Fell into this same trap. I researched days before calling them and paying the final amount to go on the vacation and found this site. Wrote them a letter and complained to important people and places.
Example of Letter:
May 5
Daniel Lambert
Ramada Plaza Resorts
2419 E. Commercial Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Re: insisting for a full refund due to violation of florida's deceptive and unfair trade practices act
My package information:
Reservation Number:
Issue Date: 07/12
Down Payment: $698.00 in July via telephone
Dear Daniel Lambert:
I purchased a vacation package from Ramada Plaza Resorts and I am insisting for a full refund of half the purchase price of $698.00 for the reason of false and deceptive advertising and statement.
This letter is to inform you that I am demanding for a full refund of the above amount. Ramada Plaza Resorts has intentionally and deliberately violated Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act by Engaging in unfair methods of competition, unfair, unconscionable and misleading trade practices, including, but not limited to, travel scams, and false or deceptive advertising.
Ramada Plaza Resorts OFV/IM, LLC is also in violation of U.S. Postal Service Mail Fraud Laws because you mailed false and misleading advertising and propaganda by the use of the U.S. Mail.
Ramada Plaza Resorts OFV/IM, LLC is also in violation of Florida's Sellers of Travel Act for selling a package with a deadline of 18 months or more from the date of purchase.
I received a voucher in the mail and called only to see what it was about. I wasn't prepared to make any kind of deposit on anything. However, after being promised a Spectacular Florida/Tropical Caribbean Cruise vacation package and cruise accommodations at the end of the vacation, I came to believed this was the greatest package ever. The names Ramada, Carnival, Universal Orlando and the statements Paradise, Spectacular Resorts, and Tropical Adventure lead me to believe this was a quality vacation. However, I have since learned that my deluxe award-winning accommodations include two sub-standard, 2 star hotels and a very old, poorly kept ship. The Internet is filled with dissatisfied customers and governmental warnings and litigation.
I contacted Ramada Plaza Resorts on May 05 at 1:00 P.M. To cancel my trip and request a refund. I spoke with two representatives, who were both very rude by constantly interrupting me while I was speaking. The second representative was a lady named Esperanza and I told her to cancel my package and give me a refund of $698. She said she would postpone the expiration day of the trip for an additional 18 months, since my first 18 month period that I am supposed to take my vacation is almost over. I told her I had no intention of postponing and that I was pursuing a refund. She then asked for a reason for my request to cancel, and I informed her that I had done research and discovered many disappointed and displeased customers and warnings from the government and legal lawsuits. She replied with, We are aware of these websites and these are just some opinions of others. However, as mentioned above, the entire Internet is overflowing with hundreds of websites revealing reports from thousands of unhappy, frustrated, and dissatisfied customers.
I also decided to do some research on the cost of the rooms in Ramada Plaza Resort and the Caribbean Cruise by visiting the Ramada and the Florida Cruise website. I realized that the Special Limited Time Offer I received in the mail was not so Special or Limited because if I had booked my trip from the direct website or even other vacation websites, the trip would have cost me a lot less for what I am supposed to pay, which is a total cost of $1,396.00. This proves that this is Fraud and Deception!
Complaints against Ramada Plaza Resorts, Ellen Wasserstrom, Registered Agent, Daniel Lambert, Manager, Robert Tantalo, Manager, and James Verrillo, Manager, have been filed with the following agencies:
Florida Division of Consumer Services
Florida Attorney General
United States Postal Service
California Attorney General
If full refund is not received within 15-30 days of receipt of this letter, I am prepared to embark on legal proceedings that include a class action lawsuit in the State of California.
I am aware of the fact that you, your co-schemers, and your company are very familiar to litigation, and you are very aware that it will be worth your endeavor to see that my refund is sent to me promptly. I do not tolerate being lied to and cheated, so I will not let this end until I have been fully justified. If I am forced to proceed to lawsuit, you may be accountable for expensive fines:
501.164 Civil penalties.—In addition to all other remedies provided by the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, the court may impose a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per violation with an aggregate total not to exceed $25,000 for any 24-hour period against any person who violates the provisions of s. 501.160. Any penalties so collected shall accrue to the enforcing authority to further consumer enforcement efforts.
I will ONLY be reached by U.S. Mail and Telephone calls will not be accepted!
You may credit my credit cards you have on file or mail the refund to the address at the beginning of this letter.
Sincerely,
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cc: 1) Ellen Wasserstrom 100 W. Cypress Creek Rd., Suite 700 Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
2) Robert Tantalo 2419 E. Commercial Blvd., Suite 100 Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
3) James Verrillo 2419 E. Commercial Blvd., Suite 100 Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
4) Office of Attorney General Charlie Crist, State of Florida - Consumer Fraud Division,
The Capitol PL-01 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050
5) Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Division of Consumer Services Apalachee Parkway, Rhodes Building, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-6500
Arpine
North Hollywood, California
U.S.A.
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