How do I get out of a bad reservation?

[Smart 4-2]

I could use some advice from more experienced cruisers.

I made a reservation at a Ft.Lauderdale area hotel for a pre -cruise stay in 3 weeks time.

I have since learned it is not recommended (to put it mildly).

I found out later that their web site says cancellation period is 30 days.

I don't mind paying a reasonable cancellation fee (25 - 40), but am I stuck for the whole amount? I have verbal reservation and confirmation number, but nothing on paper.

[Bequia]

I've never heard of a 30 day cancellation policy, what hotel is it?

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[bouhunter]

Call the hotel direct. Tell them a personal emergency has come up (it IS a personal emergency if you're afraid the place is a dump!:D ) and you need to cancel. Don't even mention the penalty unless they do. Be really nice and there's probably a good chance they'll take care of it without penalty.

[signman]

Don't tell them anything but that you wish to cancel. Since they didn't give you anything in writing they can't point to it on the non-existent confirmation and say you owe it.

 

Please don't tell us you prepaid in full....................

[lvtotrvl1]

How did you make the reservation? If it is through priceline etc, you may not be able to cancel...if you made it through the hotel, I would do what others have said...call and be very nice....

[signman]

#22 February 19th, 2008, 04:12 PM

Smart 4-2

Cool Cruiser Join Date: Feb 2008

Location: Calgary, Alberta

Posts: 5

 

Did I make a wrong choice?

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

I booked a pre cruise 4 day stay at a small Inn that had OK reviews in Fromer's and the AAA guide. After reading TripAdvisor opinions, I am really worried. I booked "A Little Inn By The Sea" in Lauderdale By the Sea.

 

We don't mind small, family run, non resort properties - laid back is fine.

Has anyone stayed there lately? Does it live up to its web site promise ?

Any advice is appreciated.

-Donna (4-2 is my car)

 

Here is a previous post from OP. Why no action in the past 2 weeks if you knew the clock was ticking on the 30 day window?

[signman]

These are the terms & conditions I found on their web site. No mention of 30 days.

 

Check in time 1500 hrs.

Check out time 1100 hrs.

Rates subject to change.

No additional charge for children accompanied by an adult.

We do not allow pets on property.

Extra person charge is USD 10.00 per person from 1st May to 16th December and USD 15.00 per person from 16th December to 30th April.

Rollaway bed is available free of charge.

Crib is available free of charge.

Self parking is available free of charge.

Free parking is available.

Outdoor parking is available.

[signman]

I agree, the reviews of this place are disgusting.

[coiran]

Here is the webpage with their cancellation policy http://www.alittleinn.com/rooms.html

Not only do you lose your deposit but they will also charge you $25 cancellation fee.

 

If you read reviews on trioadvisor, take them with a grain of salt - they are not very accurate.

 

Ron

[Smart 4-2]

Thanks for all your advice.

The two week delay between first question and action was due to family health issues. Things are better now.

I don't know where I read of the 30 day cancellation policy.

I was able to cancel, with one night charged. The place may be fine, but the awful reviews had me spooked. I realize even great places have some bad reviews on tripadvisor.

I reserved a much better place with recommendations from this forum.

[Bequia]

Lesson learned...Always read these forums before booking a room. :cool:

 

 

 

 

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[cruisinelsewhere]

Lesson learned...Always read these forums before booking a room. :cool:

 

 

 

 

82

 

Better than that....always ask Bequia:D

[Smart 4-2]

Better than that....always ask Bequia:D

I only discovered this site after I made my first reservation.

Now I am paying a bit more but I booked Bequia's favorite place! :)

It is worth it to stop worrying.

[temple1]

Bequia, I read really good and really bad reviews of the Days Inn Bahai = what do you know about it?

[Jaxsonbrownie]

I am sure Bequia will concur, that this place is as bad as it looks!!! Try looking at the Cocobelle, small, but nice, and reasonable.I posted a link in response to your other thread. Hope it helps, Jax

[Bequia]

Bequia, I read really good and really bad reviews of the Days Inn Bahai = what do you know about it?

 

You can do better. ;)

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