Park in an empty lot at the airport for about $75 or go to Premier Parking for about $27? Sure Premier is just a dimly lit parking lot at the local Days Inn, but they take precise reservations, and even provide free shuttles to the airport! Or do they?
I made my online reservation, fond the lot with no problems, and checked in early. The desk clerk had me complete my "paperwork" (a poor copy of a one-page rehash of my online info), gave me my dash card, and let me know that the 6:00 A.M. Shuttle I booked looked almost full. What does "almost full" mean? He said I'd have to take the next shuttle, but it wouldn't be long, and I can wait in the lobby. I figured that to be about 15 minutes based on our distance from the airport. I went to park my car in the very dark lot, and returned to wait in the lobby.
That's when the clerk got up enough nerve to tell me that the next shuttle won't leave until 7:00 A.M.! Being less than a mile from the airport, I asked why it would take so long. After all, I made a reservation for a specific time for a reason. I understand that they overbooked, resulting in a delay, but reasonable customer service would have me to the airport as soon as possible. The clerk assured me that the shuttle driver was certain that I will make it in time. I was not reassured that the shuttle driver thought that I could handle all of my business in time for my flight, so I instructed the clerk to toss my paperwork because I was going to park at the airport. As I left commenting on the "excellent service", the desk clerk made his best attempt at service recovery by shouting, "First come, first served!"
I later replied to my e-mailed reservation confirmation with the details shared above and a request for a full refund. For this I received a credit for future parking that I can use if I wish to suffer through this disservice again. I have now responded to that demanding a full refund of my money since services were never rendered. There has been no repsonse to that. I attempted to "Chat Online with Lauren", but she could not help. I sent an e-mail from their website to give them one last chance to give a refund. That prompted a phone call wher I had to rehash all of these details. They could do nothing, but would take it to management.
How hard is it to refund $27? What kind of business cares so little of their reputation? I suppose that this amounts to a company with a "no refund" disclaimer to make it legal, and they plan to play the odds. Who would waste their time to recover $27? Oops... I would. Hopefully, people will see this and my other online reviews and be spared the delays and frustration. Travel has enough hassles, right?
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