Nice food sample, but way overpriced.
The tour guide was very friendly and entertaining. However, we felt that the tour was overpriced for what was offered (i.e., did not match the photos). In essence, it was having some small food samples (not meals) at a few locations on/near the pier, while the guide spoke to the historical significance of local landmarks. This tour would have been more appreciated at the beginning of the day to allow us time to eat at one of the establishments before heading back to the ship. I would have been satisfied paying half the cost and focused only on trying the food so that our time could have been used for other activities.
Disappointing
Our experience with this food tour was unfortunately very disappointing, especially considering the cost and our high expectations. We began our day following the directions provided on the website, which led us to 530 N Franklin Street—taking us up a steep hill into a residential neighborhood far from the actual meeting point. After realizing we were lost and already late, we received a call from the company and learned we were over a mile off course. Thankfully, someone came to pick us up and brought us to the correct location.
Upon arrival, I informed the staff that one of our five guests was sick and would not be joining. I politely requested a refund for the absent guest, but was told this was not possible because the food had already been prepared. I then asked if we could at least receive the food or gift bag for the fifth person, since it had been paid for. The guide seemed surprised and responded that they had never been asked that before. Despite following up during the tour, we never received that portion of food or any compensation.
The tour itself was also underwhelming. It was advertised as a six-stop tour, but we only experienced five stops. At one location, I asked if we could add a crab leg to our tasting and was told there wasn’t enough time—even though the tour ended after only 1.5 hours, despite being promoted as a 3-hour experience. While I understand we were late due to inaccurate directions, that portion of the tour should have still been honored in full and was told they would do so. I also requested some refund since we did not meet all the stops and since it was cute short in time and also for the missing guest food which I am still not sure who got that portion.
As a travel agent, I had hoped to recommend this experience to future clients, but sadly I cannot. For the price and the promises made, this tour did not deliver in terms of value, professionalism, or customer service.
事業者からの返答
Dear Christy,
Thank you for taking the time to share your client’s feedback. We’re very sorry to hear that their experience did not meet expectations, and we truly appreciate you bringing this to our attention. At Traveling Spoon, we take all concerns seriously and work closely with our hosts to ensure the highest-quality experiences for every guest.
We understand the group experienced confusion with the meeting point directions, which led to a delayed start. We're glad, however, that our host was able to personally pick them up and escort them to the correct location.
Regarding the request for a refund for the guest who was unable to attend due to illness, we initially received a request via Viator for a 50% refund, which was quite significant and therefore declined. As noted in our cancellation policy at the time of booking, cancellations made within 48 hours of an experience are non-refundable due to advance food purchases and vendor coordination. That said, we understand this was an unfortunate and unforeseen circumstance. Had the host been informed even slightly earlier, they may have been able to make adjustments with their vendors.
We’d also like to clarify that the experience is advertised as approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. While the group’s late arrival impacted the timeline, our host and guide did their best to deliver the complete tasting experience across five stops. All food had been prepared for five guests. Although the group inquired about a takeaway or gift bag for the missing guest, a pre-packaged portion was not readily available - though we agree this could have been better communicated and handled.
As a gesture of goodwill, and in recognition of your role as a valued travel advisor, we’d like to offer a 50% refund for the single guest's portion. While the original request was for a 50% refund of the full booking, we hope this strikes a fair balance between acknowledging your client’s concerns and respecting the operational realities of the tour.
Please let us know how you’d like to proceed. We sincerely value your partnership and look forward to continuing to support your clients with enriching, meaningful travel experiences.
Warm regards,
Cherry
