Norman and Mary Lou Vitrano are by their own admission not Internet-savvy, which is why they phoned the Doubletree Beach Resort Tampa Bay/North Redington Beach to make their room reservations last August. When the couple’s plans changed and they tried to cancel their reservation, a hotel representative informed them their room was completely non-refundable.
March 2010
Here’s a new phishing scam that could cost you a lot of money — $940, in my case.
When is a deal not a deal? Plus, hotels go smoke-free and beware of this new phishing scam.
Matthew Stephens is a humanitarian aid worker in Tbilisi, Georgia, but after renting a car from Advantage last Christmas, he found himself in need of assistance.
I wanted to take a moment to say “thank you” for the support I’ve gotten from lawyers in the blogosphere after being hit with a frivolous defamation lawsuit from a Florida travel agency earlier this year.
Travelers who complain to the government — particularly the federal government — get such empty promises as “look into the problem,” form letters, or no response at all.
After President Obama’s negative comments about Sin City and his subsequent mea culpa (“I love Vegas — always have!”), I realize that this might not be the most prudent way to start a column. But how do you fire up a discussion about smoking in hotels without mentioning America’s capital of secondhand smoke?
You can’t help but stop. And stare.
When Michelle Rothstein tries to arrange a special side-trip for her husband before a Seine river cruise, their company nixes the idea. It insists the family arrive when everyone else does — no exceptions. What’s more, it won’t communicate with their travel agent. Can’t it bend a little rule?
Here’s a tip that’s worth repeating: If you’re waiting for an airfare refund, don’t cancel your credit card.
Credit card snafus you can avoid. Plus, Montezuma’s revenge and real Vikings on a riverboat.
Florida regulators today filed a revised notice of intent to issue a cease and desist order against Legendary Journeys, a Sarasota, Fla., travel agency, as part of its investigation into Prime Travel Protection. It appears to be the state’s biggest action against a single company, with 17 counts and half a million dollars in outstanding claims, according to a government report.
“I’m feeling Montezuma’s revenge — in a different way,” Anita Sim wrote to me recently. The problem? Two unauthorized credit card charges by the Fairmont Acapulco Princess in Acapulco, Mexico. “It turned out to be a nightmare,” she said.
Here’s a copy of the revised Clear Airfare Amendment (PDF) that was passed by the Senate. Notice any changes?
By request, here’s a story without a happy ending. But not because you asked for it. Jay Green did — and it’s his story.
Elliott is consumer advocate 
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