Hotels.com Expedia.com, Richmond Oceanfront Hotel False advertising: wont be charged until check in - was charged 2 days prior to check in Internet only, hotel is in Miami Beach Internet
I used Hotels.com to book a hotel in Miami Beach. I chose the hotel specifically because of the option that I would not be charged until I checked into the hotel. The hotel took the money out of my account 2 days prior to me checking in!! So I get to the hotel and then they want a credit card for $50 in incidentals which I didnt have I only had cash. So I spoke to managers at the hotel and at Hotels.com and said that they were not allowed to take my money prior to check in. They both said it was "hotel policy". So I filed a complaint against both of them with the FTC for false advertising. My Hotels.com confirmation said I would not be charged until check in. It also said I could cancel the night before without being charged.
The hotel took my money but would not give me my room because I did not have a credit card for incidentals!! They would not take my husbands credit card over the phone. ..even though they charged my credit card without my signature!
If they had not taken the money out of my account I could have left the hotel and gotten another hotel but I had no leverage because they lied and took the money out days prior to check in.