Medstudent 9.
Yelp
I booked this hotel for July 9-15th, 2016, via Expedia in June 2016 - with free cancellation. I specifically booked it with FREE CANCELLATION with these terms - and I quote:
"Cancellations or changes made after 11:59AM (Romance Daylight Time) on Jul 8, 2016 or no-shows are subject to a hotel fee equal to the first night's rate plus taxes and fees."
I cancelled my reservation on JUNE 29, 2016, well within this time period. THE NIGHTMARE HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THEN.
First:
On July 10th (1 day after the supposed check in) I receive a check in reminder. I was, of course, very confused and called the hotel immediately. They hadn't received my cancellation and told me to contact Expedia. This is in the MIDDLE OF MY HOLIDAY.
On July 11th, at 1:46 AM, I receive another email telling me that I am a no-show and the hotel will charge me the first two nights. THIS IS INCONSISTENT WITH WHAT THE ORIGINAL BOOKING SAID. So, even if I had genuinely been a no show- I still would have been screwed over by this hotel and its management.
At that point, I decide that it can't wait until after I'm back from holiday - instead of enjoying Paris, I spend 2.5 hours on the phone with Expedia. I am told that their computer systems are completely down and to call back. I'm concerned about this, but they assure me that once the computers are back up, this will be handled without problem.
FAST FORWARD OVER ONE MONTH: The hotel is still with-holding the ENTIRE reservation's worth of payment. Not just the 1 night+ taxes in the terms, or the incorrect 2 nights mentioned in their email, but THE WHOLE AMOUNT.
And the cherry on top? EXPEDIA SAYS THEY CANNOT GIVE ME THE REFUND WITHOUT THIS HOTEL RESPONDING TO THEM, AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONDING TO THEM!!!!!
To be fair, part of the blame with this does lie with Expedia, and the time difference between the US and France makes things somewhat more difficult. BUT THAT DOES NOT EXCUSE THE ACTIONS OF THE HOTEL AND ITS STAFF.
So, as a public service, I am writing this review. I don't care if a hotel serves me caviar on a solid gold serving tray - if they are dishonest, then THEY ARE DISHONEST. PERIOD.
THIS HOTEL IS RUN BY DISHONEST PEOPLE LOOKING TO SCAM YOU OUT OF YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY.