Complaint Review: Ramada Plaza Resorts

Mr. Dan Lambert
Ramada Plaza Resorts
2419 East Commercial Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Regarding: Cancel and refund deposit

Dear Mr. Lambert:
My reason for corresponding with you is to request the return of the $698.00 deposit I made to your company via my credit card on September 9th, 2001.I regret that I must cancel any and all tour arrangements with your company. I understand it is not your policy to refund money dating back that far, however, I do have special circumstances and am asking for exactly that, Please return my deposit of $698.00 and credit those monies to my credit card.

The vacation package I selected is not due to leave until January of 2003. I was in the hotel business for many years as an accountant. I understand the hassle of booking reservations in advance to obtain the rooms and the best pricing possible. However, most hotels require a 24 to 48 hour notice for cancellation without penalty. I also understand that someone in your company is going to have to do some investigation into your archival records that may be stored on microfiche/microfilm, computer generated tape, or simply on a computer printout, but finding backdated material is not impossible, just inconvenient.

I would not ask for your people to have to go to such trouble, except that the money would mean a great deal to an old World War II B-17 bomber pilot who has happened to outlive the war, and many of my family and friends, but it all costs money and right now I could really use the money back on my card. I am 86 years old and health conditions have precluded any ambitions I may have felt about taking a cruise. It is simply impossible for me, regardless of my good intentions and dreams of travel. Paying almost $700.00 for something I cannot take advantage of is something I just can't afford. I would appreciate your cooperation in this matter. You may credit my American Express Card, confidential credit card #XXXXX.

On August 14, 2002 I spoke with Mr. Angela Chambers, a supervisor on the Ramada Plaza Resorts # 800-561-0999 phone. Mr. Chambers refunded the balance paid by my Visa card on August 9, 2002 in the amounts of $698.00 and $304.00, totaling $1002.00. Mr. Chambers said it would take 7 to 10 days to withdraw the request for payment of these charges. Mr. Chambers made these concessions only after I threatened to report the company to various business bureaus.

Also on August 14, 2002, I spoke with Karen, ID# KYPH001, a VISA card representative, who removed authorization for those charges to be made to my card by your company.
I have voided the non-negotiable, no cash value voucher in the amount of $1600.00 and Boarding Voucher Ticketing sent by your company and have no intention of redeeming either for travel or lodging against any package rate. I cannot transfer this travel package to any other individual and will not be able to take advantage of a cruise in the future.

Thank you for understanding and I will look forward to your assistance in resolving this matter by recovering the funds I invested in a trip I will not be able to have the advantage of attending a whole lot of money for nothing in return. If you have any question or concerns, or need to contact me pertaining to the credit please feel free to call.

cc:
American Express Company
Attorney General, State of Florida
Better Business Bureau Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
AARP Consumer Division
Rip-off Report

Norman
Brookings, Oregon