Froggie
Edmonton,#2General Comment
Tue, June 21, 2011
I've been trying for months to get my fax number off their list. I would never do business with these people simply because they are apparently so ashamed of their company they won't publish a contact phone or fax number, no address, nothing to indicate they are a legit company. Even their letterhead looks like a high schooler did it as their first assignment in a word processing class. Since calls to the number they give you to get off their list do absolutely no good, I have to assume the rest of their service is poor. I've tried calling the toll-free number and asking to be put through to someone who can get my name off the list but have been sworn at and hung up on. If this is how they treat a potential customer, imagine how they treat you once they have your money.
Katy
Sanford,#3REBUTTAL Owner of company
Wed, August 31, 2005
John - It is wise as a consumer to be leery of your purchases. We will be happy to assist you in your travel plans. When making reservations, our telephone number is 407-660-9995 (and has been since day one). You may ask for our Reservations Manager, her name is Hollie. I do, however, have my opinion on the entire situation as a business owner. Here at Absolute Reservation Center, we are the fulfillment center for travel packages. Our main task is bringing families to the Orlando area with hopes of them returning in the future. Orlando is the number one traveled desination in the world. The cities primary industry is tourism. The travel certificates that we fulfill have specific terms and conditions. For the most part, they have remained the same since 8/2001, when we began. However, what ever each certificate says, we follow. Our packages are sold by and distributed by Independant sellers of travel. These independant companies hold thier own Seller of Travel Licenses issued by the State of Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. A bond or cd is required to even obtain the license. This is protection for the consumer. This is why in my previous posting I suggest any concerns be with this Department. We also are required to carry our own Seller of Travel License. The difference between the two types of companies is that Absolute REservation Center is NOT licensed to advertise or sell travel packages. We are structured soley to do travel fulfillment. As an owner, I have no interest in selling travel packages, I prefer to book the trips. Further, over the years, we have made several steps to "better" the service provided to our customers. Currently we are rebuilding our website to better assist our customers. It is being set up so that booking, status checks, printing confirmations, booking airfare, car rental, live chat will all be online. Our internal database is also being re-structured to create efficiency which will also better assist our customers. These efforts would not be made if our intentions were to rip off the consumer. Recently, through this years peak season, our staffing was doubled to handle the call volume. Because of this increase and call tracking software, a live person answers an average of 90% of our incoming calls. The average abandon time for those who hang up is 1 minute and 3 seconds. I also have an opinion and facts on the this website and the BBB. Often the information posted here to the complaints sent to the BBB are based on speculation or opinions created by an upset consumer. This site and The BBB post these complaints as fact. The majority of the complaints we have received from the BBB have not been about Absolute REservation Center, however, it is usually viewed as a fact by the consumer regardless. It has been stated that Absolute Reservation Center and Corporate Travel are the same company, they are not. But the consumer believes it. It has been stated that we are here to rip people off and we are not. It states on the BBB website that we processed credit card without permission, when IN FACT, we have never processed a single credit card to date. This option is currently being considered, ONLY for the convenience of the customer. We do our best to make everybody happy, but its difficult to do that and difficult to do when not even given the opportunity to do what we do, travel the consumer. This is a wordy response and I am sorry for that, but honestly it is very frustrating. When you constantly strive to provide the best customer service you can, and one opinion (Jake) creates such a ruckus, its infuriating. Jake was never a customer of Absolute Reservation Center. Again, we will be happy to assist you with your travel plans. Simply call 407-660-9995. Katy Paganelli Owner To date we have not joined the BBB because they have not removed the bogus information from their report and will only do so when correct information is posted. If we want to discuss a scam company, MY opinion is that the BBB is one of the largest scams out there.
John
Johnston,#4Consumer Comment
Sat, July 09, 2005
WHY did my online search through yahoo for "absolute reservation center" bring me the following link and not to a website for the company? This is amazing. I am holding my reservation request forms in my hand as I type. Do I proceed or do I not. This is rather amusing to me. I did a search on the central florida better business bureau website and the company did list numerous names including "corporate travel" but some employee's, ex employee's and owners are clearly stating they have no other name. and Why does it list like 15 contact numbers fo the same company. Funny thing I have already observed is that the company I originally purchased the packages from, a MINI-GETAWAYS, INC. stated over the phone that my accomodations were at specific hotels. Now I am wondering if this will change. LET THE CIRCUS BEGIN!! HAHahahahaaa. I am ready for a battle and have all the information and laws I need to make sure I get what I paid for. This is a warning to ARC that consumers are aware and do not take anything for granted, especially possible scammers. I will not send in any forms or payments till I speak with someone concerning my vacations. I am not saying I won't attempt to go on these vacations but I am proceeding with MAJOR caution. I do agree, the poor comments on this company need some serious looking at by suspected owners and I can clearly see why your NOT members of the BBB.
Tiffane
Maitland,#5REBUTTAL Owner of company
Mon, August 23, 2004
If you are Sharon in VA then here is my response. If you are not then I have no way of identifying your problem and giving you the CORRECT information. As we have stated many times....ARC is the fulfillment company. We have our own sellers of travel. We are in no way shape or form any another name other the ABSOLUTE RESERVATION CENTER. We have never changed our name nor do we ever feel we need to. So like I said if your are Sharon in VA and you had a reservation in Orlando to arrive on 8/22/04..this is what occurred ..WE received your information on 8/12/04. Your travel coordinator called and left a message for you on that same day. You spoke with him on 8/16 and requested to stay at the Calypso Cay. Your monies WERE NOT received until 8/19 and we faxed your documents on 8/20/04. We try hard to be accomodating but somethings just aren't quick enough for everyone. Also regarding your ID# they wouldn't have that number that is for ARC only. Also the welcome center number for the Calypso is 1-866-216-2621 not 407-660-9995, that is ARC (you submitted this information on 8/21/04, (Saturday) and we are closed on weekends. And if you did your research, you will find that ARC has one address only, that is in Maitland and if you were to call us, you will only get ARC. We travel anyone who submits a request form and agrees with the terms and conditions. Sadly, there are bad companies out there. Fortunately, we are not one of them. We have been in business since 8/2001 and plan on going for many years to come. We have never changed our name or our reservation procedures. We have an excellent reputation with all of our vendors (cruise line, hotels and welcome centers) If you truly want to find out the status of a travel company in Florida contact the FL Dept. of Agriculture Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA. This is the state organization that regulates business in Florida. From the beginning, in order to even get the proper licensing, we must meet strict and serious regulations. The state of Florida does not allow companies to operate outside the law. In closing please consider what you are posting as you have many ways of finding out facts. Feel free to contact me at extension 1013 or leave a message at 1018 and we will take care of your needs.
Sharon
Wilmington,#6Consumer Suggestion
Sat, August 21, 2004
After paying this "Absolute Reservation Center" $515.00 for my Orlando/Daytona Beach Vacation with upgrade to the Calypso Cay, I am still waiting on my confirmation package. My arrival date is supposed to be tomorrow, 8/22 and the Calypso Cay says my customer ID # is no good. It begins with a 3, and should begin with a 6,7, or 8. I researched the company with the Better Business Bureau and found that this company (Absolute Reservation Center)operates under several different names with the same address and phone number, including Dream Quest Absolute Travel, Discount Travel, Dynasty Travel, JMT Corporation, Dynasty Promotions, and Win Daily Reward. Beware of companies with many different locations and names all using the same contact phone #. When I finally got the phone # for the Calypso Cay welcome center (407)660-9995 I called twice so far and let it ring for 15 minutes and no one answered. What a welcome. Research guys!
Bill
Franklin,#7Consumer Comment
Tue, August 03, 2004
I responded to a fax for a Disney vacation, 4 days, 3 nights, 2 free Disney tickets. 3 days 2 nights Daytona, plus free airline tickets. I had a hard time talking to a person at Absolute Reservation Center, but finally did on several occasions. I was told they do the booking for the company that sold the package, who was Magical Memories Vacations. MMV told me that I would be in the Hilton, or Amerisuites at the Maingate area at Disney. When I made my reservations, I was told that my accomodations were at a standard hotel such as Comfort Inn, Best Western etc. To get the better Hotel I had to upgrade $35 a night, to Calypso Cay Properties. (Amerisuites, Country Inn, La Quinta) Since I was misinformed by MMV, they waived the $58 reservation fee. I ended up at the LaQuinta, which was a nice 1 year old hotel, although about 3/4 mile from the much nicer pool and recreation area of the other properties. I had to go through a timeshare program, which was about 2 hours (these guys don't want to take no for an answer!), We then went to Daytona,where we stayed in the Adams Mark on the Beach, which was a free upgrade for a $100 refundable deposit, after sitting through a 1 hour presentation for a vacation club. They were less hard core, seemed like a good deal if you travel alot. All in all I got 5 nights accommodations in some nice Hotels, 2 Disney tickets for $405.00, although, the presentations kind of messed up your day. Absolute did what they said, although it was very frustrating leaving voicemails, and not getting called back. I finally got a manager, and got it straightened out by calling customer service and complaining. I haven't got the free airline tickets and 3 day 2 night vacation yet, so I don't know about that. IF YOU CALL ABOUT ONE OF THESE PACKAGES, GET IT IN WRITING WHERE YOU ARE STAYING FIRST!
Jake
Eugene,#8Consumer Comment
Thu, July 15, 2004
She claims to be an owner, but she interestingly offers no real info to resolve problems with "Absolute Reservation Center." The confusion surrounding these companies is a clear indicator of the sleazy way in which they do business. BTW, Tiffane, note that I never claimed that ARC and Corporate Travel were the SAME company. However, I DID learn from the FL Div of Consumer Services that at the time I was dealing with this mess, the two companies had COMMON OWNERSHIP. Call it what you want. I call it a shell game. It's clear from all that has been written from above that these companies that we've been discussing exist to separate people from their money. I hope that there are some people out there who have avoided this whole sordid mess by reading about it here. Hopefully, Tiffane and her fellow "owners" will go bankrupt before more of us are burned by them.
Jay
Seattle,#9Consumer Comment
Thu, July 08, 2004
I purchased a vacation voucher for Cancun and one for Belize...5 days/4 nights each. After reading all about this and not being able to even find any way to contact the sales company RiverFloat Sales I was getting a sick feeling in my stomach. I wanted to try to link the two vacations together conseculatively. The vouchers came from RiverFloat Sales which doesn't have any phone listed. Now I see that this Corporate Travel to whom I'm supposed to mail the voucher is out of business. Now is this "Absolute Reservation Center" taking over for the functions of Corporate Travel...or is this just a waste of time? Does anyone have either a fax or a phone or anything I can use to call Absolute Reservation Center?
Michelle
Orlando,#10UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, June 30, 2004
Can someone read the material sent to you? 1000's of people have taken these same vacations with positive experiences, why are you not able to do the same? Call the phone number listed on your letter inside the folder. Explain when you call your situation and that you need assistance. The proper procedure that applies will be explained to you. If you take the time to read the material eveything is rather simple. Please truely consider what you are doing when you make the comments you have posted here. Ask to listen to your voice verification of the sale. It is YOU on the recording and you AGREED to everything and it clearly explained to you in accordance with all legal requirements. In closing please consider again that 1000's of other people have taken these vacations, if they did it and were happy could it be possible that you are misunderstanding something? Everyone is human.
Nancy
Whiting,#11REBUTTAL Individual responds
Tue, June 29, 2004
I've recently paid for a vacation package and plan to take one of my trips to Cancun (5 days 4 nights) this October. Everyday I call Absolute leaving messages - I have yet to directly contact an actual person. When my call are returned, I am asked to call that same number and go through the same process over and over again. I've asked for a direct line but no one will give me one. I too have been asked to submit additional charges. When I've asked to cancel, I've been instructed to write a letter. I've also requested the last names of the individuals that I've spoken with only to get no response or to tell me "it isn't necessary." I'm wondering... has anyone actually gone through and taken one of these vacations? Is there an actual vacation?
Nancy
Whiting,#12REBUTTAL Individual responds
Tue, June 29, 2004
I've recently paid for a vacation package and plan to take one of my trips to Cancun (5 days 4 nights) this October. Everyday I call Absolute leaving messages - I have yet to directly contact an actual person. When my call are returned, I am asked to call that same number and go through the same process over and over again. I've asked for a direct line but no one will give me one. I too have been asked to submit additional charges. When I've asked to cancel, I've been instructed to write a letter. I've also requested the last names of the individuals that I've spoken with only to get no response or to tell me "it isn't necessary." I'm wondering... has anyone actually gone through and taken one of these vacations? Is there an actual vacation?
Nancy
Whiting,#13REBUTTAL Individual responds
Tue, June 29, 2004
I've recently paid for a vacation package and plan to take one of my trips to Cancun (5 days 4 nights) this October. Everyday I call Absolute leaving messages - I have yet to directly contact an actual person. When my call are returned, I am asked to call that same number and go through the same process over and over again. I've asked for a direct line but no one will give me one. I too have been asked to submit additional charges. When I've asked to cancel, I've been instructed to write a letter. I've also requested the last names of the individuals that I've spoken with only to get no response or to tell me "it isn't necessary." I'm wondering... has anyone actually gone through and taken one of these vacations? Is there an actual vacation?
Nancy
Whiting,#14REBUTTAL Individual responds
Tue, June 29, 2004
I've recently paid for a vacation package and plan to take one of my trips to Cancun (5 days 4 nights) this October. Everyday I call Absolute leaving messages - I have yet to directly contact an actual person. When my call are returned, I am asked to call that same number and go through the same process over and over again. I've asked for a direct line but no one will give me one. I too have been asked to submit additional charges. When I've asked to cancel, I've been instructed to write a letter. I've also requested the last names of the individuals that I've spoken with only to get no response or to tell me "it isn't necessary." I'm wondering... has anyone actually gone through and taken one of these vacations? Is there an actual vacation?
Tiffane
Longwood,#15REBUTTAL Owner of company
Wed, June 23, 2004
I am one of the owners of Absolute Reservation Center. We are not Corporate Travel and have never been. The address provided by Jake is not correct. If you are returning your vacation package and wish to obtain a refund based on terms and conditions, please make sure to mail it back to the company from which you purchased from. The address should be on the return address label or the bold statement on the certificate.
Jake
Eugene,#16Consumer Suggestion
Mon, June 21, 2004
Corporate Travel 2700 Westhall Lane #110 Maitland, FL 32751 Best of luck! Go kick some a*s! Don't forget to quote them the law, and be sure they know you're taking them to the Florida Division of Consumer Services.
Angela
Highland,#17Consumer Comment
Thu, June 17, 2004
I am currently in the process of endless calls and time spent trying to get a refund. I would just like to ask the original poster if he has an address that I can return my package to. I would strongly caution anyone who deals with this company. I was not informed during my taped phone conversation with them that there would be an additional charge for my Orlando trip nor was I told that the package was non refundable. It has been less than a month since I purchased the package and I have called everyday with no results. I am more than willing to return the information that I did get from them, but they have been unwilling to give me an address to which to return my package, which by the way did not include all the information they said they would be sending to me. I am at my wits end however, I will not be giving up so easily. If I have to go all the way to Florida at my own expense, I will do so. I am all about the principle and I will spend as much time and money as I have to to prove my point that this company is a rip off. Believe me, I have only just began.
Katy
Maitland,#18REBUTTAL Owner of company
Wed, June 02, 2004
Absolute Reservation Center (ARC) is SOLELY a fulfillment company. We do not benefit from the proceeds from the original sale. We are only aware of the traveler once they contact us by submitting their reservation request form. We travel anyone who submits a request form and agrees with the terms and conditions. Sadly, there are bad companies out there. Fortunately, we are not one of them. We have been in business since 8/2001 and plan on going for many years to come. We have never changed our name or our reservation procedures. We have an excellent reputation with all of our vendors (cruise line, hotels and welcome centers) If you truly want to find out the status of a travel company in Florida contact the FL Dept. of Agriculture Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA. This is the state organization that regulates business in Florida. From the beginning, in order to even get the proper licensing, we must meet strict and serious regulations. The state of Florida does not allow companies to operate outside the law.
Jackie
Allentown,#19Consumer Comment
Thu, March 25, 2004
I am in the process of doing business with them. I purchased a belize vacation and I getting nothing so far. The phone lines are never open and noone returns your calls.
Jake
Eugene,#20Consumer Comment
Wed, March 24, 2004
Michelle's rebuttal is a crock. I received NOTHING from this company that I could use without footing big bills. What she says has no relation to my case. I dealt civilly with these people until I realized that it would not work. Then I called in the Florida Consumer Affairs Department and got resolution. If I had not been ridiculously persistent and RIGHT, I'd have never gotten the money back. I hope Michelle is not lying, and they are REALLY out of business. I suspect, though, that even if Corporate Travel is not out there, the same people ARE out there, operating under a different corporate name. Or three or four. This is a racket, and Michelle knows it. However, she's one of those profiting from the scam, so it is in her best interest to propagate it and ensure its continued existence. Believe me and avoid the whole headache. Worst case scenario: you are no worse off. Believe Michelle, and you become a victim of a marketing scam. Go ahead. Choose.
Michelle
Maitland,#21UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, March 17, 2004
I am a former employee of Corporate Travel. The company is now closed (partially because of scammer consumers like this one) but all of Corporate Travel's consumers are still receiving full service from Absolute Reservations. Lies- You do not have to pay for the tickets if you take the tour. No catches. Half Truth- All of the fees are disclosed on via the reservation coordinator at the time of the sale and yes they are all recorded. NOTHING is left out and all details are fully covered. This guys research is BS, to get what he received would cost him over $1200. You are not required to purchase anything other than the $296 total price and you get 4 vacations plus 2 Disney tickets worth $110 by themselves. You can take up to 4 people. So if you just use the Orlando and Florida beaches vacations with the tickets value removed your cost is $37.20 per night for 4 people. This does not include the weekend getaway or the cruise. Bottom line is that this man was rude and made threats on the phone. Our office does not respond to consumers who can not be civil. As you see he did receive his refund and the delays he sited were due to him initially refusing to return the merchandise. Once Corporate Travel verified receipt of the merchandise the refund was issued. I am glad this man did not use our services; it is people like him who give us a bad name even though we do everything required of us.
Camela
Maitland,#22UPDATE Employee
Wed, November 26, 2003
Absolute is a fulfillment company that fills the vacation certificates that are sold. We do not advertise, promote, sell, any vacation packages. If at any time a refund is due and the monies were paid to Absolute, we always refund the monies. We are not one in the same company, we simply agree to travel the customers that request dates.
Jake
Eugene,#23Consumer Comment
Wed, March 05, 2003
I have discovered that Corporate Travel also does business as "International Marketing & Research, Inc." See a bbb report under each of their three names at www.orlando.bbb.org. Avoid this company! The Better Business Bureau does not paint a pretty picture.