Lies, damned lies and hotel brochures
A campaign highlighting "creative" descriptions in hotel brochures has found that truth often takes a back-seat when it comes to attracting customers.
Among the "whoppers" submitted to Supranational Hotels' online survey were ads for unlimited parking (which omitted to mention that guests pay by the hour) and a "lifestyle bar" that was full of prostitutes plying their trade.
Other fibs included a walk-in shower so small guests had to reverse to get out, an "extensive cheese board" that consisted of three different coloured cheddars, and "fitness facilities" made up of a lone exercise bike.
Hotels located near railways and airports described as "quiet" were another common false claim, as well as rooms being described as executive, when they had no internet access, but a wide range of blue movies.
Supranational managing director Niels Pedersen said: "Trying to attract high-spending corporate guests with facilities more suitable to the budget market will not work."
Other ‘whoppers' included…
"Private dining room" separated by a curtain from the restaurant.
"Lakeside view" of a half dried-out pond.
"Laundry service" which takes a minimum of three working days.
Two-star hotels labelled "de luxe"
"Minimalist", one armchair, one table, no desk chair, no bedspread, no coathangers, no lamp (only the main room light), bare white walls.
"Breathtaking vistas": of the motorway if your room is on the ‘wrong' side of the hotel.
"An accent on healthy living": but smoke-filled public areas, bars and restaurants.
"Non-smoking rooms": where the tobacco smell of the previous occupant pervades the room.
"Library": a shelf of ratty paperbacks clearly left behind by previous guests.
"Mini-bar": which you were obviously expected to fill yourself.
"Pets welcome": but kept in adjacent kennels with resulting non-stop barking through the night.
"Perfect for summer weddings": on a bald lawn.
"Tea and coffee-making facilities": one teabag, one sachet of coffee, one sachet of coffee whitener, no sugar.