Now this is a clever contest.

It's a great idea and the only time I've ever regretted that I stay at a relative's in NYC.

Can foreign, non US, members, enter this contest? Will the prize of the round trip tickets be extended to far away places?

You can review any hotel you have stayed at in the last 12 months? It need not be in NYC?

This is really confusing; I clicked the link so I could review the hotel we used in Oregon. Then it just takes me to the Oregon page and I don't see anywhere to write a review. Where do you go to write a review?

Aha--You can review any hotel anywhere you stayed in the last 12 months provided it is listed here on Fodors. So I just reviewed The Lodge at Chaa Creek in Belize then checked the box for entering the contest.

Well there goes my work day!

I'm still confused as to where to write a review.

Can I have the cash instead.

Or swap it for a week in Bognor.

I may be on the CIA blacklist, ESTA to confirm either way next week.

tarheeltravler, you have to find the hotel on Fodor's Destinations -> Hotels page. There's a "Write a Review" button.

"The web site you are accessing has experienced an unexpected error.
Please contact the website administrator."

Rule 2, as usual for Fodor's comps: This contest is open to only to registered users of Fodors.com who are legal residents of the United States and are 18 years of age or older as of September 6, 2012.

Bah humbug.

Fodors- I was just in London last week and wanted to submit a review of the hotel I stayed at, however, you do not list it. I did a search of the hotel, The Grand Hotel at Trafalgar Square, and the only thing that came up was a thread of a conversation on your blog. So my question is, may I do a review on a this hotel or are we only limited to the hotels you list? Thank you, Deborah

"So my question is, may I do a review on a this hotel or are we only limited to the hotels you list?"

I have the same question. I would like to submit one for my NYC hotel, which i not on your list.

Bloody great!

They dragged us into Iraq twice, Afghanistan and Iran next, but we still can't enter their poxy competitions.

There's thanks for being America's political puppy dog over the past 20 years.

I agree, when are international members of this forum going to be able to enter competitions!!!!

Never. Fodors are too lazy to have their conditions amended to include Internationals.
Or too lousy to pay international fares to NYC.

Claims that the conditions can't be amended/ re written are disingenuous. If their lawyers haven't the brainpower to do that - I wouldn't want to be relying on them in a legal stoush!

Either way, every time Fodors runs one of these Americans only competitions, they're announcing,

" Fodors is happy to make its income from ALL contributors. And to reward only residents of the US."

They should also be honest enough to highlight that in their publicity and in bold in any Competition announcements, so we International cash cows know how we're regarded. Hiding the discrimination away in the T & Cs is bull.

Come on, BeltedG, not even the broadest brush could include Fodors in the same sweep as the politicians who made those decisions - mine, yours or the Americans'.
And in any case, it's OUR governments who agreed to those requests - the US didn't kidnap our armed forces.

We can take a well aimed swipe at Fodors for this discriminatory policy. Bringing in irrelevant stuff like this just dilutes our argument & diverts attention from the issue.

Let's keep the fuel in the right fire.

Great idea!

Very disappointed in contest rules that exclude a good percentage of a forum, i.e. international participants, that is excellent precisely because it includes a good percentage of international participants!

And, frankly it would be cheaper to get me (who lives just across the US border) to NYC than it will be to fly in the lucky Californian who might just win.

Fodors are in the biz of selling travel guides, hotel reviews etc. mainly in the US and it should not surprise us if they need this done from a US point of view. If this pays for a free international forum that is ok by me.

What Fodors should do is that they limit the prize money for the airfares to $x,xxx and if the airfare exceed that then the winner will have to cover that themselves.

If they do that then I guess it will make Fodors look cheap!

Good luck Americans!

Same here - the hotel is not on your list

This makes me not trust reviews on Fodors. People wanting to enter the contest will just start picking hotels at random and give a review.

Hanuman that's a great idea.

Pretty weird contest -- I've stayed in 4-star properties in Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris and LA in the past year, but only one (in Venice) is on your "list". Do you really only want reviews of hotels you've already recommended?

Amy...I hope you do this again . We will be out of the country for the dates of the Hotel ceremony. Find another occasion and repeat it. Hope to see you BOS at our GTG.

To the overseas members, just because we are American doesn't mean we qualify. Our family stayed in four hotels this trip and none have made the Fodors' Destination Tabs. Two of them I think are particularly wrongful admissions:

The Springhill Suites at Bakery Square in the Oakland area is a nicer property in Pittsburgh than some of the ones I saw reviewed. And the Affinia Dumont is part of the same chain of which you reviewed the Affinia 50. It has made other companies' guidebooks so I think it's a good contender.

wrongful omissions....sorry!

My husband would also recommend you review the RAMADA PLAZA PUDONG
18 Xin Jinqiao Road, Shanghai, 201206 CN

In the Pudong area, your current hotel reviews jump from a single $ choice to $$$$ choices. Many American companies do not pay top dollar for their employee travel anymore, and this is a good in-between pricepoint hotel for people traveling on business.

He also liked the RENAISSANCE BEIJING CHAOYANG, 36 Xiao Yun Road Chaoyang D Beijing 100027 CN

Find it quite incredible.

This website uses all the usual underhand marketing tools. Cookies, tracking and more.

It then allows targeted marketing which somehow knows what car I drive and where I visit, where I live.

.....and still I am not allowed the simple right to benefit from the incomes it draws from all this underhand information.

Perhaps the American winner could talk to Fodor's publisher Amanda D'Acierno and Fodor's executive editorial director Arabella Bowen about keeping the international posters in mind when these contests are created? Unless Fodors really doesn't care about any of you from outside the U.S. except as advertising fodder. I do find it odd that nobody from Fodors has come back and addressed all these concerns.

Hi everyone,

Wanted to jump in and explain that this contest only applies to hotel properties that are included on the Fodor's site. Fodor's is all about providing the best experiences on your trips. For each destination, we curate what we feel are the best hotels, restaurants, and sights, for each place.

That being said, if you think we're missing out on a great property, we'd love to hear your recommendations! Please leave them as a comment on this thread and our editors will be sure to review.

Thanx Amy. I think the courtyard Mariott SoHo and the Hampton Inn on 24&th are good deals. I've stayed at both and will be happy to review them.

Amy came back but didn't address the comments about members outside America!

Guess there's no point, really!

We are second class members!

That was the first thing I thought also Margo. Totally ignore the international members comments because we don't actually matter!!!

Sorry, misunderstood.

Courtyard Marriott Soho: stayed here twice - Jan 2012 And May 2012. January $197 per night - May $359 per night. Ouch.

The location was great as my DD lived in West Village. While it is technically SoHo, its probably on the eastern most boundary on Varick. SoHo was just a few blocks away with tons of shopping and restaurants. The room: Bed was very comfy, bathroom large but only a shower) coffee downstairs in the AM, staff very helpful - the room was very small. I'd say it was worth the $197 but not the $359.

Hampton Inn 24th St (Chelsea)- DD moved to Grammercy and I was there to help. Needed a hotel that was pet friendly without charging extra and the Hampton Inn was IT. $195 per night, labor day weekend! Good location - very helpful and friendly staff. Let me check in at 1:00. Room was large for NYC standards (much larger than courtyard) as was the bath that had a tub and shower. Good coffee all day long, Free breakfast - first morning bacon (perfect and crispy), eggs, waffles, fruit, yogurt, cereal. Second sausage, eggs, etc. surprisingly good. The Hampton advertises that they wash all bed linens for each guest. The bed was heavenly and lots of pillows. I'm sure this will be my go-to hotel when visiting DD.

No, it probably doesn't matter that we're bothered at all by constantly being left out.

The company really is geared to Americans, by Americans, for Americans. It's not just the contests - the writing does so as well. For instance, one of our favorite places in the world is Morocco (it's my wife's #1)... and we'll need a new guide when we go back. But in looking, I realize that the author of the lastest edition is the same one who wrote on this website that after the tsunami that Japan was now safe for travel by Americans.

No word yet on how a Canadian, Englishman, Aussie or Kiwi would fare.

Knowing that Fodors does not write or organize itself in anyway for the global community - frankly - does somewhat worry me that it, in fact, doesn't understand or feel committed to the global community. (as often argued by proxy with "well, it IS an American company". Except, unfortunately... that they DO claim to write ABOUT the world outside US borders as well as within. And - one need only look at amazon.co.uk to see they hope to scrape up some not-really-earned profits selling guides to people they themselves state the guides aren't for.

So... it's fun killing time on the site and understand the status quo (though not feeling any reason to accept it silently) but I've only recently come to the conclusion that the insights provided here as to the company mindset have talked me out of ever buying one of their guidebooks. Or looking at their recommendations - which I don't really understand by the way. "We feel so comfortable with our selections that we've filtered out the rest... but not so comfortable that we don't need public - or rather, American - reinforcement of our advice?". Seems a bit like a museum having people rate the artwork on behalf the next day's visitors. Picturing the Met with a "Like" button next to the Van Gogh.

Clifton, I appreciate you and all the many others who come to these boards to essentially fill out and complete the Fodors website.

We, the forum posters, are the ones that take Foders -- the destination sections, the hotel and restaurant reviews, and what to see to a higher level. We are the "hole fillers" == because a guide book couldn't possibly report on every site, every hotel, or every restaurant.

We are the people in the trenches, so to speak.

But we don't do it to win prizes, or even to make Fodors a better place to go for resources. I kind of thing of blogging here as a way of sharing a little of my joy of travel, and to gain valuable information from others who have similar interests.

If I lived outside the U.S. and as I have said, I have had the good fortune to have done just that, I'm sure if there was an internet back then I'd still contribute to the forums, and not get all p.o'd because I didn't get to register to win a trip somewhere for writing a review. When I lived in France and England, there were a lot of things I couldn't do which I thought I really should be able to do, since I lived there, like vote during an election, since I had to live under that country's rules.

And there were lotteries I couldn't join in on, and contests I couldn't partake in. I wasn't going to be able to win the Publisher's Clearing House sweepstakes that Ed MacMahon was always touting. Fine. I still bought the magazines.

In short, thank you and all the others who can't participate in this contest. You have shared valuable information over the years which a contest like this could never properly compensate any of you for.

My thanks may not be a prize, but I do hope it means a little something that makes you feel like you're all prized by me and so many others who appreciate your input.

Surfergirl - I appreciate that you feel differently about it.

And I can see why one might. Frankly, I'm not really very P.O.'d about being able to enter a contest. I never win anything anyway.

What I was trying to communicate, to the editors and decision makers, I guess - is that IS the message they're sending to a number of their end users. It's not so much winning contests but more, as has been said - being made to feel 2nd class. As I was saying, the "angle" flickers through in their work as well as their promotions. Of course, most of us don't go away feeling that way through the rest of our day... but not surprisingly, many companies DO want to know when they're disenfranchising a significant portion of the users they've attracted. At least, we think we're significant. For now, I was going on the continued assumption that Random House might be one of those companies but handling its communications rather badly at the moment.

I get where you're coming from Clifton, I really do, and you made it clearer in your last comment. That I think Random House would find helpful.

Question: does the company also not include contributors from outside the U.S. when they publish comments in receiving a copy of the guide book that will contain the comment?

I ask the question, because getting a guide book would seem reasonable and proper.

I suspect the reason why they don't include non-residents (which I guess would also mean non-resident U.S. citizens) in these contests is partly due to the financial cost, but possibly also the potential legal ramifications. They have no control over who is allowed in this country and who is not; who has to get a visa and who does not.

Surfergirl,

Actually I have gotten a couple of guides, before and after moving from the US. Oddly, for the same quote I made 7 or 8 years ago. Credit to them there for the free book, and a fair point. I would expect that it'd be rather hard to print a quote and then know where the user resided until they asked. Can't usually tell from the email address.

I suppose they could simply refuse to "pay" for the quote (since that's how it's positioned) if the quote came from resident of another country. But that'd probably get legally messy as well. Path of least resistance, in most cases, I'd say. Just saying, I guess, that shortcuts aren't always cost free.

Hi Amy,

I see some of the Radisson hotels in the lists, but can't see these two, so if not on Fodor's lists, they were both great stays. I did join the Radisson Club Carlson after some conferences, but these two enjoyable visits have me looking for Radisson hotels when planning trips.


Back in April, I stayed at the Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester Airport (UK)
http://www.radissonblu.co.uk/hotel-manchesterairport

This is what I wrote about the April visit on my trip report (is that cheating
I stayed here using points, so no money out of the pocket for the night. I've stayed at a couple of Radisson's for conferences and the experiences was that: conference hotel. I don't know if Radisson is upping its service, or if it's this particular Radisson taking nice customer service initiatives: I rec'd an e-mail after making the reservation asking if I would like some welcome gifts (ex: chocolates) ordered for the room to be in when I arrived, I rec'd an e-mail after coming home asking about doing a survey. I had a very good stay and didn't mind indicating that my name could be used, so I rec'd another nice e-mail from the hotel thanking me for my feedback. When I couldn't get the key to work, the staff member in the hallway helped me right away (I don't know if it was his job or not). A lot of nice gestures and positive feelings came from this hotel. It's also right on the walk between the terminals and I never heard a peep from the airplanes. The desk clerk at check out mentioned thick glass. It must surely be thick! I would definitely stay here again if needing a flight out of Manchester.


I stayed at this hotel in July: Radisson Hotel Providence Airport
http://www.radisson.com/warwick-hotel-ri-02886/riproair

A friend and I stayed in an executive suite on a one-night visit, enroute to the Newport Mansions. A 24-hr online sale put the price at $135. The suite had sliding glass between the area with the bed and a sitting room area with sofa bed. The whirlpool tub was a nice feature to enjoy after a long day's driving. Directions to an airport hotel are easy to follow, and though right at the airport, no noise can be heard from airport activity. The staff were friendly and attentive to needs.

Im Looking forward it, i really need it Amy!

I tried to enter for the Sheraton in Atlanta - but it gives me an error whenever I submit.

I am really surprised that Fodor's doesn't have this hotel recommended under Destinations Hotels: The Avenida Palace in Lisbon.

Here is my recent review, in case it can be included in the contest:

"We stayed at the fabulous Hotel Avenida Palace in the center of Lisbon. Beautiful interiors, wonderful service, and the best possible location for walking everywhere. The avenue was alive at nearly all hours, and it felt like a safe place.

The Rossio train station, also a beautiful historic complex, is directly next door to the hotel. So convenient for taking day-trips. Location, location, location. . ..

Our double room included breakfast, which was served in elegant style in a gorgeous dining room with huge windows and crystal chandeliers. The breakfast features an extensive hot and cold buffet, replenished frequently until 10:30 a.m..

I indulged in eggs benedict every morning, with fresh croissants. I also had proscuitto every morning. It is a rare treat for me here in the States, but they served platters of it there everyday. Also scrambled eggs, fresh crepes put out every few minutes, fresh fruit salads, juices, yoghurts, sliced beef and cheese-- you name it.

It was wonderful to start our days with such a great breakfast which basically kept us full till evening. The attendants in the breakfast room were friendly and helpful everyday.

Our rate at the Avenida Palace was just 143EU, including breakfast. I had reserved several weeks in advance, with no-penalty cancellation and payment upon departure.

We arrived from the States at 10:00am at the Avenida Palace, expecting to store luggage and wait the painful several hours before getting our room. But-- wonderful surprise-- the hotel had prepared our room for an early arrival and let us in immediately. I had e-mailed that we'd arrive that early, but I didn't expect to get into our room earlier than 1:00 p.m. Our first introduction to the amazing hospitality of Lisbon!

The first afternoon, we were delighted to find an international bike race was taking place directly under our hotel window. DH is a true bike fanatic, so this was a sign we were in the right place! We walked down to the Avenue and watched the bikers fly by on the cobble-stone streets. It was really amazing."

Put simply

1. We are not allowed to enter these competitions

And

2. We have to endure all this ridiculous and invasive advertising which seems to know far too much about my life and history. Fodors clearly makes money out of this.

I am deregistering as you clearly make money from selling my details to UK advertising companies but treat non US posters as second class citizens. Go find some other cash cow to milk.

I have to say over the past two years this site has plunged int the depth following the introduction of the childish triangle and anything vaguely fun being deleted.

Never happened under Kate who was great supporter of the liveliness of this site.

Fodors should remember that this site is nothing without the individuals who post.

Ironically this is a pointless post as it will be deleted.

Sheesh.

Well I just took the time to write my (not short) review of Shades of Green in Walt Disney World and got the error saying it couldn't be submitted - try again - and the entire review was gone!

Not fair!!!!!

Phooey.... Only American Citizens. How about a prize for Australian's only. See if everyone gets all up in arms about that!

Okay, everyone, listen up.

As a long-time poster, there are NO, (IMHO) "second-class" posters/citizens here. Pook, MissGreen, Bokhara2, Nelsonian, and other non-Americans who post here, have, IME, enriched these Travel Talk Forae immensely. (Clifton, who are you kidding, you're an American?!)

That said, this bashing of Fodors as an American company is a dog that won't hunt. Fodors is owned by Random House. Random House is owned by Bertelsmann (and has been for a while now, as I learned about this while I was in the book business) which is a GERMAN multinational corporation. Only Fodors could possibly answer why they're limiting this competition to Americans, but to say they're American-biased because they're American is an error.

Myself, I'm a "hybrid" of sorts. I was born in the United States of Canadian parents and have Canadian siblings. I never felt "at home" within my own family, so feeling "at home" anywhere else is fairly incidental, I think. I'm going to Boston in a couple of weeks and hope to write some reviews afterward.

BC

Good points, BC. Besides which, Fodor's provides this site at their expense and at their disgression. It is their site, they can do what they deem fit with it.

On the subject of wanting to review properties that are not listed, and obviously listing all of the hotels in every city is a monumental task that even the Michelin Guide has never attempted, there is also two other issues I'd like to point out to Fodors as helpful suggestions to make reviewing and reading reviews a little easier. The first is being unable to UPDATE an earlier review a few years later (i.e. after a big remodel or a different experience). For example, I tried to update my review of the Hotel Durant in Berkeley, that staple of parents with children attending UC Berkeley, after the remodel, since I average going there at least a couple times a year (and will be back there in October twice, for the Cal/UCLA game -- go BRUINS! -- and the Cal/Stanfurd game -- go BEARS! And even though I can write the update and save the update, it apparently gets dinged for being a second review. And there's no way one can delete the first review.

The second issue I've faced is where I have reviewed a hotel or restaurant, and not only mentioned the problem in the review, but sent a note to Fodors, is where Fodors makes an error in their description. For example, Fodors described a restaurant as being, I believe in West Los Angeles, when it was actually in Hollywood.

These are little kinks that need to be ironed out. But all in all, a pretty good product that I find myself relying on often.

Only Fodors could possibly answer why they're limiting this competition to Americans, but to say they're American-biased because they're American is an error.

BC - Fodors is owned by a company who is owned by a company... a sign of the times. It doesn't mean it's run by the top of the food chain.

Yes, I realize that there are reasons for things, most likely pragmatic reasons. But in that there are consistent complaints about at least the perceptions that these contests cause IMO has to mean that the staff - regardless of who reports to whom - is failing somehow. Perhaps their hands are tied from fixing it or perhaps they simply don't care. In that incident occurs willfully without comment, I for one feel compelled to choose the latter.

People will differ on their conclusion - but with your quoted comment I do take issue. I've seen more than once case were material - not to do with contests or forums - not to do with where a book is retailed for sale - was written explicitly for Americans when it wasn't ABOUT anything particularly American (About Japan and the tsunami in the case I'd listed above and that it was "now safe for Americans to visit Japan"). I don't think either the design of material or promotions are necessarily intended to treat non-RESIDENTS as 2nd class. (my Americann-ness being entirely beside the point) That seems like a policy no one would ever say out loud. Personally, I think it's the more the results of corporate shrugging coupled with a staff that's all American and not globally minded.

I gather we cannot enter because if we won't I'd need an airfare from Australia included in the prize.