The Total Rip-off/Scam of the restaurant Tribeca in JA Ocean View Hotel, level 1, The Walk, Jumeriah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai UAE.

On 19 December myself and my partner who are tourists, together with another couple who reside in Dubai decided to go out to a Ladies Night, hosted by Tribeca (details above). This was our first visit to this venue, although not the first time to a Ladies Night. The previous week, we all went to another restaurant/bar called Girdards, in the same hotel, i.e. the JA Ocean View Hotel on The Walk, for Ladies Night. This turned out to be a really great evening, and certainly enticed us to return to the hotel, and their restaurants/bars. Unfortunately, our evening on 19 December at Tribeca resulted in us being ripped off by management and staff, and almost having to call the police in trying to resolve the impasse when requesting Mr. Erald Hoxha, the assistant manager to intervene. At the previous weeks Ladies Night at Girdards, each lady was physically handed 5 vouchers whereby entitling them to have 5 free drinks, ranging from sodas, to alcoholic drinks with or without mixers. This process ensures that ladies who order something that is not part of the free drinks deal, wouldn’t be able to do so with the vouchers. This is fair, transparent and well managed. At Tribeca the advertised Ladies Night on their display board at the entrance to the venue stated the following: “WEDNESDAY QUEEN BEE LADIES’ NIGHT to 1.30am. Free flowing drinks for ladies. 50% off main courses……”. On being seated at our table for dinner and drinks, the waitron explained that the 2 ladies were entitled to free drinks, comprising wine, spirts and mixers, and also could order off a ladies section of the menu, supposedly at the 50% reduction off the regular main course price. The couple we were with had the Entertainer App, which participating restaurants in Dubai subscribe to in an effort to encourage patrons. The offer on the Entertainer for Tribeca was 2 for 1 for a main course. We informed the waitron that we had the Entertainment App, and she confirmed that it was fine to use for our 2 main course dinners of 4 burgers. Which incidentally worked out cheaper than the so called 50% discount for a burger on the Ladies menu. We proceeded to order drinks for ourselves and the ladies. My friend and I each had 2 beers at advertised menu price of $12.25 each, which is normal for Dubai prices. The ladies had 2 alcoholic drinks with soda mixers and then proceeded to order 4 more soda drinks. Hereafter we called for the bill, and were absolutely shocked to be presented with a bill for the 4 sodas that the ladies had ordered at the outrageous cost of approximately $11 each, and being misrepresented in the so called “Free flowing drinks for ladies …”. In addition to this, the bill had and additional cost of 5% Vat added, which according to retail law and customer service should have been inclusive at the advertised menu prices. Oh, at the bottom of the menu in TINY print it had a one-liner stating prices were exclusive of Vat. We then asked to speak to the manager, and Mr. Erald Hoxha, the assistant Restaurant Manager of Tribeca came to our table. In a calm manner we voiced our utter dissatisfaction at being presented with what we consider a Misrepresented Bill. Especially in light of what was advertised, and implied by the Tribeca staff. This resulted in an argument, intimidation (Mr. Erald Hoxha being constantly on his walkie talkie with security and even having them appear at out table), total arrogance as I have never experienced, no customer service whatsoever, and no understanding as how to deal with customers. Mr. Erald Hoxha, eventually gave us no other option but to pay the scam bill as presented or calling the police. I was so angry at this scam/rip-off, and intimidation that I was prepared to get the police involved. Eventually we paid the bill presented as I didn’t want to cause problems for couple residing in Dubai. As a tourist this has left a bitter taste of Dubai hospitality. Tribeca’s lack of foresight in dealing amicably with tourists, displays in my view a lack of managerial s****s, and I question the calibre of staff and their “Mafia” style attitude. I frequented Dubai numerous times, and have never experienced such behaviour by any entertainment venue as Tribeca. I urge you not to go near Tribeca. Be aware of their false adverting, and insist on being presented with vouchers for supposedly free drinks for ladies. I know that Tribeca is run independent of the Hotel JA Ocean View, however I do question the hotel’s acceptance of their tenant’s unethical behaviour. I do believe Dubai want tourists but the blind, deaf and verbal abuse directed by the Management and staff of Tribeca needs to be pulled in-line.