I recently utilized Travelocity's Top Secret Hotel promotion to book a one night stay in Bakersfield, California. The hotel they were offering was a 3 star hotel with an overall traveler review rating of 5. After I researched the 3 star hotels in Bakersfield that had 5 overall traveler ratings, I was able to narrow down the list of hotels to three possible choices - Residence Inn, Springhill Suites and Courtyard by Marriott. I went ahead and paid the $65.00 charge and was then e-mailed what my hotel was - The Red Lion in Bakersfield. Travelocity lists this hotel as a 3 star even though the other major travel sites have it listed as a 2.5 star. I also read some pretty bad reviews about this place, so I was immediately concerned. Travelocity only showed 2 traveler reviews, from over a year ago and they averaged 4.5, not 5 as advertised.
I made a call to Travelocity and was told my reservation was non-refundable, but I told them I understood, but my problem was with their false advertising. They attempted to offer me a $20 voucher for a future hotel booking, which I declined because I wanted to be switched to one of the 3 hotels that most closely matched their top secret hotel advertisement. I also e-mailed a few times and have yet to have anyone resolve this issue, other than an e-mail telling me they are researching my complaint. I also filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I did end up staying at the hotel, but it was awful - dirty, old and definitely not a 2.5 or 3 star hotel.
I think I will stick with Priceline when bidding on hotels since they actually do give you what they are advertising.
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