UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
May 3rd 2006, 11:37 am
#46
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> The UK Travelodges are somewhat upmarket of the U.S. ones (if only because
> they're newer and haven't had the time to decay...). They're more along
> the lines of Holiday Inn Express.
Last interview I had - which reminds me I must chase them for the
expenses! - I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express. It was a bit dearer than the
Travelodge but rather more like a "real" hotel with a breakfast buffet and
fuller room facilities. In the case of Cardiff, I suspect i could have done
better for twenty quid less in a B & B.
Alan Harrison
news:[email protected]...
> The UK Travelodges are somewhat upmarket of the U.S. ones (if only because
> they're newer and haven't had the time to decay...). They're more along
> the lines of Holiday Inn Express.
Last interview I had - which reminds me I must chase them for the
expenses! - I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express. It was a bit dearer than the
Travelodge but rather more like a "real" hotel with a breakfast buffet and
fuller room facilities. In the case of Cardiff, I suspect i could have done
better for twenty quid less in a B & B.
Alan Harrison
May 3rd 2006, 6:33 pm
#47
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"ALAN HARRISON" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> 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.
Agreed, but I still say there must be an alternative means of reaching
that particular hotel by telephone.
> 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.
Again, I agree. It may be worth taking up with Travelodge, although I
doubt they're the only hotel group that does it. Alternatively, maybe a
consumer correspondent on a national newspaper would be interested.
Ian
news:[email protected]...
> 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.
Agreed, but I still say there must be an alternative means of reaching
that particular hotel by telephone.
> 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.
Again, I agree. It may be worth taking up with Travelodge, although I
doubt they're the only hotel group that does it. Alternatively, maybe a
consumer correspondent on a national newspaper would be interested.
Ian
May 3rd 2006, 6:34 pm
#48
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"Richard J." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected] k...
>> 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.
It's a free site that relies on people sharing information. People who
post numbers there have discovered them by whatever means and post them to
help others.
Ian
news:[email protected] k...
>> 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.
It's a free site that relies on people sharing information. People who
post numbers there have discovered them by whatever means and post them to
help others.
Ian
May 3rd 2006, 7:13 pm
#49
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"tim (back at home)" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "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
How is that different from most other hotels across the world?
news:[email protected]...
> "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
How is that different from most other hotels across the world?
May 3rd 2006, 8:26 pm
#50
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:1herqxd.vfa8gm16425dnN%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> Mark Hewitt <[email protected]> wrote:
>> "David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
>> prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in >
>> > Providing a concierge-style service requires additional staff which
>> > means additional cost. And we reckon that for the sake of a short walk
>> > to the reception desk, customers would rather enjoy our great-value low
>> > room rates. In the event of an emergency you can call 999 direct on the
>> > room phone."
>> Being able to call reception is hardly a concierge style service!
> It is.
Get real. Calling the desk to report a problem is not the same as asking
them to bring your more towels or get them to order you a taxi.
>> What if for example it sounds like the occupants of the next room are
>> about
>> to murder each other, I'm not going to get out of bed in case the knife
>> wielding maniac comes at me, but I might call reception...
> I'd call the police. You must really quake in your bed if you ever stay
> in a hotel without a phone in the room...
I've already said I don't care if there is a phone in the room or not. But
if there is I'd expect it at least to be able to call reception.
prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in
message news:1herqxd.vfa8gm16425dnN%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> Mark Hewitt <[email protected]> wrote:
>> "David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
>> prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in >
>> > Providing a concierge-style service requires additional staff which
>> > means additional cost. And we reckon that for the sake of a short walk
>> > to the reception desk, customers would rather enjoy our great-value low
>> > room rates. In the event of an emergency you can call 999 direct on the
>> > room phone."
>> Being able to call reception is hardly a concierge style service!
> It is.
Get real. Calling the desk to report a problem is not the same as asking
them to bring your more towels or get them to order you a taxi.
>> What if for example it sounds like the occupants of the next room are
>> about
>> to murder each other, I'm not going to get out of bed in case the knife
>> wielding maniac comes at me, but I might call reception...
> I'd call the police. You must really quake in your bed if you ever stay
> in a hotel without a phone in the room...
I've already said I don't care if there is a phone in the room or not. But
if there is I'd expect it at least to be able to call reception.
May 3rd 2006, 8:29 pm
#51
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"ALAN HARRISON" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> The UK Travelodges are somewhat upmarket of the U.S. ones (if only
>> because
>> they're newer and haven't had the time to decay...). They're more along
>> the lines of Holiday Inn Express.
> Last interview I had - which reminds me I must chase them for the
> expenses! - I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express. It was a bit dearer than
> the Travelodge but rather more like a "real" hotel with a breakfast buffet
> and fuller room facilities. In the case of Cardiff, I suspect i could have
> done better for twenty quid less in a B & B.
There is a rough heirarchy of chains such as these. Travelodge pretty much
at the bottom, with Premier Travel Inn ahead, but often not by much. Then
the next tier up you have budget but 'proper' hotels such as Holiday
Inn/Express and Jurys Inn. Then you go to your full price ones.
To me �26 a night is all any of them are really worth, even the posh ones.
news:[email protected]...
> <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> The UK Travelodges are somewhat upmarket of the U.S. ones (if only
>> because
>> they're newer and haven't had the time to decay...). They're more along
>> the lines of Holiday Inn Express.
> Last interview I had - which reminds me I must chase them for the
> expenses! - I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express. It was a bit dearer than
> the Travelodge but rather more like a "real" hotel with a breakfast buffet
> and fuller room facilities. In the case of Cardiff, I suspect i could have
> done better for twenty quid less in a B & B.
There is a rough heirarchy of chains such as these. Travelodge pretty much
at the bottom, with Premier Travel Inn ahead, but often not by much. Then
the next tier up you have budget but 'proper' hotels such as Holiday
Inn/Express and Jurys Inn. Then you go to your full price ones.
To me �26 a night is all any of them are really worth, even the posh ones.
May 4th 2006, 4:09 am
#52
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
On Thu, 4 May 2006 08:13:27 +0100, "Mark Hewitt"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>"tim (back at home)" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> 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
>How is that different from most other hotels across the world?
It's not, what is likely most difference is the very deregulated
telecoms industry and the ease in which the company can monetise it in
the UK.
Jim.
<[email protected]> wrote:
>"tim (back at home)" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> 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
>How is that different from most other hotels across the world?
It's not, what is likely most difference is the very deregulated
telecoms industry and the ease in which the company can monetise it in
the UK.
Jim.
May 4th 2006, 4:11 am
#53
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
On Thu, 4 May 2006 09:26:20 +0100, "Mark Hewitt"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I've already said I don't care if there is a phone in the room or not. But
>if there is I'd expect it at least to be able to call reception.
because of a not serious enough problem to call the police or
ambulance, but serious enough to not be part of a concierge service.
I can't think of anything in that situation, so it would only be used
for calling to ask to get the iron sent up or similar.
Jim.
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I've already said I don't care if there is a phone in the room or not. But
>if there is I'd expect it at least to be able to call reception.
because of a not serious enough problem to call the police or
ambulance, but serious enough to not be part of a concierge service.
I can't think of anything in that situation, so it would only be used
for calling to ask to get the iron sent up or similar.
Jim.
May 4th 2006, 4:14 am
#54
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
On Thu, 4 May 2006 07:34:39 +0100, "Ian F."
<[email protected]> wrote:
>"Richard J." <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]. uk...
>>> 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.
>It's a free site that relies on people sharing information. People who
>post numbers there have discovered them by whatever means and post them to
>help others.
Of course there's no requirements that 0870 terminate on a real
number, I have an 0870 number that doesn't terminate on a real phone
number, let alone ones which have blocked calls from non-0870 numbers
even if they technically have a real number.
Jim.
<[email protected]> wrote:
>"Richard J." <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]. uk...
>>> 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.
>It's a free site that relies on people sharing information. People who
>post numbers there have discovered them by whatever means and post them to
>help others.
Of course there's no requirements that 0870 terminate on a real
number, I have an 0870 number that doesn't terminate on a real phone
number, let alone ones which have blocked calls from non-0870 numbers
even if they technically have a real number.
Jim.
May 4th 2006, 4:18 am
#55
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
On Thu, 4 May 2006 00:37:04 +0100, "ALAN HARRISON"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Last interview I had - which reminds me I must chase them for the
>expenses! - I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express. It was a bit dearer than the
>Travelodge but rather more like a "real" hotel with a breakfast buffet and
>fuller room facilities.
Lots of travel lodges have a breakfast buffet, it's pretty good (well
the one in farringdon is, my regular travel lodge is opposite my
former local and the best in the country greasy spoon where they still
remind me of the order I actually want when I'm still too asleep to
remember the right adjustments, so I never use that one (and wouldn't
use the others unless someone else has pre-paid it)
What other in room facillities are you missing?
Jim.
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Last interview I had - which reminds me I must chase them for the
>expenses! - I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express. It was a bit dearer than the
>Travelodge but rather more like a "real" hotel with a breakfast buffet and
>fuller room facilities.
Lots of travel lodges have a breakfast buffet, it's pretty good (well
the one in farringdon is, my regular travel lodge is opposite my
former local and the best in the country greasy spoon where they still
remind me of the order I actually want when I'm still too asleep to
remember the right adjustments, so I never use that one (and wouldn't
use the others unless someone else has pre-paid it)
What other in room facillities are you missing?
Jim.
May 4th 2006, 4:26 am
#56
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
On Wed, 3 May 2006 12:30:27 +0100, "Mark Hewitt"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I did assume (it seems wrongly) that you could call reception from
>the phones. If only to complain that your TV wasn't working properly, which
>in the dozens of travelodges I've stayed in, it never has.
The Travelodge I last stayed in (over the weekend as it happens -
Morcott near Uppingham, Rutland) gave me the opportunity to deal with
this problem.
If you point the remote, not at the tv set but under it, at the big
black control box on the wall below the desk, channel change happens
instantly.
If you point the remote at the tv, you need several attempts to change
channel.
Keith, Bristol, UK
Email: usenet[dot]20[dot]keefy[at]spamgourmet[dot]com
This is a sp*mtrap, but I will get your mail!
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I did assume (it seems wrongly) that you could call reception from
>the phones. If only to complain that your TV wasn't working properly, which
>in the dozens of travelodges I've stayed in, it never has.
The Travelodge I last stayed in (over the weekend as it happens -
Morcott near Uppingham, Rutland) gave me the opportunity to deal with
this problem.
If you point the remote, not at the tv set but under it, at the big
black control box on the wall below the desk, channel change happens
instantly.
If you point the remote at the tv, you need several attempts to change
channel.
Keith, Bristol, UK
Email: usenet[dot]20[dot]keefy[at]spamgourmet[dot]com
This is a sp*mtrap, but I will get your mail!
May 4th 2006, 9:01 am
#57
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
Mark Hewitt <[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:1herqxd.vfa8gm16425dnN%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> > Mark Hewitt <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> >> "David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
> >> prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in >
> >> > Providing a concierge-style service requires additional staff which
> >> > means additional cost. And we reckon that for the sake of a short walk
> >> > to the reception desk, customers would rather enjoy our great-value low
> >> > room rates. In the event of an emergency you can call 999 direct on the
> >> > room phone."
> >>
> >> Being able to call reception is hardly a concierge style service!
> >
> > It is.
>
> Get real. Calling the desk to report a problem is not the same as asking
> them to bring your more towels or get them to order you a taxi.
Actually, it is. If the radiator isn't working, the TV doesn't switch
on, or you need more towels, then that's in the realm of the concierge.
If you need to report that the people in the room next door might kill
each other I suggest you call the police direct. From the hotel phone.
--
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:1herqxd.vfa8gm16425dnN%this_address_is_for_sp [email protected]...
> > Mark Hewitt <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> >> "David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
> >> prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in >
> >> > Providing a concierge-style service requires additional staff which
> >> > means additional cost. And we reckon that for the sake of a short walk
> >> > to the reception desk, customers would rather enjoy our great-value low
> >> > room rates. In the event of an emergency you can call 999 direct on the
> >> > room phone."
> >>
> >> Being able to call reception is hardly a concierge style service!
> >
> > It is.
>
> Get real. Calling the desk to report a problem is not the same as asking
> them to bring your more towels or get them to order you a taxi.
Actually, it is. If the radiator isn't working, the TV doesn't switch
on, or you need more towels, then that's in the realm of the concierge.
If you need to report that the people in the room next door might kill
each other I suggest you call the police direct. From the hotel phone.
--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://homepage.mac.com/davidhornecomposer http://soundjunction.org
May 4th 2006, 9:03 am
#58
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
Keith Anderson <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Wed, 3 May 2006 12:30:27 +0100, "Mark Hewitt"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
> >I did assume (it seems wrongly) that you could call reception from
> >the phones. If only to complain that your TV wasn't working properly, which
> >in the dozens of travelodges I've stayed in, it never has.
>
> The Travelodge I last stayed in (over the weekend as it happens -
> Morcott near Uppingham, Rutland) gave me the opportunity to deal with
> this problem.
>
> If you point the remote, not at the tv set but under it, at the big
> black control box on the wall below the desk, channel change happens
> instantly.
>
> If you point the remote at the tv, you need several attempts to change
> channel.
Actually, I've stayed in a few travelodges where the remote simply
didn't work, and they had to give me new ones. Nothing to do with where
I pointed it!
--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://homepage.mac.com/davidhornecomposer http://soundjunction.org
> On Wed, 3 May 2006 12:30:27 +0100, "Mark Hewitt"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
> >I did assume (it seems wrongly) that you could call reception from
> >the phones. If only to complain that your TV wasn't working properly, which
> >in the dozens of travelodges I've stayed in, it never has.
>
> The Travelodge I last stayed in (over the weekend as it happens -
> Morcott near Uppingham, Rutland) gave me the opportunity to deal with
> this problem.
>
> If you point the remote, not at the tv set but under it, at the big
> black control box on the wall below the desk, channel change happens
> instantly.
>
> If you point the remote at the tv, you need several attempts to change
> channel.
Actually, I've stayed in a few travelodges where the remote simply
didn't work, and they had to give me new ones. Nothing to do with where
I pointed it!
--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://homepage.mac.com/davidhornecomposer http://soundjunction.org
May 4th 2006, 7:46 pm
#59
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 >
> Actually, it is. If the radiator isn't working, the TV doesn't switch
> on, or you need more towels, then that's in the realm of the concierge.
I disagree. To me concierge are services above and beyond the 'basic'. A TV
or radiator not working is fault and I expect it to be sorted out without me
having to go back to reception. I don't care if I'm paying �10 or �110.
prestwich tesco 24h offy" <[email protected]> wrote in >
> Actually, it is. If the radiator isn't working, the TV doesn't switch
> on, or you need more towels, then that's in the realm of the concierge.
I disagree. To me concierge are services above and beyond the 'basic'. A TV
or radiator not working is fault and I expect it to be sorted out without me
having to go back to reception. I don't care if I'm paying �10 or �110.
May 4th 2006, 7:48 pm
#60
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: UK - Travelodge hotels - a bizarre scam
"Jim Ley" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Thu, 4 May 2006 00:37:04 +0100, "ALAN HARRISON"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>Last interview I had - which reminds me I must chase them for the
>>expenses! - I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express. It was a bit dearer than
>>the
>>Travelodge but rather more like a "real" hotel with a breakfast buffet and
>>fuller room facilities.
> Lots of travel lodges have a breakfast buffet, it's pretty good (well
> the one in farringdon is, my regular travel lodge is opposite my
> former local and the best in the country greasy spoon where they still
> remind me of the order I actually want when I'm still too asleep to
> remember the right adjustments, so I never use that one (and wouldn't
> use the others unless someone else has pre-paid it)
> What other in room facillities are you missing?
The bigger ones have breakfast buffets, the smaller ones tend not to have
anything except a reception. Even when they do have a breakfast served it's
something like �7 which is crazy IMO. Instead I usually buy the prepacked
bowls of cereal from the garage, 89p each. Cheap? Me?
news:[email protected]...
> On Thu, 4 May 2006 00:37:04 +0100, "ALAN HARRISON"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>Last interview I had - which reminds me I must chase them for the
>>expenses! - I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express. It was a bit dearer than
>>the
>>Travelodge but rather more like a "real" hotel with a breakfast buffet and
>>fuller room facilities.
> Lots of travel lodges have a breakfast buffet, it's pretty good (well
> the one in farringdon is, my regular travel lodge is opposite my
> former local and the best in the country greasy spoon where they still
> remind me of the order I actually want when I'm still too asleep to
> remember the right adjustments, so I never use that one (and wouldn't
> use the others unless someone else has pre-paid it)
> What other in room facillities are you missing?
The bigger ones have breakfast buffets, the smaller ones tend not to have
anything except a reception. Even when they do have a breakfast served it's
something like �7 which is crazy IMO. Instead I usually buy the prepacked
bowls of cereal from the garage, 89p each. Cheap? Me?
