Our company has a rate called "the advanced purchase rate". You can book it online or through the 800 number. It's generally the lowest rate available and, when booking online, it is in BOLD RED LETTERS that it is NON CANCELLABLE, NON REFUNDABLE. It also states that they will charge your card for the entire stay anywhere from time of booking to arrival (Hence the ADVANCED PURCHASE RATE). The terms of this reservation are VERY VERY VERY clearly stated. Basically, if you book this reservation online and try to cancel it, you get no sympathy from me. Furthermore, only the hotel's manager can make the decision not to charge you for cancellation (the joys of having each hotel franchised..) and unless it's an extenuating circumstance???? no, I will not contact the hotel on your behalf (it's policy).
So this was an escalated call yesterday.
SC: Yes, I booked this reservation online and I want to cancel it and now I'm being told I can't?
Me: Unfortunately, sir, you did happen to book the advanced purchase rate reservation. The terms of this reservation are listed in bright red letters and are [psted several times throughout the booking process. You also have to check a box stating you agree to the terms....our office can not cancel this reservation without penalty.
SC: But my plans have changed!!!! This is ridiculous! I never have HEARD of such a thing!!!!! Is Holiday Inn that hard up for money that they can't waive $200.00??
Me: Sir, the hotel's financial status has nothing to do with this. You are simply being held responsible for what you booked online...
SC: But my plans have changed!! I would never have booked this reservation if I knew it was non-refundable...I knew my plans could have changed.
Me: Sir, again, I apologize but unfortunately we can not cancel this reservation without penalty... (as you've been told by THREE different people now) What I CAN do is move the dates for you....will you be back in the area?
SC: NO!!!!! I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!! THINGS HAVE CHANGED!!!!
Me: Sir, again...we can not cancel without penalty..
SC: Well what if I had an emergency? What then?
Me: Well, if there were extenuating circumstances, I could request from the hotel they consider cancelling without penalty...however..
SC: Like death?
Me: Yes...if there was an immediate death in the family, we could request that from the hotel but..
SC: Fine. I had a death, Cancel the reservation.
Me: Sir....you stated at the beginning of the call that your plans had changed...
SC: Well life is fragile...there's been a death...cancel my reservation
Me: Again, sir, we can not cancel without penalty. I would reccomend you contact the hotel yourself directly and discuss this with them...
SC: I JUST DIED! IS THAT NOT EXTENUATING?!?!? I AM DEAD. CANCEL THIS DAMN RESERVATION
Me: What? Sir, at this point in time, is there anything else I can help you with?
SC: YOU HAVE NOT HELPED ME AT ALL!!! WHAT DO YOU MEAN..
Me: Thank you for calling, sir, have a nice day.
Why?!?!?!?!?!?!
So this was an escalated call yesterday.
SC: Yes, I booked this reservation online and I want to cancel it and now I'm being told I can't?
Me: Unfortunately, sir, you did happen to book the advanced purchase rate reservation. The terms of this reservation are listed in bright red letters and are [psted several times throughout the booking process. You also have to check a box stating you agree to the terms....our office can not cancel this reservation without penalty.
SC: But my plans have changed!!!! This is ridiculous! I never have HEARD of such a thing!!!!! Is Holiday Inn that hard up for money that they can't waive $200.00??
Me: Sir, the hotel's financial status has nothing to do with this. You are simply being held responsible for what you booked online...
SC: But my plans have changed!! I would never have booked this reservation if I knew it was non-refundable...I knew my plans could have changed.
Me: Sir, again, I apologize but unfortunately we can not cancel this reservation without penalty... (as you've been told by THREE different people now) What I CAN do is move the dates for you....will you be back in the area?
SC: NO!!!!! I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!! THINGS HAVE CHANGED!!!!
Me: Sir, again...we can not cancel without penalty..
SC: Well what if I had an emergency? What then?
Me: Well, if there were extenuating circumstances, I could request from the hotel they consider cancelling without penalty...however..
SC: Like death?
Me: Yes...if there was an immediate death in the family, we could request that from the hotel but..
SC: Fine. I had a death, Cancel the reservation.
Me: Sir....you stated at the beginning of the call that your plans had changed...
SC: Well life is fragile...there's been a death...cancel my reservation
Me: Again, sir, we can not cancel without penalty. I would reccomend you contact the hotel yourself directly and discuss this with them...
SC: I JUST DIED! IS THAT NOT EXTENUATING?!?!? I AM DEAD. CANCEL THIS DAMN RESERVATION
Me: What? Sir, at this point in time, is there anything else I can help you with?
SC: YOU HAVE NOT HELPED ME AT ALL!!! WHAT DO YOU MEAN..
Me: Thank you for calling, sir, have a nice day.
Why?!?!?!?!?!?!
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