When I originally bought this travel package, I was told that the accommodations would be in a hotel that had just recently undergone a 5.3 million-dollar renovation, and I had been selected to test out the accommodations for a significantly discounted price. All I would have to do is take a guided tour 1 morning of the trip. And there were no restrictions as to when I could take the trip.
In July when I called to book my trip for December 23 through December 30 I was told that the cruise ship included in my package did not sail during that week, and I would have to change my dates. I have a very small window of time within which I can travel throughout the year and am unable to change my travel dates. I never would have bought this package had I known this up front. Since I could not change my travel dates, I booked the details of my trip with Brian at Ext. 4125 and he subsequently downgraded me to the Imperial Majesty which, is not a Norwegian luxury cruise ship, it was built in 1954 in Ireland. Also, for a fee of $170. Brian upgraded me to an outside cabin and a nicer hotel and car.
I called the Ramada Ocean Beach Resort Hotel where Brian had booked me and spoke with Marussa who told me the hotel hadn't been renovated in 4 years and is 25 years old. I looked at a photo on the internet and the hotel is a 3-story building and anything but luxurious. As previously stated, I was told that the accommodations would be in a hotel that had undergone a 5.3 million-dollar renovation.
I also called the Amerihost hotel to confirm my reservation, and Sherene told me they had no reservation under my name, and that they don't get the reservation information from Ramada Plaza Resorts until two weeks prior to check in, and if the hotel is full, they would move me to another hotel. Again, I paid for a secure reservation and was specifically told that the accommodations would be in a hotel that had undergone a 5.3 million-dollar renovation, not that I would be moved around from hotel to hotel if they were full.
Furthermore, Brian told me I would have to take a small tour on the morning of Dec. 24th. I found out that the guided tour is actually a high-pressure sales pitch to buy time-share condos. This was not mentioned to me at all in my initial telephone call to purchase this package.
Finally, I researched an identical travel itinerary package on my own which came to $1387.20
Alamo Car Rental
www.alamo.com
Chevy Cavalier 4-door
Dec. 23-30
$135.
Ramada Ocean Beach Resort
1350 South Ocean Blvd. 33062
Tel. 954-941-7300
2 Adults Mon. Dec 23, Tues. Dec. 24, Wed. Dec. 25
$149 11% tax = $165.40 per night = $496.20
Imperial Majesty Cruise Ship
954-971-7347
954-971-7347
Dec. 26,27 Outside Cabin
$279. X 2 adults = $558.
Amerihost Resort www.amerihostinn.com
7491 Irlo Bronson
Memorial Hwy
Kissimmee, FL 34747
407-396-6000
Sat. Dec. 28, Sun. Dec. 29
2 Adults $99. Per night $198.
Total Cost $1387.20
I was charged a total of $1367. That's a discount of $20.02, a far cry from the significantly discounted price I was told in my original telephone conversation.
If I had known there were restrictions on dates, and I would be getting regular market value accommodations and would have to take part in a sales pitch to buy time-share condos, I would never have bought this package. Additionally the grief and frustration I have experienced with their customer service department in trying to resolve this matter has been utterly deplorable. This travel package was falsely advertised and grossly misleading and I have demanded a full refund in the amount of $1367. And copied the Attorney General's office of Florida, and the Federal Trade Commission.
Larry Peters Reservations Manager called to say he could only refund the $170. Upgrade, and move me to a nicer hotel, but he couldn't refund any more money. No resolution yet.
Naima
Toronto, Ontario
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