In using my membership privileges card for a better rate for hotel in Florida by performing it online, then, it becomes a consumer ripoff because one is required to check the box where their policy is no cancellations and no refunds.in essence, what they are doing is making the consumer void their dispute ability with credit card company used because by making said reservation, that is the required agreement if taking the better price. Their regular reservation customer service will not honor their online price, of course, stating that is an online promotion only. The only recourse is to not make the reservation for the better rate, but pay a higher rate through the regular reservation area, or go somewhere else. So, what would be the point of having their worthless membership if consumer will just be ripped off by seeking for better rate? There is no believable explanation of what they do with the kept funds, except to say that it goes to the hotel because they held the room at the lower rate, as if I'm to believe the room will be held for all the days of the reservations. It simply is an arbitrary policy, not conductive to good customer service, especially that there is no way to know in advance if plans need to be cancelled since... Life happens! Sure, by paying their higher rate, the hotel has no said policy, but allow for no charges if room is canceled within 72 hours, nor is an upfront, pre-paid reservation required, unless it is for five rooms or more reserved which is the more consumer friendly way of doing business. The Choice Hotels, with a large chain of hotels, in my opinion, should be ashamed that they are willing to rip off customers with this arbitrary policy! Choice Privileges who handles the membership is, in my opinion, advocating the rip off! Their Corporate office should look at this arbitrary policy, note the unfairness of it to consumers, and have it removed. Sure, a company carries the right to whatever policy they implement as the consumer doesn't have to accept their terms, but with a large chain of hotels as they are, it is shameful that they would be willing to go this route and it doesn't make it right!!
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