The hidden camera segment on TV3's entertainment/consumer program, Target managed to feature one of their perennial favorite subjects - motels.View the show: HERE
Over the last two years, Target have featured 16 motel properties and follow a similar routine of recording the check-in process with a hidden camera, testing bacteria levels in kitchen/bathroom areas and shining the dreaded UV light on bedding and in the toilet area.
Motels were visited that could accommodate 2 adults and 2 children in Hamilton. Tariff ranged from $110.00 to $185.00.
We would imagine that it would be relatively easy for the show's producers to select certain motel properties that would give the shock horror results necessary to entertain the average voyeuristic viewer. There is a concern that findings at the negative end of the scale will be seen to be commonplace, instill unnecessary consumer anxiety and reflect badly on the motel industry.
This ambush, reality TV style can be most concerning to moteliers. We note that some of the unsavory findings have been reported HERE, however any protest would get little public sympathy and would be counterproductive. Although we could question some of Target's methods, there is simply no defense for finding less than high cleaning standards in the motels that are featured.
Our congratulations to Aspen Manor Motel that scored extremely highly on the show. I have stayed there myself and it is a great property with excellent operators. Interestingly they were the highest tariff for 4 people at $185.00 - very reasonable we would have thought.
Hopefully the biggest lesson that could be gleemed by viewers is that: "you get what you pay for."
