who would stay here? motel charges $50 for bad review!

[davidc4430]

Motel guest charged $50 for writing 'defamatory' online review and given 24 hours to remove it

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-03/guest-charged-50-dollars-over-what-motel-claims-is-false-revi...

it read to me like an honest review, not 5 star not a complete carp motel, just average.

would i stay there after reading this story, not on your life.

how to ruin your own business real fast.

if you allow reviews you must accept the good with the bad.

i have half a mind to leave a google review over this.

[imastawka]

I wouldn't stay there just based on the look of the place.

It looks like a public toilet block

But, yeah, I think they killed their own business with the publicity.

[the4masters2013]

Looks like a motel from the 1970's... needs quite a bit of updating to bring it into the 21st century

[imastawka]

The decor is very 70's

Spoiler

                   

This wasn't the only bad review.  There are some terrible ones about the rude staff and money rip offs.

But the bugbear is....adults only - children not welcome

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g528996-d2101225-Reviews-Ocean_View_Motel-Mollymook_Shoa...

[the4masters2013]

my big bear would be the rude staff..unforgivable in this type of industry, or in any retail/customer service industry.

[the4masters2013]

Bug bear.. not big bear! Wish my computer would learn to spell LOL

[hannahmallory]

Ths is a motel so a luxury holiday should not be expected.  Motels are a place to stay that is cheap and convenient in a place that you want to holiday, or somewhere to stay overnight when travelling.

Unless the rooms were filthy or the staff as others say were rude then I don't think a bad review is warranted.  The management though did not do themselves any favours. At first I thought it was just a joke on their part but apparently not.

[davidc4430]

regardless of the quality of the motel, the problem was a charge of $50 for a poor review plus a threat of legal action.

it wouldnt matter if it was the Hilton or Scumbags Overnighters, a client should be free to give an honest review of the place.

i read the review, it was pretty bog standard

for the business to get that outraged was rediculous

particularly when seen in light of the reviews stawks found.

did they sick their lawyers on those reviewers who gave em 1 star and rubbished their service?

i doubt it.

[tasfleur]

I think the motel management will have to give the $50 back if they have taken it, it's an illegal unauthorised charge?

[imastawka]

Tas, they labelled it 'damage to the motel'