Gents and Ladies...first of all, this has NOTHING to do with the organizers of LCS, Ohio Cobra Club, nor anyone associated with them, As usual, OCC did an excellent job planning, organizing, and executing the entire event. Hats off to OCC again!!!
But, if you made reservation(s) at the Super 8 Motel, at 1309 St James Lutheran Lane, and had to cancel any reservation, you probably were charged for one night's stay. I know I had three of my buddies cancel at the last minute, and left me to cancel the rooms. However, when I checked in, I was informed by "Smita" and the GM "Yogi" that I would be charged one night's room rate for the three room reservations that I canceled. Please note...
I TRIED TO CHECK IN AT 1100 THURSDAY MORNING...WELL BEFORE THEIR ADVERTISED CANCELLATION POLICY TIME OF 4:00 PM, AS SPECIFIED ON SUPER 8's WEBSITE!!!
I was informed it was "company policy" to charge for those canceled reservations. Since they had possession of my credit card at the time, I had no choice but to agree to the charge if I was going to have a room that night. I stated their personal cancellation policy was not was advertised on the corporate website, but they stated they could change their policy any time they wanted with no notice to anyone.
(-!-) Needless to say, I had little choice but to pretend to go along with this asinine policy until I could verify their published cancellation policy...which I have now done.
I will be protesting these charges to American Express, and will be able to provide Amex with Super 8's published cancellation policy, which I have printed copies of for reference. I had to duplicate - as much as possible - the process of making a reservation at this Super 8 to view the company cancellation policy, which I printed. The policy clearly states "If you need to cancel, you must do so by 4:00 PM local hotel time on (month-day-year) or your credit card will be charged for one night's stay." My printed receipt for the three unused rooms is time stamped at 11:32 AM on Thursday, June 19...! This is just another example of one of "Kumar's Hotels" trying to bite the hand that feeds them. Pissed off..? You betcha...
I humbly suggest that it's time OCC and all involved parties begin a search for a new hotel venue. It's obvious the owners of America's Best Value, and Super 8 motels have no idea the business they receive from London Cobra Show attendees, nor do they appreciate this business. I know I won't stay at either hotel any longer.
If you were charged for canceled reservations...and there was at least one person who canceled room reservations via a phone call while I was trying to check in...you may want to join me in protesting those charges to your credit card. I will not only NOT pay these charges, but I will NEVER stay at Yogi's Super 8 again... Personally, I'm tired of these farging bastages taking advantage of our group...and me in particular.
Please keep this thread open, and I will post my experiences with American Express here.
Oh...and when I had to check out Saturday morning to return home unexpectedly, there was a hand written sign in a little clear plastic easel standing on the extreme left side of the counter stating that
NEXT years cancellation policy was
3 WEEKS...which I will bet will not be listed on Super 8's website anywhere...as was the policy change they pulled on me. Just to be sure everyone understands...next year you must cancel any reservation you won't be needing at least three weeks in advance. Nice customer service, huh...?
More to come...