Cancer is Complimentary

sturll

I posted a review of the Westin LAX on trip advisor. I have about 30 published reviews and i always push the boundaries with my unbiased reviews.

However i got an email from Trip advisor saying they could not publish my review of the Westin due to 'potentially libelous and unfounded claims'

The issue is this picture:


I had parked my car and noticed this right at the side of the elevator.

I feel Trip Advisor has let itself down on this occasion. Since the Westin is supposed to be a top end hotel (at LAX) i was very surpirsed that they just put up a sign and its business as usual! Trip advisors refusal to publish a a review citing the claims has really left a bitter taste and seems to go against their whole ethos of unbiased user reviews.

Has anyone else had reviews denied?

stoneman

Is the picture the only contentious issue? Or did you also write something defamatory, can you post a copy of your report?

sturll

stoneman wrote: »

Is the picture the only contentious issue? Or did you also write something defamatory, can you post a copy of your report?

I wish i could but my report has completely vanished. I didn't linger too much on the issue, just that i felt it important people staying there, particularly pregnant women should be aware.

The remainder of the review concerned on the excruciatingly high prices of the hotel and parking. Even in hindsight i dont feel there was anything libelous about the review that couldnt be substantiated.

greenface

so what that means is "so then we told ya"

stoneman

Does seem a bit naughty of Trip adviser to delete your report on something like this. AFAIKS you just printed a photo that anyone could see anyway, and were just bringing it to peoples attention, which of course is what TA is there for. BTW I once had a report deleted from there as well, about The Platinum in Vegas.

sturll

stoneman wrote: »

Does seem a bit naughty of Trip adviser to delete your report on something like this. AFAIKS you just printed a photo that anyone could see anyway, and were just bringing it to peoples attention, which of course is what TA is there for. BTW I once had a report deleted from there as well, about The Platinum in Vegas.

I completely agree, out of curiosity what was your review rubbished for?

sturll

Atomised wrote: »

What on earth?! The Hotel contains cancer causing chemicals?
Tripadvisor is a new site to me , i've been wondering if the reviews are genuine. Is the picture copyrighted?

No, i took the photo myself on my phone. So whilst it is property of mine it is not copyrighted.

Tojo_Ralph

Did you post the picture, quote from the plaque or pass an opinion on its content?

If you write a review and simply quote the contents of the plaque along with the image and a short non opinionated factual comment, then I don't see what objection Tripadvisor can possibly have and having had a quick look (see review 29th Aug) you would not be the first person to mention it?

sturll

Tojo_Ralph wrote: »

Did you post the picture, quote from the plaque or pass an opinion on its content?

If you write a review and simply quote the contents of the plaque along with the image and a short non opinionated factual comment, then I don't see what objection Tripadvisor can possibly have?

I posted the picture and basically said i felt anyone considering whether or not to choose the Westin should be aware of the potential health hazards present within the hotel as clearly explained on the plaque.

I admit this has left me a bit dumbfounded.

Tojo_Ralph

sturll wrote: »

I admit this has left me a bit dumbfounded.

I had a quick look at the hotel description on SPG and I could see no mention of the issue..... Which given the frequency of lawsuits in the USA I find very suprising.

It goes without saying at this point that the realistic health risk is unknown.

moonrakerz

sturll wrote: »

I wish i could but my report has completely vanished. I didn't linger too much on the issue, just that i felt it important people staying there, particularly pregnant women should be aware.
.

Your house has probably got more dangerous chemicals in it than the hotel. Some over-zealous twit has decided that this notice will protect them from law suits, without having the common sense to realise the adverse effects it would have on potential guests.

Having said that, I can only assume that Tripadvisor use the same pillock to vet the reviews on their site.He probably bans conker fights as well.
TBH I would ignore the notice.