Apparently, a hotel in Hudson, New York – the Union Street Guest House – had a policy that would charge guests $500 if they, or people in their party, left negative reviews on the internet!
Here is the statement that was on the website as of this morning:
If you have booked the Inn for a wedding or other type of event anywhere in the region and given us a deposit of any kind for guests to stay at USGH there will be a $500 fine that will be deducted from your deposit for every negative review of USGH placed on any internet site by anyone in your party and/or attending your wedding or event. If you stay here to attend a wedding anywhere in the area and leave us a negative review on any internet site you agree to a $500 fine for each negative review.
Not only did they have this policy, but they supposedly did charge brides that fee as well! The hotel claims that the policy was tongue-in-cheek and that it was meant to be taken down years ago. For what it’s worth, it has been taken down now, but not before people trashed the hotel on Yelp.
It’s too bad that a policy like this could affect the business of a hotel that apparently did have many great reviews.
Have you ever stayed here? What was your experience?
HT: Business Insider
I’m thinking that this policy will end the hotel if they are ever sued over it. Its a guests 1st amendment right to discuss good and bad things; a $500 fee for “negative” reviews would seem like an infringment on the individual’s right.
Maybe they can recover by either doing a Spirit Airlines type promo and give away points OR give cash back for good reviews.