my point stands, and then some.
>
> I did say 0870 *can* be cheaper calling a mobile. Eg at weekends.
>
> BTW which callthrough do you use?
Phone Cheap at http://niftylist.co.uk/calls/to/uk/mobile/
> Is it reliable?
IME very. Probably around 95% success. If it doesn't work, I use 18185,
which is the same company anyway! :)
>
> > Besides,
> > we're talking here about very small amounts of money per minute.
>
> Well, exactly. It's a different kettle of fish to paying 09xx rates.
>
> TBH I wouldn't bother with a callthrough if it would only save 1p/min or
> so. You also have to pay the if the called person is engaged or doesn't
> answer.
I wouldn't either, but I imagine a lot of people pay a lot more than 2p
a minute to call a mobile!
--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://homepage.mac.com/davidhornecomposer http://soundjunction.org
> "David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
> prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in
> message news:1hes49u.7f97b8zpf9r0N%this_address_is_for_spa [email protected]...
> > > > > > You really expected a call to a hotel phone to be less than to a
> > > > > > mobile? Sorry but that's just naive.
> > > > >
> > > > > Rubbish. Most proper hotels have a normal geographic number you
> > > > > can call, and be put through to the required person's room.
> > > > > Sometimes they publish 0870 numbers, but even calling 0870 can be
> > > > > cheaper than calling a mobile.
> > > >
> > > > Rarely though. I mentioned that you can call mobiles from a BT landline
> > > > for 2p a minute anytime. I can't find a callthrough for 0870 for less
> > > > than 7p for peak calls, though I'd be happy for pointers. It's 8.5p per
> > > > minute from the Tesco extra mobile sim.
> > >
> > > I would guess most people aren't in their hotel room much during the day,
> > > so off-peak rates would be more relavent in this situation. Evening calls
> > > to 0870 numbers are 3.75p/min, weekends 1.5p/min, that's on BT option 1
> > > with no need for callthroughs.
> >
> > But like I said, calling a mobile is 2p a minute anytime. Unless all
> > your calls are at the weekend, my point stands, and then some.
>
> I did say 0870 *can* be cheaper calling a mobile. Eg at weekends.
>
> BTW which callthrough do you use?
Phone Cheap at http://niftylist.co.uk/calls/to/uk/mobile/
> Is it reliable?
IME very. Probably around 95% success. If it doesn't work, I use 18185,
which is the same company anyway! :)
>
> > Besides,
> > we're talking here about very small amounts of money per minute.
>
> Well, exactly. It's a different kettle of fish to paying 09xx rates.
>
> TBH I wouldn't bother with a callthrough if it would only save 1p/min or
> so. You also have to pay the if the called person is engaged or doesn't
> answer.
I wouldn't either, but I imagine a lot of people pay a lot more than 2p
a minute to call a mobile!
--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://homepage.mac.com/davidhornecomposer http://soundjunction.org
May 3rd 2006, 10:05 am
#41
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and prestwich tesco
24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:1hes6t3.2y4t6s1o72q68N%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> > BTW which callthrough do you use?
> Phone Cheap at http://niftylist.co.uk/calls/to/uk/mobile/
> > Is it reliable?
> IME very. Probably around 95% success. If it doesn't work, I use 18185,
> which is the same company anyway! :)
Thanks.
Although I can't see it lasting, with the termination charges the mobile operators
charge they're either using this as a big loss leader, or they've found a loophole
which may get closed once someone realises. I know people said similar things about
18866 etc, but the termination charges to UK mobiles are in a different league to
landlines/international calls.
--
Andy
24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:1hes6t3.2y4t6s1o72q68N%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> > BTW which callthrough do you use?
> Phone Cheap at http://niftylist.co.uk/calls/to/uk/mobile/
> > Is it reliable?
> IME very. Probably around 95% success. If it doesn't work, I use 18185,
> which is the same company anyway! :)
Thanks.
Although I can't see it lasting, with the termination charges the mobile operators
charge they're either using this as a big loss leader, or they've found a loophole
which may get closed once someone realises. I know people said similar things about
18866 etc, but the termination charges to UK mobiles are in a different league to
landlines/international calls.
--
Andy
May 3rd 2006, 10:19 am
#42
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
Andy Pandy <[email protected]> wrote:
> "David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
> prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in
> message news:1hes6t3.2y4t6s1o72q68N%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> > > BTW which callthrough do you use?
> >
> > Phone Cheap at http://niftylist.co.uk/calls/to/uk/mobile/
> >
> > > Is it reliable?
> >
> > IME very. Probably around 95% success. If it doesn't work, I use 18185,
> > which is the same company anyway! :)
>
> Thanks.
>
> Although I can't see it lasting, with the termination charges the mobile
> operators charge they're either using this as a big loss leader, or
> they've found a loophole which may get closed once someone realises.
It's certainly an unrealistic price, I agree. Enjoy it while it lasts!
That said, the 18185 price of 5p (albeit with a connection charge of 5p)
has been stable...
> I know people said similar things about 18866 etc, but the termination
> charges to UK mobiles are in a different league to landlines/international
> calls.
It's interesting that it's the same company as 18866 (1899, 18185 etc.)
though.
--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://homepage.mac.com/davidhornecomposer http://soundjunction.org
> "David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
> prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in
> message news:1hes6t3.2y4t6s1o72q68N%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> > > BTW which callthrough do you use?
> >
> > Phone Cheap at http://niftylist.co.uk/calls/to/uk/mobile/
> >
> > > Is it reliable?
> >
> > IME very. Probably around 95% success. If it doesn't work, I use 18185,
> > which is the same company anyway! :)
>
> Thanks.
>
> Although I can't see it lasting, with the termination charges the mobile
> operators charge they're either using this as a big loss leader, or
> they've found a loophole which may get closed once someone realises.
It's certainly an unrealistic price, I agree. Enjoy it while it lasts!
That said, the 18185 price of 5p (albeit with a connection charge of 5p)
has been stable...
> I know people said similar things about 18866 etc, but the termination
> charges to UK mobiles are in a different league to landlines/international
> calls.
It's interesting that it's the same company as 18866 (1899, 18185 etc.)
though.
--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://homepage.mac.com/davidhornecomposer http://soundjunction.org
May 3rd 2006, 11:22 am
#43
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"Ian F." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Mark Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in
> message
>>> But the thing that left me gobsmacked was that incoming calls to guests
>>> are on an 090 number
> It would be an easy matter to find the corresponding geographic number, if
> incoming callers were that bothered.
The 090 number was given on the telephone handset in the bedroom. I rather
suspect that the person answering that number and connecting a caller to
extension 18 would be nowhere near the Cardiff Llanederyn Travelodge.
Thing is, Ian, that the people most likely to call me would be my
octogenarian parents who aren't computer savvy and, even if they were, would
only ring me at a hotel in circumstances where there was some emergency.
Charging people 25 pence a minute to call a relative or friend in a hotel
seems an outrageous scam to me.
Alan Harrison
news:[email protected]...
> "Mark Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in
> message
>>> But the thing that left me gobsmacked was that incoming calls to guests
>>> are on an 090 number
> It would be an easy matter to find the corresponding geographic number, if
> incoming callers were that bothered.
The 090 number was given on the telephone handset in the bedroom. I rather
suspect that the person answering that number and connecting a caller to
extension 18 would be nowhere near the Cardiff Llanederyn Travelodge.
Thing is, Ian, that the people most likely to call me would be my
octogenarian parents who aren't computer savvy and, even if they were, would
only ring me at a hotel in circumstances where there was some emergency.
Charging people 25 pence a minute to call a relative or friend in a hotel
seems an outrageous scam to me.
Alan Harrison
May 3rd 2006, 11:22 am
#44
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
Ian F. wrote:
> "tim (back at home)" <[email protected]> wrote in
> message news:[email protected]...
>> How would you do this?
> In the UK, we have a facility to find real numbers for 0870
> numbers, which is what Travelodge numbers are - not 090.
> http://www.saynoto0870.com/search.php
That site lists less than 7% of the Travelodge sites in the UK. I tried
the M4 Heston Westbound one near Heathrow for example, and it's not
listed there.
--
Richard J.
www.stayparis.net
> "tim (back at home)" <[email protected]> wrote in
> message news:[email protected]...
>> How would you do this?
> In the UK, we have a facility to find real numbers for 0870
> numbers, which is what Travelodge numbers are - not 090.
> http://www.saynoto0870.com/search.php
That site lists less than 7% of the Travelodge sites in the UK. I tried
the M4 Heston Westbound one near Heathrow for example, and it's not
listed there.
--
Richard J.
www.stayparis.net
May 3rd 2006, 11:28 am
#45
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in
message news:1herhh1.1ai1t05jm00ejN%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> ALAN HARRISON <[email protected]> wrote:
>> What I think was more worrying than the incoming calls scam was the
>> inability to phone reception from the rooms. Having had a heart attack
>> (during the night) a few years ago, I wouldn't relish stumbling along the
>> corridor and downstairs to the desk in the event of a repeat performance.
>> ("The guest in number 18 hasn't picked up his breakfast bag and there's a
>> horrible smell coming from the room." :-) )
> Fair enough, but again, most people have mobile phones with them now,
> and lots of people stay in hotels without phones.
I'd got my mobile phone with me, and kept it on the bedside table. The worst
case scenario, I suppose, would be the ambulance crew knocking up the night
porter!
Alan Harrison
prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in
message news:1herhh1.1ai1t05jm00ejN%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> ALAN HARRISON <[email protected]> wrote:
>> What I think was more worrying than the incoming calls scam was the
>> inability to phone reception from the rooms. Having had a heart attack
>> (during the night) a few years ago, I wouldn't relish stumbling along the
>> corridor and downstairs to the desk in the event of a repeat performance.
>> ("The guest in number 18 hasn't picked up his breakfast bag and there's a
>> horrible smell coming from the room." :-) )
> Fair enough, but again, most people have mobile phones with them now,
> and lots of people stay in hotels without phones.
I'd got my mobile phone with me, and kept it on the bedside table. The worst
case scenario, I suppose, would be the ambulance crew knocking up the night
porter!
Alan Harrison
