Initially I made reservations for 1 night 8/20/04 for $36.00 online using www.super 8.com, I selected - Best Available rate, which was $36.00, and included my Super 8 VIP number, and AARP number in my online reservation.
This is a cut and pasted from my email confirmation from super 8 motel - aarp member and senior discount discounted rate for aarp members thank you for choosing super eight 36.00/night nonsmoking room with one queen bed standard amenities comfort and quality, cancel before 6pm total room cost 36.00 (united states dollars).
Upon my arrival at this property from the southeast I parked under the office canopy, I observed a yellow with red lettering 3 foot by 5 foot "from $31.99 1 person" banner hanging from the southwest wall of the building where the office was. I didn't think twice about the banner when I entered the office thinking I was assured my 1 person room was the best rate available. The male clerk treated me with dignity and respect agreeing - Yes, you can get some great deals online. Since my trip plans had changed, I decided to book a second night for 1 person at this property. The clerk never mentioned anything about the difference between my quoted $36.00 and the $31.99 banner price. After paying for my 2 nights I still had no idea I was being duped. Upon returning to my car and driving around to my room, my attention was again was drawn to this Super 8 $31.99 banner. I then saw a lighted sign on the competitor Motel 6 next door beaming their $31.99. It was late afternoon and I just wanted to get settled in to my room.
On 8/21/04, when I went to the office for their continental breakfast - coffee, juice, and a Otis muffin, I asked the desk clerk lady if she could credited me for the difference from my online best $36.00 to the $31.99 banner price, and that I was a VIP and AARP member. The lady looked a my room card and said that there is nothing she can do because I had already booked and paid for the room. She said I should have asked for the discount when I checked in. I also spoke to a male desk clerk he was even less help, and only provided me with a business card with the manager's name JOHN CRUZ. He then suggested if I had a problem I needed to speak with him. I told the male desk clerk that I included my VIP and AARP information on my reservation to identify myself. The male clerk then told me that my room for AARP was listed at $48, and that already $36.00 was a good rate, considering all of the rooms were low prices.
I feel I was discriminated as a senior citizen, that I was a AARP member and was not considered to be provided a $31.99 1 person walk-in rate.
Perhaps other senior citizens are being victimized as well by super 8 motels.
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