Avoid WooGo Group and Expedia.com -- Worst Travel Story Ever.
Apr 14th, 2006, 03:03 PM
#21
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To 'AreYouSure': Thanks for the info! To clarify, the NY Times link is to an article which identifies a trend of illegal building conversions. The second link is to a copy of a sitation issued by NYC against this building in specifc, as far as I understand.
To 'FainaAgain': -- Yes it's my first post. I've never before been motivated by such a horror to spread the word to as many places as possible, including here. I hope no one ever has to go through what we went through at the time. Also, when we originally booked the place through Expedia, it was listed as three stars. It has since dropped to two. I have the original confirmation email to prove it, and I can send you a copy if you'd like.
Thank you for any and all help!
To 'FainaAgain': -- Yes it's my first post. I've never before been motivated by such a horror to spread the word to as many places as possible, including here. I hope no one ever has to go through what we went through at the time. Also, when we originally booked the place through Expedia, it was listed as three stars. It has since dropped to two. I have the original confirmation email to prove it, and I can send you a copy if you'd like.
Thank you for any and all help!
Apr 14th, 2006, 03:11 PM
#22
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I want to add one more thing:
One of the most concerning things about my experince is much bigger than just my bad vacation. WooGo and Expedia continue to lead travelers into this place (and possibly others) that seem to be circumventing safety standards (such as detailed exit maps and clearly signed exits). These laws are there to help protect tourists lives in the events of fire, etc... In short I believe, these companies are putting travelers and tenants in danger... not just providing bad vacations.
One of the most concerning things about my experince is much bigger than just my bad vacation. WooGo and Expedia continue to lead travelers into this place (and possibly others) that seem to be circumventing safety standards (such as detailed exit maps and clearly signed exits). These laws are there to help protect tourists lives in the events of fire, etc... In short I believe, these companies are putting travelers and tenants in danger... not just providing bad vacations.
Apr 14th, 2006, 03:51 PM
#24
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Check the TA reviews for the WooGo in London, as well. The most recent reviewer had the same experience in London as described here; the second, older review is a big rave calling is the "best self-catered apartment" in town and gives it top marks for every category. Reeks of being a fake review.
Apr 15th, 2006, 06:16 AM
#26
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Through my research, I have discovered that Hotels.com, Expedia.com and Hotwire.com are all owned by the same company, IAC. No wonder the photos match.
Still accepting reservations! Put your family in danger now...
Still accepting reservations! Put your family in danger now...
Apr 15th, 2006, 06:43 AM
#28
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Let's be honest here. No web site has shown the "wrong" photos. It is not unusual for a hotel to provide pictures of their most glamourous and largest suite to entice people into thinking that's the kind of room they'll get.
As I mentioned above, the "real" pictures show the exact same headboard as the "staged" pictures. There is no doubt that this sham company provided those photos. They are just the most outrageous misrepresentation I've ever seen, however.
As I mentioned above, the "real" pictures show the exact same headboard as the "staged" pictures. There is no doubt that this sham company provided those photos. They are just the most outrageous misrepresentation I've ever seen, however.
Apr 15th, 2006, 08:07 AM
#29
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GoTravel -
Not sure this regrettable situation has any direct relationship to craigslist, other than the generic caveat emptor when purchasing anything online. There are major differences. CL is a no-cost bulletin board (at least for this sort of transaction - fees do apply for help wanted ads in some cities). It serves as a comunication channel between buyer and seller. There is a community feedback function in which folks can post specific info / warnings about scams like this.
OTOH, Expedia is a profit making business that gets a cut of everything it "sells" when it acts as a middleman. In old business models they would be the retailer and the hotel the wholesaler. Of course their fine print will list all sorts of exclusions and disclaimers about "photos for illustration only" and the like. They hold themselves out as selling the "service" of connecting users with vendors and disclaim any responsibility for the actual product. In the evolving world of e-commerce law, we'll have to wait and see what happens if enough people get burned badly enough and angry enough law suits begin to happen. After all, it IS all about business, and the bottom line is the bottom line.
Not sure this regrettable situation has any direct relationship to craigslist, other than the generic caveat emptor when purchasing anything online. There are major differences. CL is a no-cost bulletin board (at least for this sort of transaction - fees do apply for help wanted ads in some cities). It serves as a comunication channel between buyer and seller. There is a community feedback function in which folks can post specific info / warnings about scams like this.
OTOH, Expedia is a profit making business that gets a cut of everything it "sells" when it acts as a middleman. In old business models they would be the retailer and the hotel the wholesaler. Of course their fine print will list all sorts of exclusions and disclaimers about "photos for illustration only" and the like. They hold themselves out as selling the "service" of connecting users with vendors and disclaim any responsibility for the actual product. In the evolving world of e-commerce law, we'll have to wait and see what happens if enough people get burned badly enough and angry enough law suits begin to happen. After all, it IS all about business, and the bottom line is the bottom line.
Apr 15th, 2006, 09:31 AM
#30
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Neopolitan: I understand what you are saying. But if "the most outrageous misrepresentation I've ever seen" does not equal "wrong", what does?
How about when the property manager actually tells you they are the wrong photos and starts blaming Expedia? (WooGo owns many properties, and these are 99.99% not from where we stayed)
Still want "wrong"? How about the fact that I notified Expedia several days ago about the NYC code violations and misrepresentations on this property, but have yet to receive any respons other than from a call-center agent. You would think a company that self-asserts itself to have such a high-valued customer "Bill of Rights" would 1) Have some background/screening process for their potential properties to prevent this in the first place. This property is not even legally licenced to be a hotel. How hard is that to check? ... and 2) Taken my feedback and notices to them seriously. Because I was not getting heard at Expedia, I have resorted to putting up http://www.woogosucks.com. Still, right now, many days later, reservations are still be accepted.
I understand that many people might first think there are exaggerations here because the situation is so unbelivably extreme. But to me, there is no other way to put it except WRONG.
How about when the property manager actually tells you they are the wrong photos and starts blaming Expedia? (WooGo owns many properties, and these are 99.99% not from where we stayed)
Still want "wrong"? How about the fact that I notified Expedia several days ago about the NYC code violations and misrepresentations on this property, but have yet to receive any respons other than from a call-center agent. You would think a company that self-asserts itself to have such a high-valued customer "Bill of Rights" would 1) Have some background/screening process for their potential properties to prevent this in the first place. This property is not even legally licenced to be a hotel. How hard is that to check? ... and 2) Taken my feedback and notices to them seriously. Because I was not getting heard at Expedia, I have resorted to putting up http://www.woogosucks.com. Still, right now, many days later, reservations are still be accepted.
I understand that many people might first think there are exaggerations here because the situation is so unbelivably extreme. But to me, there is no other way to put it except WRONG.
Apr 15th, 2006, 09:44 AM
#31
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Sorry, I'm sure not going to argue with that entire last point.
I guess it's just a mixup matter of semantics.
I thought by "wrong" you were referring to the much earlier comment from the WooGo people that claimed Expedia put the wrong photos on the web -- as if they weren't supplied by them. I'm not buying that theory -- I merely meant that the photos are indeed the "right" ones supplied by WooGo, but of course, "wrong" in terms of what they show.
I guess it's just a mixup matter of semantics.
I thought by "wrong" you were referring to the much earlier comment from the WooGo people that claimed Expedia put the wrong photos on the web -- as if they weren't supplied by them. I'm not buying that theory -- I merely meant that the photos are indeed the "right" ones supplied by WooGo, but of course, "wrong" in terms of what they show.
Apr 15th, 2006, 10:18 AM
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Neo, I am sorry too -- I knew what you meant -- I apologize for my high frustration level. I agree that the Hotel in question probably supplied the photos... It's really more in the story of the whole thing in how it unfolded upon us ... and while I feel that Exedia might (initially) be part of the side getting scammed -- it's not like Expedia hasn't been told now...
and I hope that we never let it be just about "the bottom line" if it's beyond the law, beyond ethics, and beyond the basics of common courtesy ... unless you want to acquiesce to a society of crooks and con artists.
My favorite emails are from the appalled New Yorkers who are embarrassed and angered (but not surprised) for their city. I wish more people would help raise their voice in protest. If you have a local travel columnist, let them know about this situation, please!
and I hope that we never let it be just about "the bottom line" if it's beyond the law, beyond ethics, and beyond the basics of common courtesy ... unless you want to acquiesce to a society of crooks and con artists.
My favorite emails are from the appalled New Yorkers who are embarrassed and angered (but not surprised) for their city. I wish more people would help raise their voice in protest. If you have a local travel columnist, let them know about this situation, please!
Apr 15th, 2006, 10:43 AM
#34
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Only the victims themselves can complain effectively - otherwise the info is he said/she said and no one wants to touch it.
Another option is ASA Aarons - who has a column on scams/problems in the New York Daily News - and also on TV (that may be once a week). He would love to expose something like this.
Another option is ASA Aarons - who has a column on scams/problems in the New York Daily News - and also on TV (that may be once a week). He would love to expose something like this.
Apr 15th, 2006, 03:56 PM
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"Only the victims themselves can complain effectively - otherwise the info is he said/she said and no one wants to touch it. "
Fair enough, if you send me the name and contact info for your local travel columnist or agent I will let them know directly. (Although, I also think the more voices the better. Anyone can send your local travel editor a simple 'heads-up' out of concern for any of your neighbors or locals that might be considering NYC ...
Fair enough, if you send me the name and contact info for your local travel columnist or agent I will let them know directly. (Although, I also think the more voices the better. Anyone can send your local travel editor a simple 'heads-up' out of concern for any of your neighbors or locals that might be considering NYC ...
Apr 17th, 2006, 06:09 AM
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Seamus, a high number of these illegal rentals (and it isn't just this one building, this is becoming rampant) are coming from Craigslist.
My point is that if you rent of Craigslist, how do you know it isn't one of these illegal rentals?
The scariest thing for me is lack of fire exits. You don't need as many in a residentual building.
My point is that if you rent of Craigslist, how do you know it isn't one of these illegal rentals?
The scariest thing for me is lack of fire exits. You don't need as many in a residentual building.
Apr 17th, 2006, 11:52 AM
#37
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An unregulated place like Craigslist is one thing. A multi-million dollar corporation who flies "Your Number One With Us" is another...
I have now written an open letter to the President of Expedia, Inc.
http://www.ShameOnExpedia.com
I have now written an open letter to the President of Expedia, Inc.
http://www.ShameOnExpedia.com
Apr 19th, 2006, 12:57 PM
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Go Travel--
Why do you keep knocking CraigsList? Where are you getting this info about illegal rentals coming in droves from CraigsList? I know a number of people who have used CraigsList with very satisfying results. Much to the dismay of those sharks in real estate broker clothing, many people are finding apartments thru CraigsList without having to pay the exhorbiant broker fees.
Of course one should always keep that grain of salt handy when looking at any site.
Why do you keep knocking CraigsList? Where are you getting this info about illegal rentals coming in droves from CraigsList? I know a number of people who have used CraigsList with very satisfying results. Much to the dismay of those sharks in real estate broker clothing, many people are finding apartments thru CraigsList without having to pay the exhorbiant broker fees.
Of course one should always keep that grain of salt handy when looking at any site.
Apr 22nd, 2006, 09:18 AM
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Just made some enquiries on this guy, kelly brit, who started the topic. He seems to be after publicity, apprentice, etc. I actually stayed in Woogo Central Park and their 4 star Hotel 82 in London, we had a great time. Some of the comments made here by this guy, kelly britt, seem libellous, he can be sued, I think he's dealing with a big company who can sue him for a lot of money.
