My collegue and I needed to book rooms for a trip to Chicago for the evening of June 25, for a business trip that was necessary. We did not receive approval to make the trip until Thursday, June 21. On Friday, June 22, using a website address: www.hoteldiscount.com we searched for hotels nearby to our business contacts in Chicago.
One hotel had rooms for one of us. My collegue cancelled that when it was clear for both of us to attend. We went on the web to www.hoteldiscount.com and found that the Chicago Sheraton had rooms for Monday, June 25.
Although it took my breath to book at $269.95 for one night, by boss said that the University would okay it. We then booked the rooms electronically. I was not comfortable in giving my credit card info, so I telephoned the 800 number (800-295-0326) and gave my cc info to a person. I received my confirmation number verbally and proceeded with trip planning.
We arrived in Chicago and conducted business on Monday, June 25, and stayed over for additional business on Tuesday, June 26. Upon checkout the only bill that I received was one for the telephone call ($26.99 for 5 minutes to Indiana!!! Another ripoff). After checkout, we left for our appointment. The bill had no information regarding the room charge.
When I returned to the office on Wed. June 27, I called the Chicago Sheraton Hotel and requested a 'fax' of my room bill so that I could submit my bills to the University for reimbursement. The charges were on my personal credit card.
The fax finally arrived at 5:00 P.M. With interesting room rate of $176 with a "DISC" notation. I thought that maybe I had received a discount and started feeling really good! Well I remembered that the "Hoteldiscount! Com" representative had told me that $269. Would be charged immediately to my credit card on Friday, June 22.
My true cost was $267.including various taxes from hoteldiscount! Com when I entered my reservation # online to check the charges at my number.
The $176 plus taxes is the rate that Chicago Sheraton gives the "discounter" who books 50 or more rooms!!! So, HotelDiscount! Com is really Hotel Surcharge! Com
There is no discount with this company, nor do their Customer Service representatives follow through with promised e-mails to confirm charges. I had to go to the Customer Service portion of their website to look up the charges under my reservation number and find the billing in that manner!
I think that I would have had a chance to have had a better rate by calling Chicago Sheraton directly, and received a $202. Plus tax rate for the room. I at least would have saved $25.
People should be warned about such SCAM agents!!!
0 comments