Q: I recently booked a room at a Holiday Inn in Orlando, Florida — at least, I thought I did. After making the reservation, I was switched to a sales agent, who invited me to attend a one-hour presentation that would show me “a way to enjoy all the luxuries of a vacation” at a cost of $199, which would be fully refunded, along with a $100 rebate.
Within 10 minutes of receiving my confirmation, I realized that this was for a timeshare. I’m 87 and not a candidate for a timeshare.
I replied to the confirmation email, but received a response that said: “The email address you entered could not be found.” I called the confirmation number and spoke to a woman who said, “OK, I’m canceling the transaction and putting a $199 credit on your Visa card.”
The credit did not appear on my statement.
I then received another email saying, “You’re on your way to Orlando,” and if I had any questions, I should call. I spoke with another Holiday Inn representative, who told me that my refund “should be credited in a few days.” She also told me to send an email to her, explaining what had happened, which I did.
My Visa was never credited. Bank of America attempted to obtain the credit, but was denied. Can you help me get my $199 back? — George Feld, Boynton Beach, Florida
A: Holiday Inn should have booked a hotel room for you, as you requested, instead of transferring you to a representative who pitched a timeshare. When you asked the company to reverse your transaction, it should have done what it promised. Instead, it looks as if Holiday Inn just tried to pocket your money.
I take a dim view of timeshares. While some travelers may benefit from them, many more are disappointed by their “investments” and complain to me about it. You need to carefully consider a timeshare before making a purchase. Clearly, at age 87, this wasn’t the right real estate transaction for you, and Holiday Inn should have quickly given you the refund it had offered.
If someone ever offers you a refund again, make sure you get it in writing: Holiday Inn’s verbal promises weren’t enough.
You also could have contacted someone higher up at the hotel. I list the names, numbers and email addresses of all the Holiday Inn executives on my consumer-advocacy website: www.elliott.org/company-contacts/intercontinental-hotels/.
I contacted Holiday Inn on your behalf, and it refunded your $199.
