The Reinhold Guesthouse Bali

It appears that BdC is trying to make us ( the Hosts) believe that ::::

" Replying to a review offers you ( the host ) the chance to interact with guests in a positive way, and appeal to new customers.

The feature helps to provide balance, giving you the opportunity to express your viewpoint

This not only benefits you but all visitors to our website." 

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Apart from several others, this particular quote offers ( in our opinion )  an irrational, and ridiculous interpretation on the meanings of "balance" , and the " benefits for Hosts and visitors to the BdC website." 

Positive interaction between hosts and guests takes place during the guest's stay at a host's establishment.

The absolutely "unbalanced" right for guests ( AFTER CHECKOUT) to express any inconveniences they claim to have encountered during their  stay at their chosen accommodation represents ( in our opinion ) a clear invitation to "cowardice acts of backstabbing " by disgruntled guest who did not have the courage to face the landlord in order to   address their issues person to person. 

The present review system offers a host a below ZERO defence mechanisms, - because any comments from the host, in response to an unfavourable review from a guest , prove absolutely useless . 

There is no accountability from the guest's side in respect to the validity of their review ( in particular when it involves an anonymous review), ----  and any endeavour of defence from the ( targeted ) host, in response to a negative review , ( from our personal experience ) is not even worth the effort of writing. 

Join the club, Mita Rooms, - Phill A and One88 on Commerce

The consequences of the present ( new ) rating system appear to grow like a bad virus ,that slowly infiltrates the "Host community" ,by destroying our confidence in our constant efforts in providing outstanding services to our guests.

We, as Hosts, ( like many others ) are exposed to the " Mercy " of our guest's moods ( and intelligence ) at the time of their posting a review , without having been afforded any tools for our own defence, in the BdC review system.

<< just a thought that emerged after reflecting on our own experience >>

In our opinion, the "comment section " ( if it is filled in ) is of benefit to the host .

It would provide a first impression on the  reasons why a high rating was given, or why a lower rating was considered by the guest.

Thank you, Community Admin, for the comment.

In general ( and in our opinion ), this policy that you are referring to, is perfectly well understood by most, or all, BdC Hosts.

As you stated"    Unfortunately, it always depends on the booker to choose the correct section and add the name of the actual guest "

So, (what we are asking is, ) what is the host's position in a case where a person or persons ,arrive at the guesthouse and claim that a different person has booked ( and paid for the reservation online ) under their own name ?

It was suggested by the BdC support team, that we request the booker to cancel the reservation, and ask the arriving guests to re-book their stay.

A very simple procedure ( or not ?)

On the other hand, because the booker is always the identity with whom BdC communicates, BdC refuses to make available to the host any personal information on the guest(s), even if their name is included in the original booking request.

When it comes to reviews, the booker ( not the actual guests ,who have been staying at the property ) << in case that the host is lenient enough to honour the reservation >>> is the only contact BdC sends an invitation to to leave a review on the property.

Again, BdC's support team offers the suggestion that the booker can send the link of the BdC review page to the people they had made the booking for, and ask them to fill it in. 

Once more, very simple !!

Talking about our recent experience,

In our case , a female booker from UK booked a single budget price room for two nights, and asked for early check-in.

Instead of arriving at Mid-day, ( as requested) she arrived in the late hours of the evening, after our office had closed.

She showed our security staff printed confirmation that the booking was paid for via online payment method, and declared that the room was not for her, but for her local driver.

Not a big problem!!

Three days later, a review was posted to or BdC host's page, with a rating of ("1 ") , which was supported by claiming that " the lights in the house were not really bright,-- and that "only dry bread was served for breakfast" 

The problem is that neither the booker, nor the "driver", ever appeared in person to meet with the House Management ,or any of the staff, after the initial contact on the evening of check-in.

Our Dorm Rooms have private, individual entrances. 

following Marita's comments,- we have searched for guest's options to edit their review after posting it.

We have so far not found any positive results.

Does anybody know the answer?

Good morning M Adamopoulou

It is always our pleasure to talk with you.

During the past 9 years, we never had a valid reason to argue with BdC,-- this is a first, and only ( unfortunate ) case that led us (maybe a little too harsh) to overreact to a situation.

After further discussions with our staff, we concluded that this "guest experience" was the result of  ( unusual ) circumstances, and confusion, for which neither of the parties involved should, or could, directly, or individually be held responsible for.

( BTW: after questioning the BdC support team, all our messages are back online. )

We wish you a pleasant day

cheers