Reviews - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-28T14:26:20Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/ReviewsYHA Kenya Travel 8 Days Hot Air Balloon Combined Nairobi/ Masai Mara/ Lake Nakuru And Amboseli Budget Safari.https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/yha-kenya-travel-8-days-hot-air-balloon-combined-nairobi-masai2021-07-17T19:48:11.000Z2021-07-17T19:48:11.000ZYHA Kenya Travelhttps://tripatini.com/members/yhakenyatravel<div><p><span><strong>YHA Kenya Travel 8 Days Nairobi/ Masai Mara/ Lake Nakuru And Amboseli Budget Safari.</strong></span></p><p><span><strong>Day 1 Arrival- Nairobi.</strong></span></p><p><span>Pick up from Airport on arrival transfer you to your hotel in Nairobi for overnight stay.</span></p><p><span><strong>Day 2: Nairobi Day Trip Sightseeing Tours Activity.</strong></span></p><p><span>After an early morning breakfast a pick up from your hotel at 06:30 am, the tour begins with a visit to the Nairobi National park through the main gate for a 3-hour game drive. Your guide will be aiming to show you as much variety of animals as possible. If you're lucky, you may spot the rhinos and lions getting ready for the evening. We use a safari van with a pop up roof for easier game viewing and not a small saloon car. After game treat for lunch at L U N C H A T O L O L O L O D G E</span></p><p><span>After lunch leave for the giraffe Centre. Here you see the magnificent creatures and learn why they are endangered. You will also learn their behaviours, traits and more conservation education. To cap the visit, you get the chance to feed them under the supervision of a trained staff member.</span></p><p><span> </span></p><p><span>Head to the Karen Blixen Museum, where you'll learn about the history, culture and traditions of Kenya's diverse people.</span></p><p><span>Your tour will finish around 4:30pm with drop off at your hotel for a deserved rest.</span></p><p></p><p><span><strong>Day 3: Nairobi/Masai Mara.</strong></span></p><p><span>Pick up from your hotel in the morning at 7.30 am and head west for Maasai Mara Game Reserve for lunch at the camp followed by afternoon game drive in the game reserve which is Kenya's finest wildlife sanctuary. Including migrants, well over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. Although July, August, and September are the months when the Mara plains are filled with migrating wildebeest and zebra, there is also resident wildlife year round. The famous Maasai tribesmen live within the dispersal area of the game reserve.</span></p><p><span>Tour Type: Kenya Budget Adventure Camping Safaris.</span></p><p><span>Main destination: Maasai Mara Game Reserve Kenya.</span></p><p><span>Accommodation: Budget Tented Camp Masai Mara Kenya.</span></p><p><span>Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)</span></p><p><span>Meal Plan { Lunch & Dinner}</span></p><p><span><strong>Day 4:.</strong></span> <span><strong> Balloon Safari Exploring in Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya.</strong></span></p><p><span>Wake up early and embark on an hour-long balloon safari over the vast plains of the Masai Mara National Game Reserve.</span></p><p><span>The dawn scenery from the balloon is breathtaking as you float above the diverse habitats of Masai Mara Reserve covering the mighty river 'The Mara River', swamps and forests. Hot Air Balloon Ride in the African Sky.</span></p><p><span>Treat yourself to a Hot Air Balloon Safari Adventure in Masai Mara Kenya.</span></p><p><span>Your Balloon Safari Itinerary.</span></p><p><span>04:15 AM Wakeup call</span></p><p><span>06:00 AM Tea or Coffee</span></p><p><span>06:15 AM Drive to Balloon Launch site.</span></p><p><span>06:30 AM Balloon Safari Flight take off.</span></p><p><span>The flight duration is about one hour floating in the Savannah plains over the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. This flight travels up to 25 km depending on the wind condition, mostly the winds move towards the south deep into the Masai Mara reserve where the balloons land.</span></p><p><span>Moments after landing a luxurious champagne breakfast awaits you, you are served and continue with the land game drives for the day or head back to your Camp / Lodge (Mara Chui Resort)</span></p><p><span><strong>Day 5: Masai Mara / Lake Nakuru.</strong></span></p><p><span>Pre- breakfast game drive, return to campsite for late breakfast and leave your campsite and proceed to Lake Nakuru arriving in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at a Nakuru Hotel.</span></p><p><span>Tour Type: Kenya Budget Adventure Camping Safaris.</span></p><p><span>Main destination: Lake Nakuru National Park Kenya.</span></p><p><span>Accommodation: Budget Hotel Nakuru.</span></p><p><span>Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)</span></p><p><span>Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}</span></p><p></p><p><span><strong>Day 6: Nakuru /Amboseli.</strong></span></p><p><span>After breakfast, proceed for an extensive morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park to see the many animals that inhabit this unique park. Lake Nakuru is known for its millions of flamingos and other water birds. Leave lake Nakuru National Park to proceed to Amboseli National Park with lunch enroute for dinner and overnight at a campsite in Amboseli.</span></p><p><span>Tour Type: Kenya Budget Adventure Camping Safaris.</span></p><p><span>Main destination: Lake Nakuru / Amboseli National Parks Kenya.</span></p><p><span>Accommodation: Budget Camp Amboseli..</span></p><p><span>Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)</span></p><p><span>Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}</span></p><p><span><strong>Day 7: Safari Exploring Amboseli National Park Kenya.</strong></span></p><p><span>A full day of game viewing in the Park. Amboseli National Park is located at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. The snows of the mountain form a majestic backdrop to one of Kenya's most popular spectacular displays of wildlife - lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, cheetah, buffalo and host of plains game, creating Kenya's most sought after photographer's paradise. Meals and overnight at the camp.</span></p><p><span>Optional Adventure Activity Whilst in Amboseli National Park</span></p><p><span>Visit Masai Village at US$ 25 per person</span></p><p><span>Main destination: Budget Safari Amboseli National Park</span></p><p><span>Accommodation: Tented Camps/Lodges</span></p><p><span>Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)</span></p><p><span>Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}</span></p><p></p><p><span><strong>Day 8: Explore Amboseli Park & Drive to Nairobi Kenya</strong></span><span>.</span></p><p><span>Proceed for an early morning game drive before breaking camp and drive north, This Memorable 8 Days Kenya adventure safari Safari ends upon arrival back in Nairobi at about 15.30 hrs. With sweet memories.</span></p><p><span>Meal Plan ( Breakfast & Lunch).</span></p><p><strong>Enquire about Pricing</strong></p><p><span><strong>What's included</strong></span></p><p><span><strong>WHAT’S INCLUDED ON THE PRICE.</strong></span></p><p><span>-Transport to Masai Mara and back based on our customised seven-seater safari Vehicle with specially modified suspension, full-length photographic roof hatches and seats designed with seat belt and all clients are guaranteed window seats.</span></p><p><span>- All game Park Entrance fees</span></p><p><span>-Hot air balloon Safari Flight/certificate if you take this option</span></p><p><span>- All Camping Fees</span></p><p><span>- Full board accommodation offered in a budget or semi luxury large spacious tent, all en suite bathrooms with hot and cold shower, flash toilet.</span></p><p><span>* Unlimited game drives</span></p><p><span>* Three meals a day while on budget Safari</span></p><p><span>* Airport picks up on arrival and depurture in Nairobi if any.</span></p><p><span>* Use of our Professional Driver Guide.</span></p><p><span>* Drinking Mineral Water.</span></p><p></p><p><span><strong>What's excluded</strong></span></p><p><span><strong>Exclusions in the Price?</strong></span></p><p><span>* 1 and Last Night Nairobi Accommodation</span></p><p><span>*Tips for guides</span></p><p><span>*Personal Insuarance</span></p><p><span>*Personal spending money</span></p><p><span>*Drinks/beers/sodas etc.</span></p><p><span>*Laundry Services at camp</span></p><p><span>*Telephone</span></p><p><span>WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU.</span></p><p><span>Camera, Hat, sunglasses, flashlight, warm clothes for evening weather.</span></p><p>We look forward to serving you, Family and or your friends for many more years to come.</p><p><span>All prices with local payments are subject to change.</span></p><p><span><strong><a href="http://yhakenyatraveltoursandsafaris.emyspot.com/contact/con.html"><em>Enquire About This Safari>>></em></a></strong></span></p><p><span>YHA-Kenya Travel Tours And Safaris.</span></p><p><span><a href="http://yhakenyatraveltoursandsafaris.emyspot.com/contact/con.html">Click Here To Book This Tour.</a><br /> Call us now or Enquire by Email: mgichohi@aol.com or yhakenyatravel@aol.com<br />Call / WhatsApp Us +254722655321 +254713713831<br />Facebook Like: <a href="https://web.facebook.com/yhakenyatravel/%C2%A0">https://web.facebook.com/yhakenyatravel/ </a>;<br />Website: <a href="http://yhakenyatraveltoursandsafaris.emyspot.com/%C2%A0">http://yhakenyatraveltoursandsafaris.emyspot.com/ </a>;</span></p><p>YHA KENYA TRAVEL REVIEWS LINKS.</p><p>Facebook= <a href="https://web.facebook.com/pg/yhakenyatravel/reviews/">https://web.facebook.com/pg/yhakenyatravel/reviews/</a></p><p>Your African Safari= <a href="http://www.yourafricansafari.com/african-safari-tour-operator/yha-kenya-travel-tours-safaris/reviews">http://www.yourafricansafari.com/african-safari-tour-operator/yha-kenya-travel-tours-safaris/reviews</a></p><p>Trip Advisor= <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g294207-d12373663-Reviews-YHA_Kenya_Travel-Nairobi.html">https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g294207-d12373663-Reviews-YHA_Kenya_Travel-Nairobi.html</a></p><p>Safari Reviews: <a href="https://www.safarireviews.com/operator/yha-kenya-travel-tours-and-safaris">https://www.safarireviews.com/operator/yha-kenya-travel-tours-and-safaris</a></p><p>Google Maps Business Listings:<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115450260746571028908/reviews/@-1.2947887,36.8570904,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m3!8m2!3m1!1e1?hl=en-KE">https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115450260746571028908/reviews/@-1.2947887,36.8570904,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m3!8m2!3m1!1e1?hl=en-KE</a></p><p></p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qIC8cA-5A90?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div>Data Darwinism: Of Survival and Reviewshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/data-darwinism-of-survival-and-reviews2013-07-23T11:30:00.000Z2013-07-23T11:30:00.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008782298,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008782298,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="298" alt="9008782298?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Reviews do matter, but what seems to matter more is who writes them, and the question, can they be predicted?<br /> And it seems <a href="https://www.airbnb.com" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> is saying, "yes."<br /> <br /> <strong>Booking an Airbnb place anywhere can be a 50-50 proposition, but it's the very unpredictability and rich individuality of each place that makes the stays (and the site) so undeniably attractive. </strong><br /> <br /> In a delightful comment, <a href="http://gigaom.com/2013/07/22/airbnb-calculates-who-gets-and-gives-the-best-reviews-and-young-hosts-dont-look-good/" target="_blank">GigaOm</a>, a data science and social web site, says reviews do indeed matter more and more b<strong>ecause we are in an age of "Data Darwinism," where "those who get the best reviews thrive."</strong><br /> <br /> So what did Airbnb discover? Blog post author Riley Newman reports that <strong>youngish guests and males give better reviews.</strong><br /> <br /> • Older hosts and female hosts get better reviews<br /> • Earlier booking correlates with better reviews<br /> • Smaller groups tend to give better reviews<br /> • Tthe best city to stay in according to positive reviews, is Tampa, Florida<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:13px;">Does this data matter?</span> <strong style="font-size:13px;">Should, as Om asks, Airbnb hosts begin to chose potential guests based in part on factors like gender, age, group size?<br /> <br /></strong> <span style="font-size:13px;">While it's true that analyzing reviews is not an exact science, or a science at all, given the role data is playing in todays travel marketing world, we suspect all sites with anything to offer will offer them to targeted groups...like those who write the best reviews.<br /> <br /></span> <span style="font-size:13px;">But post author Newman does a good job in nuancing the results.</span></p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008782298,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008782298,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="298" alt="9008782298?profile=original" /></a></strong><br /> <br /> Still, we suspect the analysis will find its way quickly into targeted marketing. And why not?</p><p></p></div>New "exClone" brings AI to the Travel Industryhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/new-exclone-brings-ai-to-the-travel-industry2015-02-08T17:52:31.000Z2015-02-08T17:52:31.000ZPhil Butlerhttps://tripatini.com/members/PhilButler<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008926456,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008926456,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" class="align-center" alt="9008926456?profile=original" /></a></p><p>The birth of a new "exClone" unveils another world of potential for tech in travel. <a href="http://phil.voyage/plogin.aspx" target="_blank">Phil Voyager</a>, a project I've been working with these past months, it's artificial intelligence conceived of for cloning travel expertise. <strong><br /><br />A Primer On Semantic Technologies<br /><br /></strong>Years ago I was introduced to technologies that would eventually alter the very communicative fabric of humankind. About a decade ago, technology writers like me were sent countless press releases about the most fabulous, and the most ridiculous technological innovations of the 20th century. Developers, they wanted tech bloggers and journalists to herald their inventiveness, to evangelize their paradigm shifting innovations and ideas. And we did, boy did we. <br /><br />One of these technologies, so-called "semantic search," was a precursory attempt at creating real machine learning. More than this, "natural language search" possessed the possibility science fiction writers and enthusiasts had so admired for decades. Companies like Powerset, hakia, Wikia Search, and scores more took on Yahoo and Google in a quest to produce truly smart query and communications. While Google still prevailed at web search, the truly "smart machine" remained undiscovered. Since 2007 or 2008 though, no real contender in "AI" has emerged. But if the fates serve to show anything, it's that perseverance rules human endeavor. Phil Voyager is aptly named by old friends, the artificial intelligence in beta testing now, is a viable attempt to clone human expertise. exClone Inc. has announced Version V of exClone technology. <br /><br /><strong>Cloning A Travel Buddy<br /><br /></strong>Accessible for private testing at <a href="http://phil.voyage/" target="_blank" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1423205426200_1952" name="yui_3_16_0_1_1423205426200_1952">http://phil.voyage</a>, this exClone model will be open for Facebook users for a limited time. The <span>full-scale commercial entity "Phil" is scheduled to be launched later on this year. But for the casual observer, or for the interested technology expert, Phil the Voyager is a great example of the drastic difference in between simple search, and rich conversation or chat. While search</span> inhibits information gathering efficiency by using only a single query at a time, talking to an intelligent "clone" like Phil is a far more compelling and worthwhile experience. <br /><br />The developers at exClone, I've known the team some years now. Their grasp up technology today, it propels them to create machines that not only learn, but to actually clone expertise and intellect that adapts to situations and conversations. In effect, chatting with "Phil" enables the clone to learn such things as; where a user has visited, positive and negative aspects of those places, and other aspects of a user's travel experiences. To quote from the just released press on this exClone:<br /><br /></p><blockquote><p>"This component makes Phil an organic system, constantly learning and growing to expand its knowledge, just like all other exCLones."</p></blockquote><p><br />Etienne Paris, the spokesperson for the company, added this via the press: <br /><br /></p><blockquote><p id="yui_3_16_0_1_1423205426200_1738">"Phil the Voyager shows the importance of a Chat solution versus a mere Search solution, and Phil paves the way for turning websites into Talksites." </p></blockquote><p class="c3"></p><p class="c3">I urge you to test Phil the Voyager for a window into what will be a travel companion like no other we've seen. In a few months, what were static reviews or recommendations offered by strangers, might well become a trusted tourism partner of your own making. Your exClone travel agent will be more like you than you ever imagined, but powered by the travel knowledge of the whole world. Think about it. <br /><br />Meanwhile here's some more information about my friends and colleagues at exClone:<br /><br /><em><b>exClone, Inc.</b> (exClone.com) is a New York City based startup company specializing in talking agents via the digital cloning of human expertise, with the promise of capturing, preserving, and improving knowledge for eternity in the digital realm. Once "born," an exClone starts its own life by constantly reading material on the Internet and following the personality traits and interests of its creator. An exClone also chats with people online (similar to chatting on Skype or Facebook), sharing its expert knowledge while learning from social conversations. The capacity of an exClone to learn and expand its knowledge is unlimited. </em></p><p id="yui_3_16_0_1_1423205426200_1745"><em>Media contact: Etienne Paris, 786.218.3146, <a href="mailto:eti@exClone.com" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1423205426200_1744" name="yui_3_16_0_1_1423205426200_1744">eti@exClone.com</a></em></p><p id="yui_3_16_0_1_1423205426200_1763"><em><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1423205426200_1768">Media Contact:</b> Riza berkan, exClone, Inc., 917-374-6608, <a href="mailto:riza.berkan@exclone.com" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1423205426200_1976" name="yui_3_16_0_1_1423205426200_1976">riza.berkan@exclone.com</a></em></p><p></p></div>Tasting Wines of Moroccohttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/tasting-wines-of-morocco2013-12-04T17:24:43.000Z2013-12-04T17:24:43.000ZSteve Mirskyhttps://tripatini.com/members/SteveMirsky964<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008812255,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008812255,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="211" alt="9008812255?profile=original" /></a>Morocco may not be the first country that comes to mind when contemplating the world's greatest wine regions. But despite its large Islamic population, Morocco has historically been a prolific wine producing country. As far back as 2,500 years ago, this part of North Africa completed an arc of wine growing regions spanning the Mediterranean weaving through Italy, Greece, Turkey.</p><p>Truth be told, Morocco saved France's ass during the late 19th century phylloxera devastation. French growers immigrated to Morocco's disease-free growing environment, unique soil diversity, and a temperate climate to cultivate Euro-centric Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc while discovering indigenous varietals like Faranah and local Carignan as well. As a result, French winemakers secretly produced "French" wines in Morocco making the country a significant exporter. Now the Arab world's largest wine producer, Morocco produces 40 million bottles per year.</p><p>Following the footstep of the French appellation system, Morocco yields 14 Appellation of Origin Guaranteed (AOGs) and 1 Appellation of Origin Controlled (AOC). <a href="http://www.nomadicdistribution.com/morocco.html#!ouled-thaleb/c194g" target="_blank">Domaine Ouled Thaleb</a> has led Morocco's wine industry since 1923 plowing and weeding their fields by hand with no herbicides or fungicides.</p><p>Ouled Thaleb Winery's vines are located in AOG Zenata in the <a href="http://www.wineareas.com/www/en/winearea/winearea/505_rabat-casablanca.html" target="_blank">Rabat/Casablanca region</a>. The vineyard's mountainous property, 10 miles northeast of Casablanca, benefits from cooling breezes off the Atlantic. Ouled Thaleb is 1 of 2 Moroccan producers currently available in the U.S..</p><p>Here is a tasting profile of Ouled Thaleb's latest lineup:</p><p><strong>Moroccan White Blend 2012</strong>: An intriguing blend featuring 60% native Faranah with Clairette Blanche, a variety commonly found in southern France, though rarely used outside of table wines. Sweet nectar framed in citrus on the nose breaks out onto the palate with the same beloved characteristics. Equally at home with delicate fish as with grilled meats, this wine is a refreshing palate cleanser with an intriguing balance of sweet nectar and bracing Chardonnay-like astringency.</p><p><strong>Moroccan Red Blend 2012</strong>: 70% Cabernet dominates the nose on this deep ruby-red blend aged 10 months in oak barrels. While the other 30% Grenache tempers the tannins and medium acids with a bouquet that’s bright and vibrant, this wine is straight up balanced ripe plum punctuated with faint eucalyptus on the nose. Smooth yet definitive smoky buttery brambleberry on the palate. Not deep-dark but even and clean balance of blackberry and sweet grape with the ever present spicy patina present in all of these Moroccan blends. Wondrous when paired with chocolate.</p><p><strong>Medallion 2011</strong>: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon wows with an artful restraint of tannins, fruity depth, and jammy spiciness that fully blossoms on the palate with rich plum on the nose. Close your eyes and envision the markets of Marakesh. This wine ignites a fiery edge to grilled steaks or simply enliven a tube steak.</p><p><strong>Syrah 2010</strong>: Peppery black plum, cherry, and aromatic spices permeate this ruby red Syrah. Strength radiates from bright medium oak tannins all the way to finish reminiscent of fresh ground cloves. Save this one for pairing with powerful roast meats and dark wild game.</p><p><strong>Moroccan Rosé 2012</strong>: Emphasizing the dry potential of rosé over the sweet, this blend of three red grapes (60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Cinsault) yields a surprisingly light salmon/rose color with cranberry and floral starting on the nose and extending to the palate.</p><p><strong>Sauvignon Blanc 2012</strong>: This 100% Sauvignon Blanc undergoes low-temperature fermentation in stainless steel tanks and no oak aging yields a rich pleasant spiciness throughout the nose and mouth feel. A fine well rounded vintage that pairs well with curried dishes, rich cheeses and cured meats. Or on is gloriously well balanced drinking experience.</p><blockquote><p><em>Photo courtesy of Ouled Thaleb. Coverage made possible by participating in a sponsored tasting.</em></p></blockquote></div>New Innkeepers Use Social Media To Attract New Guests (Video)https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/new-innkeepers-use-social2011-02-01T00:30:00.000Z2011-02-01T00:30:00.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xpKEwqC2k1CR6IjvZIl7tw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AnBusKXSA8o/TUQ3R1Gv-dI/AAAAAAAACQI/ZFELP-6tMGc/s800/Efortyputney.jpg" height="192" width="288" alt="Efortyputney.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/travel.video/NMTImages?feat=embedwebsite">NMT Images</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Please watch the 1- minute, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZiKB8Ge3kY" target="_blank">Travel Video PostCard</a> at the end of this post</p><p> </p><p><strong>New Innkeepers Use Social Media To Attract New Guests</strong><br /><br />In the highly individualistic culture of the Bed and Breakfast business, Tim and Amy Brady are fast becoming the "go to" couple for B and B owners and operators eager to gain access to the powers of social media marketing, and improving the guest experiences in the process.<br /><br />The 30 something, very cool couple are decidedly not what one thinks of when one thinks of innkeepers. <br /><br />Amy is known to change the color of her long auburn hair on a whim or season, and Tim, a former NJ cop, speaks with breath taking speed, describing himself as a <em>bona fide</em> "B and B geek"who toyed with computers as a kid.<br /><br />Today he’s quickly becoming a poster boy for a new generation of innkeepers.<br /><br />We sat in their intimate pub (the Bradys are true beer aficianados), part of their comfortable and roomy six room inn, <a href="http://www.fortyputneyroad.com/" target="_blank">40 Putney Road</a>, in Brattelboro, Vermont, and listened as Tim discussed a recent Trip Advisor research project between the review giant and The <a href="http://www.innkeeping.org" target="_blank">Professional Association of Innkeepers International</a> (PAII). <br /><br />The surprise discovery? A whopping 95 percent of travelers never consider staying at a B and B when making travel plans.<br /><br />Tim said that the main reason travelers are B and B averse, especially younger travelers, is that they don't want to have to talk to strangers or eat breakfast with people they don’t know. <br /><br />In other words the "new" traveler doesn’t seek the very intimate experience for which inns and B and B's world-wide are celebrated.<br /><br />"We know from the study," Tim says , "that these travelers are afraid of the B and B experience... " “Yes,” Amy interrupts, in the manner of couples everywhere. "They don't want the innkeepers hovering over them, being sure their needs are met. They want more anonymity."<br /><br />The Bradys rose to the marketing challenge of "converting" the resort and hotel-stayers into B and B guests<br />by employing a range of social media strategies. <br /><br />First thing we did, Tim said, was to make a handful of non-promotional, fun videos an post them on YouTube and other video sharing sites. <br /><br />Where it was once a "good idea" to make a video for your B and B, it's now essential, he believes, and he’s smart enough to know that in the social media rule book, the videos can’t be overtly promotional. They have to be, and they are, friendly, natural, casual and non-professional, like the one on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9DWeN0VPA8" target="_blank">The Ghosts of Southern Vermont</a>.<br /><br />More importantly perhaps, the Bradys adhere to the classic social media principle that the guest experiences at an inn or hotel or B and B must begin well before the guest arrives. <br /><br />“It's great,” Tim says. "From the moment the guest begins the search process, through the booking process up ro when they arrive, we are in touch with them sharing updates, changes, news."<br /><br />By the time a guest arrives everyone is on the same page; expectations have been managed and, Tim laughs over another glass of micro-brewed beer, "the guests arrive knowing more about us than we do ourselves!"<br /><br />Tim and Amy break another rule of traditional hospitality strategies : They don't encourage guests to write reviews on Trip Advisor or other review sites. <br /><br />"Why should the dialogue, the conversation be between our guests and Trip Advisor?" Brady asks. "How does that help us or help our guests? People who stay with us know they can reach us directly with suggestions and criticisms on Facebook, email, texting....and they know we listen to them and incorporate what they have to say."<br /><br />Tim and Amy are energized by the challenge of reaching the 95 percent that have never considered a B and B stay. But they know the only way to reach them is to engage them in a robust conversation via social media, and to reassure them that not all B and B's are frilly Victorian places with hovering innkeepers.<br /><br />Certainly 40 Putney isn't. It's comfortable, well designed, not overstuffed and fully "Wi Fied."<br /><br />I did get a Tweet from them a few hours after we left. They thanked us for coming and regretted we only stayed the one night.<br /><br />I'm sure we'll be back. But then again, I'm a believer to begin with and love Twitter<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><br />Travel Video PostCard<br /><object width="560" height="340" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/BZiKB8Ge3kY?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" ></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal" ></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BZiKB8Ge3kY?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" ></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false" ></param><embed wmode="opaque" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BZiKB8Ge3kY?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" width="560" height="340" allownetworking="internal"></embed> <param name="wmode" value="opaque" ></param></object></div>Six-Star Hotels? Don't Believe Ithttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/sixstar-hotels-dont-believe-it2011-01-07T22:00:00.000Z2011-01-07T22:00:00.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3s7PyUKp5hWh73Q0OJn74Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AnBusKXSA8o/TSePw7H6v7I/AAAAAAAACNs/1uEmS9oZfVk/s400/116714.jpg" height="381" width="400" alt="116714.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/travel.video/NMTImages?feat=embedwebsite">NMT Images</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal">So far no international classification for hotels exists,but that hasn’t stopped ambitious hotel marketers from slapping any number of stars, diamonds, cacti on their properties and touting them as 5 or 6 or even 7 star properties,whatever that may mean in real service and amenities.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">I think the ratings inflation trend began with the Xanadu- frenzy in Dubai, especially with the luxury hotel, <em>Burj Al Arab</em> (Tower of the Arabs), built on an artificial island and billed as a 7-Star stay…by the Dubai government’s Development and Investment Office.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Ironically, of course, travelers are saying bye to Dubai, as the country staggers from overbuilding and a declining economy.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Wikipedia says there are only three seven-star hotels in the world: Town House Galleria in Milan; the Burj and Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">I'm hard put to know what makes these 7-Star hotels, except that someone says they are. Though Wikipedia gives the claim a modicum of credibility.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">But that hasn’t stopped <a target="_blank" href="http://www.drakeandcavendish.com/resorts/6_star_hotels">Drake and Cavendish Luxury Hotel and Travel Guide</a></p><p class="MsoNormal">From publishing its list of Six Star hotels, and here’s when we say this is hotel rating inflation bordering on fraud. Or at least deception.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">We’re told, though we can’t confirm it, that one so-called six star resort, actually offers a poolside valet to polish the sun glasses of guest and eliminate all that pesky poolside humidity.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">But a Mobil Travel Guide official told us that when you achieve 5 stars <u>that’s</u> perfection.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Forget the other hype he said.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">One reviewer in Norway stayed at the self-designated Six Star Ai Bahia Principe Costa Adeje, Spain, and went on to say the hotel lacked room service…but who cares, the reviewer said, because “you’re asleep during the night anyway.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Great.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Which raises questions about consumer reviews.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Of course I’ve never been, but travel sleuths who checked out many so-called 6 Star wannabes found most of them didn’t even warrant 4 or 5 stars.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Smart travelers need to demand that a property meet or exceed its claims and pay attention to the basics: exceptional customer service regardless of the number of stars. Give value for cost and hold the property responsible for its claims.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">That’s the only way to keep a property honest, and fight creeping Six or 7 Star inflation.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p></div>Bad Reviews Do Mean Negative Travel Experienceshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/bad-reviews-do-mean-negative2010-10-18T20:30:00.000Z2010-10-18T20:30:00.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rV97piTIH3iXO-4crdxlhA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AnBusKXSA8o/TLy0pkUC4jI/AAAAAAAACD0/10OZxnWu74k/s800/neghotel.jpg" height="333" width="360" alt="neghotel.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/travel.video/NMTImages?feat=embedwebsite">NMT Images</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />If a review in TripAdvisor (TA) or any other rating site is bad, then probably the experience was bad. <br /><br />With simple logic, <a href="http://www.hotelmarketing.com/index.php/content/article/stop_bad_travel_reviews_by_managing_expectations/">Hotelmarketing.com</a> says the aim of the hotel or airline or resort should not be to stop negative reviews, but “ to stop negative experiences in the first place. Cure the cause not the symptom.” <br /><br />But the authoritative travel blog, <a href="http://www.gadling.com/2010/09/13/hundreds-of-hotels-plan-potential-lawsuit-against-tripadvisor/">Gadling</a> reported that TA’s reviews are rubbing enough hoteliers the wrong way, that several hundred of them have joined forces to pursue legal action against TA’s user-generated reviews, accusing the site of defamation.<br /><br />The group is under the leadership of <a href="http://www.kwikchex.com/">KwikChex,</a> a UK-based hotel reputation management company. These kinds of companies are rapidly growing in numbers and revenue as more brands are hiring “reputation protection” companies to monitor what’s being said about them on the Internet, and to guard against defamation.<br /><br />Whether this has a chilling effect on the freedom of expression basic to the Internet and the web remains to be seen<br /><br />The point that’s being missed however is the need to manage a traveler’s expectations, and thus reduce bad experiences that result in negative reviews.<br /><br />The more the destination or property can learn about a guest’s expectations (Is this their first trip abroad? What does a room with an “ocean view” mean to them?), the better the chance of removing the cause of a negative review...rather than trying to remove the review after the fact.<br /><br />If a customer isn’t told that there is no one to carry his or her bags up the stairs to the room, then a harsh review expressing anger at the lack of service is accurate.<br /><br />If the web site says “breakfast included,” and it turns out breakfast is coffee and a cold Danish, a negative review on the inn or hotel is, again, perfectly accurate.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tnooz.com/2010/09/21/news/why-the-best-way-to-stop-bad-travel-reviews-is-to-manage-expectations/?">TNooz</a>, the tech-talking travel newsletter, says the best time to manage expectations is between booking and pre-travel.<br /><br />Use this time to start a conversation with your customer. Get to know what their expectations are likely to be. Can you match or equal them?<br /><br />• Send them a picture of the room they’ll be staying in<br />• Show the difference between, say, a European room’s configuration and a room in an American hotel<br />• Ask if they’re aware that the street side is noisy and will that be a problem<br /><br />One traveler, impressed by the fact that The Grange Hotel (York, England) made the Sunday Times World Best Hotel’s list, was deeply disappointed in the room size, noisy streets and inaccurate web site photo that featured only the four-posted beds.<br /><br />He had expectations that were not met, and what he wrote reflected that bluntly.<br /><br />Also, fewer choice apparently make for fewer reasons to complain. <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Is GuestComment Poised to Revolutionize Muddled Review Sites?https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/is-guestcomment-poised-to-revolutionize-muddled-review-sites2012-08-29T16:00:00.000Z2012-08-29T16:00:00.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008729865,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008729865,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="323" alt="9008729865?profile=original" /></a></p><p>We hope so.<br /> <br /> When <a href="http://newmediatravel.com/new-innkeepers-use-social-media-to-attract-new-guests/" target="_blank">New Media Travel</a> spoke to the owners of 40 Putney Road, a Brattelboro, Vermont, B&B, we were curious about how this new brand of innkeepers was using social media to build a loyal client base.<br /> Inn owner Tim Brady said something very interesting.</p><p>In a discussion about TripAdvisor and its huge influence on hotels, inns and B& B’s, Brady said that he’d rather have his guests tell him, directly, what they liked or didn’t like about staying at his place.<br /> <br /> He made a lot of sense. As the owner and host, Brady could do something about a client’s concerns right then and there and develop a solid guest-management relationship. <strong>What good does it do, he said, to complain to TripAdvisor. They can’t fix anything.</strong><br /> <br /> Even though, as <a href="http://nakedhospitality.com/strategy/stop-trippin/" target="_blank">Naked Hospitality</a> points out, <strong>TripAdvisor-branded properties make up the largest travel community in the world (50 million unique monthly visitors, 60 million reviews), they can’t directly help customers have a better experience.</strong><br /> <br /> So Brady’s point about going straight to management with complaints and comments is an idea whose time has clearly come.<br /> <br /> According to <a href="http://www.hotelmarketing.com/index.php/content/article/guestcomments_new_take_on_hotel_reviews/" target="_blank">Hotelmarketing.com</a>, the new review site <a href="http://www.guestcomment.com/" target="_blank">GuestComment</a>, allows guests’ comments to be sent directly to hotel management, while the guest is still on the property.<br /> <br /> Now management which can take action, acknowledge a complaint, praise or suggestion, and make corrections necessary...before the guest checks out, and is days and miles away.<br /> <br /> Think about how much this can do to shape a customer’s opinion of the property and, if well used, develop a loyal following of satisfied guests.<br /> <br /> TripAdvisor, Google, Yelp or any other review site don’t foster this kind of responsive relationship that properties and guests are hungry for.<br /> <br /> How does it work? Simply, says, <a href="http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2012/08/real-hotel-guest-reviews.html" target="_blank">Marketing Pilgrim</a>, a marketing and media blog.<br /> <br /> GuestComment’s patent-pending system uses interactive kiosks placed inside the hotel.<br /> Feedback is instantly sent to management who, if they know their business, will acknowledge and act on the guest’s comment, immediately, while the guest is still there; while it can do the most good.</p><p>The turn-key operation provides the kiosk, software, application.</p><p>Management has to provide an open mind and willingness to listen and respond, a small price to pay for fewer fraudulent reviews, more honest feedback and more customer satisfaction, and increased loyalty.<br /> <br /> The system will be in 150,00 hotels, and to see how it work, check out the infographic at Marketing Pilgrim.</p></div>TripAdvisor Plot Thickens: Second Charges Filedhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/tripadvisor-plot-thickens-second-charges-filed2011-11-10T20:28:26.000Z2011-11-10T20:28:26.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008664065,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008664065,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="284" alt="9008664065?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong>TripAdvisor Plot Thickens: Second Charges Filed</strong><br /> <br />The review giant seems reeling these days with legal and PR woes from all directions.<br /><br />In the latest plot development, <a href="http://www.hotelmarketing.com/index.php/content/article/new_tripadvisor_complaint_threatens_review_syndication/" target="_blank">Hotelmarketing.com</a> reports that a more serious complaint against TripAdvisor has been lodged with the <a href="http://www.asa.org.ukhttp//www.asa.org.uk" target="_blank">Advertising Standards Authority</a>, the UK organization charged with regulating advertising across all media.<br /><br />The second probe, instigated by reputation management gadfly, <a href="http://www.kwikchex.com" target="_blank">Kwikchex</a> is now asking that all third parties using TripAdvisor’s reviews to market their properties be prohibited from doing so.<br /><br />While Kwikchex’s first complaint questioned the truthfulness and accuracy of the site’s reviews, this claim goes further and is potentially more damaging to the review site.<br /><br />It says, in effect, if the review’s author can not be determined, and if the truthfulness of the review itself can not be ascertained, then third parties have no right to post such reviews as a means of promoting their properties or destinations because, in effect, these third-party reviews are “fruit of the poisoned tree.”<br /><br />In other words, a unverified review like an unverified product or medical claim is illegal.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.travolution.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/09/5182/new+tripadvisor+complaint+threatens+review+syndication.html" target="_blank">Travolution</a> says ASA has not confirmed the second complaint, but leaves no doubt the charge has been filed.<br /><br />Kwikchex co-founder, Chris Emmins, cites a rule from the <a href="http://www.cap.org.uk" target="_blank">Committee of Advertising Practices</a> stating that marketers must be able to show a review’s authenticity by proving it was made “by an identifiable and potentially contactable person.”<br /><br />And there’s the rub.<br /><br />The government wants to act before public confidence in published reviews is eroded completely.<br /><br />One Twitter follower asked me if she could post favorable excerpts of a TripAdvisor review on her site.<br /><br />While I’m not sure of the exact legal standing at this point, I would say she runs the risk of a negative PR backlash as more and more travelers question the veracity of any unsigned review, by an “uncontactable person’ that appears on any site.<br /><br /><br /><br /></p></div>Death by Too Many Reviewshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/death-by-too-many-reviews2011-07-21T20:04:59.000Z2011-07-21T20:04:59.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008635069,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008635069,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="9008635069?profile=original" /></a><br /><strong>Death by Too Many Reviews</strong> <br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.chriscolin.com">Chris Colin</a> writes a great essay in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wired.com/magazine">Wired Magazine</a>. <br /><br />He’s probably best known for the terrific and funny, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.powells.com/biblio?show=9780767914796">What Really Happened to the Class of ’93</a>.<br /><br />But in his recent Wired Magazine piece, he suggests we are suffering from “review” overload. <br /><br />For every slew of new data and information that’s produced, he says, (think videos, blogs, ebooks, tweets, Facebook postings) there is an equal avalanche of reviews that follow.<br /><br />He talks about a “parallel universe” of stars, rankings, favorites, reviews, presumably to help us “sort the wheat from all the chaff we’re drowning in.”<br /><br />He wryly notes that there are even “reviews of reviews,” as in “Was This Review Helpful? ”<br /><br />Does it matter?<br /><br />Very much so, but it wasn’t until I read Colin’s piece that I knew how much. <br /><br />I visited a resort once that I thought was wonderful in terms of service, location, amenities. The usual stuff reviewers look at.<br /><br />But the reviews on TripAdvisor were not good at all. <br /><br />So I actually found myself about to change my opinion based on the reviews I read.<br /><br />I reasoned, something must be wrong with me. What didn’t I get?<br /><br />Could “the people” actually be wrong? And what would it take for me to disagree and conclude my truth, however contrary, was also valid? <br /><br />Colin says it more eloquently: “When the voices of hundreds of strangers or even just three shrill ones enter our heads, a tiny but vital part of us is diminished.” <br /><br />Was that movie that great? The review say so but I thought it was horrible. I must be wrong.<br /><br />I thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant. It was fun taking to the chef, watching the guests interact over their food. <br /><br />But, wait. The reviews in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yelp.com">Yelp</a> were terrible. Or at best mixed.<br /><br />What am I missing? <br /><br />No question, the Internet is hugely empowering, giving voice to the previously voiceless people, which, until recently, was most of us.<br /><br />But, as Colin points out, when those voices, those reviews and blog comments replace our own thinking and supercede our own truths, we then become part of a mass, collective opinion.<br /><br />We lose touch with our unique perspective, and that, I think, becomes a dictatorship of or small death by the Internet. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>“B&B Kick Gas” Campaign Drives More Visitors to B&Bshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/bampb-kick-gas-campaign-drives2011-05-13T00:30:00.000Z2011-05-13T00:30:00.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008619853,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008619853,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="250" alt="9008619853?profile=original" /></a><br /><p><strong>“B&B Kick Gas” Campaign Drives More Visitors to B&Bs</strong></p><p>After paying $4.45 a gallon for gas in Connecticut, the idea of $6/gallon prices before the end of the summer seems more probable than possible, not withstanding recent subtle trends downward.</p><p>And this, according to Marti Mayne, B&B marketing guru, is making travelers very anxious about their summer vacation plans.</p><p>Mayne is the coordinator for the <a href="http://www.betterwaytostay.com/" target="_blank">Better Way To Stay</a> campaign, sponsored by the <a href="http://http//www.innkeeping.org" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.innkeeping.org" target="_blank">Professional Association of Innkeepers International</a>.</p><p>The fun and clever site offers several fun and clever programs to help travelers discover today's B&B experience, and the “”B&B Kick Gas” offer is clearly an attention-getter.</p><p>And with good reason.</p><p>According to a March 2011 survey of 40,000 travelers from <a href="http://www.BedandBreakfast.com" target="_blank">BedandBreakfast.com</a> more than 43% of respondents admitted that increasing gas prices would impact their plans for travel in the coming months. </p><p>And the 2011 National Online Consumer Behavior study by Harris Interactive revealed that 67% of people overall said they agree that gas prices factor into their decision around which businesses to visit.</p><p>Eighty-seven per cent of women ages 18-34 said gas prices and distance influence their decision, as compared with 67% of men in the same age range.</p><p>In response, nearly 300 inns and B&Bs from every state in the US and throughout Canada have joined in the “B&B Kick Gas” deal, offering free gas, gas credits, and rewards for carpooling and eco-driving to help ease pain at the pump.</p><p>Typically, most “B&B Kick Gas” offers provide a $25 or greater incentive, with stays of two days or more. </p><p>And a number of B&B organizations have come up with their own spins: </p><p>• <a href="http://www.distinctiveinns.com/getaways/gas_saving_packages.shtml" target="_blank">Distinctive Inns of New England</a> rewards eco-travelers who carpool to the inn and stay two nights with a $25 or greater gas incentive, plus picnics, gourmet dinners and more. Offers vary by inn.</p><p> </p><p>• <a href="http://www.betterbaltimorebedandbreakfasts.com/kickgas.html" target="_blank">Better Baltimore Bed and Breakfast</a> says travel with friends by plane, train, or carpool and receive up to 20% back on lodging costs to put into the gas tank when two or more rooms are booked for two or more consecutive weekday nights. <br /><br />* The seventeen inns of the <a href="http://www.lodginginseattle.com/" target="_blank">Seattle B&B Association</a> offer $25 in public transit vouchers for the new light-rail line for guests staying three or more nights.<br /> <br />At BetterWaytoStay, there are many B&Bs Kick Gas! offers. So save a few bucks and travel smart. <br /> <br /><strong>Tale of Two Kick Gas Inns</strong></p><p>We wanted to see what kinds of inns were part of the campaign, so we went to Connecticut where gas prices were hovering around $4.45 a gallon.</p><p>The Inn at <a href="http://www.innharborhill.com" target="_blank">Harbor Hill Marina</a> in village of Niantic, is perched above a picturesque marina where small pleasure boats bob with fishing boats and some expensive yachts.<br /><br />The 9 room turn-of-the century inn with it's wrap around porch and lovely gardens has won a couple of Golden Pineapple awards for its exceptional guest service and hospitality, and though very unpretentious, the guest rooms are tastefully designed with lots of light, and views which look out over the bay and the harbor.<br /><br />The complimentary wine in the sitting room is a welcome touch, and innkeepers Sue and Dave Labrie serve up a solid buffet breakfast.<br /><br />If the sound of gulls and sense of the sea are what you want, the gas deal here is one car with two couples staying two nights get a $50 gas certificate. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.thetidewater.com" target="_blank">The Tidewater Inn</a> is also on the Connecticut shoreline, and is a completely different experience. <br /><br />Very English tea-room feeling with lush gardens, the inn could easily be a setting for a PBS Masterpiece Theater event.<br /><br />In the village of Madison, Tidewater’s two acres of landscaped gardens and estate furniture fit in perfectly with the village surroundings of boutiques, antiques and artisans, a stone’s throw from the broad beaches and nature preserve of Hammonasset State Park.<br /><br />The “Kick Gas” deal here is 2 couples staying 2 nights Sunday through Thursday get a $35 gift card each for dinner. Couples on their own get a $25 gift card.<br /><br />Innkeeper Victoria Kolyvas is a master chef. Her pre-dinner wine and gourmet cheese chats by the fireplace with fresh figs and good conversation are alone worth the trip.<br /><br />Bravo to the B&B community for flexibility and creativity in responding to market challenges. Their “Kick Gas” campaign is a terrific example of creating a partnership with travelers, giving them the increased value they look for, and deserve. <br /><br /></p></div>Social Media More Influential Than Travel Professionalshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/social-media-more-influential2010-12-28T20:00:00.000Z2010-12-28T20:00:00.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sd1R0vFd5ajXTrBa-N3Fcw?feat=embedwebsite"><img width="284" height="178" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AnBusKXSA8o/TRpHo8PMsGI/AAAAAAAACMU/Qj1A-BIDHxA/s800/travelpros.jpg" alt="travelpros.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right;"><span class="font-size-2">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/travel.video/NMTImages?feat=embedwebsite">NMT Images</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="font-size-2"><strong>Social Media More Influential Than Travel Professionals</strong></span><br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">It’s not exactly a big surprise, but <a target="_blank" href="http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/social_media_gains_ground_on_travel_experts.php#comment-261509">ReadWriteWeb</a> a popular technology blog, “officially” reported that social media was gaining serious ground in the race with travel experts as an “influencer” in the traveler’s planning process and decisions.</span> <br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">The article gained credibility when it was Retweeted by the big public relations news service, <em>PR Newshound</em>.</span><br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">The perception that “peer recommendations have overtaken the knowledge of travel specialists when it comes to the make-or-break point for on-line purchases,” says ReadWriteWeb, is consistent with the trend across all categories of on-line commerce.</span><br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">But it may be premature to say so.</span> <br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">If a traveler’s first time trip to Italy is simply wonderful and he/she fell in love at that small hotel in Naples, then the recommendation and content will reflect that.</span> <br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">If a travel professional has been to that same hotel several times (or one like it) and noted the deterioration of services, or the inferior quality of the amenities based on his or her other travel experiences, that content will likely be more useful. </span> <br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">The topic, and the realization that peer-to-peer reviews may eventually have more clout than the authority of professional travel reviewers, was a closely watched discussion at the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wtmlondon.com/">World Travel Market in London</a>.</span><br /><br /><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.tnooz.com/2010/11/08/news/stats-how-travellers-use-social-media-or-not/">Tnooz</a> reported that travelers addicted to using social media when planing a trip used these tools:</span><br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">• Trip Advisor (66%)</span> <br /><span class="font-size-2">• Facebook (34%)</span><br /><span class="font-size-2">• YouTube (20%)</span><br /><span class="font-size-2">• Twitter (17%)</span><br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">It also reported that a survey of about a 1,000 travelers revealed that one out of three used some sort of social media when planning a trip.</span> <br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">An impressive number, but that leaves some 64% of travelers who did not use some form of social media.</span><br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">The conventional wisdom seems to suggest that while social media has not yet overtaken either the on line buying process or the opinions of travel professionals, it is poised to do so.</span><br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">The caveat most travel professionals point out is the subjectivity of peer reviews and recommendations, and the questionable depth of travel experiences reflected in social media’s comments and content.</span> <br /><br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">One university is studying the affect of social media on the “inspiration” stage of travel planning, claiming “inspiration” leads to bookings.</span><br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">And another noted that extraordinary power of Trip Advisor where 35% of travelers changed their hotel bookings after reading a review or seeing a video on Trip Advisor.</span><br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">Why, the writer wondered, aren’t hoteliers encouraging more reviews..and responding to them.</span> <br /><br /></div>Out Guessing The Hotel Guestshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/out-guessing-the-hotel-guests2010-12-14T01:30:00.000Z2010-12-14T01:30:00.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xnjfZMF7kMDz14w3onGRMw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AnBusKXSA8o/TQPf5OyjFlI/AAAAAAAACK0/YvJIF6R9WqM/s800/images.jpg" alt="" width="259" height="194" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/travel.video/NMTImages?feat=embedwebsite">NMT Images</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Out Guessing The Hotel Guests<br /><br />It's one of the great ironies of social networking that companies, in this case hotels, hire top marketing research firms and pay them big bucks to determine customer needs and levels of satisfaction.<br /><br />Instead, the hotels should really spend more time reading the comments posted to their sites or blogs and get no-cost, real-world, real-time insights from the groundswell, the community.<br /><br />In this case, <a href="http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/07/27/hotels-get-report-card" target="_blank">AOL Travel</a> reports that guest satisfaction with hotels was higher this year than last, and that in spite of the dismal economy, many hotel chains sustained "relatively high levels of customer satisfaction."<br /><br />The information comes from a <a href="http://www.jdpower.com" target="_blank">JD Power and Associate's</a> 2010 North American Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study.<br /><br />The report also listed the top-five desired amenities for hotel guests:<br /><br />• Wireless Internet access<br />• Complimentary breakfast<br />• Bedding and pillow choices<br />• Pillow-top mattresses<br />• Free parking<br /><br />But a quick glance at the comments accompanying the AOL article says much more. <br /><br />One writer wrote that she "could care less about wi-fi." <br /><br />What she wants is a "good size room, a jacuzzi tub, and free breakfast that is better than just pastry, and powdered milk for your coffee. An exercise room is good too. And a heated indoor pool."<br /><br />Another make it clear he will stay in no hotel "unless the windows open a few inches." Forget the pillows and mediocre breakfasts, he says, "give me an open window."<br /><br />While Wi Fi Internet access does seem to be a priority among guests, one comment asks the hotels to stop "picking our pockets" and make it free, while another said he had to sit in the parking lot of a local cafe to get reliable Wi Fi because the hotel's was too spotty.<br /><br />None of these attitudes apparently made it into the study. And it's odd that location and price didn't show up, considered critical in choosing a hotel. <br /><br />Then of course there's the basic question, why does anyone go to a hotel in the first place? <br /><br />The obvious answers are travel, business and emergency, think medical treatment or funeral.<br /><br />But <a href="http://www.quadriga.com/html/" target="_blank">Quadriga</a>, a smart communications company serving hotels, says that one key reason is simply to have more "me," time and to catch up with friends over a drink.<br /><br />And that's immeasurable hotel satisfaction.</p><p></p></div>