This internet company advertised exciting NY tours, required advance payment of $170 for the "All of Manhattan" bus tour and $198 for the "Harlem Jazz Tour". My husband and I had planned to celebrate Valentines Day in New York and these seemed to be excellent choices. On both occasions the tour bus had already "left" before we arrived. The "All of Manhattan" left us on February 14th, ruining Valentine's Day. The "Harlem Jazz Tour" left us in the rain, cold, tired and HUNGRY, ruining the rest of the trip.
We had even called in advance before leaving our hotel to make sure that we didn't "miss" the bus the second time (after "missing" the first tour) and we were assured that the bus would be waiting. When we arrived the bus was GONE, again. However the lady at the desk made a phone call to the bus driver who told us to run 8 blocks in the rain to the corner of 46th and 6th where the bus would be waiting for us. Rain-drenched and out of breath from running, when we arrived there was no bus in sight. We called again, no answer. Besides being cold and hungry, we were now lost!
Two days later when we returned home to Los Angeles, CA I called them again, spoke with "Angela" and was advised to send an email explaining everything and we would receive a refund in a "couple of weeks". That was on February 17. I did as instructed and have not received any response whatsoever, even after sending follow-up emails.
For whatever their reasons, I do not believe that there was ever a tour bus to accomodate us on either occasion. I suspect that they over-booked, had no room for us on those 2 tours that were scheduled long before the holiday. And last but not least, they did not want to refund money that they had received 2 months in advance.
This is extremely bad business to receive such substantial consideration (total $368) and give nothing in return.
For everyone who reads this, be very, very cautious if you are ever so inclined to deal with Harlem Spirituals. You just might get "RIPPED OFF"!!
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