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Ramada Plaza Resorts ripoff false advertising travel package Fort Lauderdale Florida
When I originally bought this travel package, I was told that the accommodations would be in a hotel that had just recently undergone a 5.3 million-dollar renovation, and I had been selected to test out the accommodations for a significantly discounted price. All I would have to do is take a guided tour 1 morning of the trip. and there were no restrictions as to when I could take the trip.
In July 2002 when I called to book my trip for December 23, 2002 through December 30, 2002 I was told that the cruise ship included in my package did not sail during that week, and I would have to change my dates. I have a very small window of time within which I can travel throughout the year and am unable to change my travel dates. I never would have bought this package had I known this up front. Since I could not change my travel dates, I booked the details of my trip with Brian at Ext. 4125 and he subsequently downgraded me to the Imperial Majesty which, is not a Norwegian luxury cruise ship, it was built in 1954 in Ireland. Also, for a fee of $170. Brian upgraded me to an outside cabin and a nicer hotel and car.
I called the Ramada Ocean Beach Resort Hotel where Brian had booked me and spoke with Marussa who told me the hotel hadn't been renovated in 4 years and is 25 years old. I looked at a photo on the internet and the hotel is a 3-story building and anything but luxurious. As previously stated, I was told that the accommodations would be in a hotel that had undergone a 5.3 million-dollar renovation.
I also called the Amerihost hotel to confirm my reservation, and Sherene told me they had no reservation under my name, and that they don't get the reservation information from Ramada Plaza Resorts until two weeks prior to check in, and if the hotel is full, they would move me to another hotel. Again, I paid for a secure reservation and was specifically told that the accommodations would be in a hotel that had undergone a 5.3 million-dollar renovation, not that I would be moved around from hotel to hotel if they were full.
Furthermore, Brian told me I would have to take a small tour on the morning of Dec. 24th. I found out that the guided tour is actually a high-pressure sales pitch to buy time-share condos. This was not mentioned to me at all in my initial telephone call to purchase this package.
Finally, I researched an identical travel itinerary package on my own which came to $1387.20
Alamo Car Rental
www.alamo.com
Chevy Cavalier 4-door
Dec. 23-30, 2002
$135.
Ramada Ocean Beach Resort
1350 South Ocean Blvd. 33062
Tel. 954-941-7300
2 Adults Mon. Dec 23, Tues. Dec. 24, Wed. Dec. 25
$149 + 11% tax = $165.40 per night = $496.20
Imperial Majesty Cruise Ship
954-971-7347
954-971-7347
Dec. 26, 27 Outside Cabin
$279. X 2 adults = $558.
Amerihost Resort www.amerihostinn.com
7491 Irlo Bronson
Memorial Hwy
Kissimmee, FL 34747
407-396-6000
Sat. Dec. 28, Sun. Dec. 29
2 Adults $99. per night $198.
Total Cost $1387.20
I was charged a total of $1367. That's a discount of $20.02, a far cry from the significantly discounted price I was told in my original telephone conversation.
If I had known there were restrictions on dates, and I would be getting regular market value accommodations and would have to take part in a sales pitch to buy time-share condos, I would never have bought this package. Additionally the grief and frustration I have experienced with their customer service department in trying to resolve this matter has been utterly deplorable. This travel package was falsely advertised and grossly misleading and I have demanded a full refund in the amount of $1367. and copied the Attorney General's office of Florida, and the Federal Trade Commission.
Larry Peters Reservations Manager called to say he could only refund the $170. upgrade, and move me to a nicer hotel, but he couldn't refund any more money. No resolution yet.
Naima
Toronto, Ontario
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Ramada
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Michele
Griswold,Connecticut,
GET YOUR MONEY BACK!
#3Consumer Comment
Tue, October 08, 2002
You can read my "hell" with this so-called company, Ramada Plaza Resorts (last updated 3/21/02)
Here is what I did:
I sent the lengthy ripoff report to my Attny General Richard Blumenthal (from Connecticut) and the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Consumer Services, Mr Charles H Bronson and, of course, Ramada Plaza Resorts. I did get $1200 which is better than nothing!!! They refunded me the initial trip charges of $598 per person. I am thrilled and wanted to share the information with you all and hopefully you can have the same luck I did. Hey - I got this all done within a MONTH!
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Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Charles H Bronson, Commissioner
Division of Consumer Services
407 S Calhoun St
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800
1-800-HELP-FLA
www.800helpusa.com
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Ramada Plaza Resorts
2419 E Commecrcial Blvd
Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
telephone: 954-630-9449
Leslie Maynard - Compliance Department Manager
Gina Johns - Admin Asst to VP
Mr Lambert - VP Ramada Plaza Reorts
Mr Lambert's personal fax: 954-331-4180
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Don't give up! I returned from this hell trip (yes, I actually WENT) on February 16th and had a refund by March 11th!!
Good luck!
I GOT MY REFUND!!!!
#30
Fri, October 04, 2002
I received my refund in full on Oct. 1, 2002, 5 days after I sent my letter requesting a refund.
Do not waste your time with the Compliance Department, they will only tell you they can't refund your money, and try to enhance your travel package.
Try to have your credit card company dispute the charges. Send your letter to the the Vice President, Daniel Lambert and his Secretary Gina Johns Fax: 954-331-4180. On the letter I copied Stephen Iglesias, a lawyer from the Attorney General's Office of Florida fax: 850-488-4483 (tel. 850-414-3600), and the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov).
If you do not get a refund credited to your credit card within 5 business days, follow up with Tod Centeio, Director of Reservations 954-630-9449 X 4071.
Good luck!