aussielori

Just wanted to throw this in for discussion.
I booked a one night stay on NYE at a Sydney property on 1/1/04 for a stay 31 dec 04.
I was checking bookings very recently and noticed that. not only had the rate changed from $A 295 with breakfast to $A525 without breakfast and a 30 day cancellation period had been applied.
I also had another booking for 2 nights which had not changed.
I called the res in bne.
They said the hotel would contact me which they did.
After reviewing my res they said that yes I would be only charged $295(big deal and it is still not changed on my internet account) but the manditory period of cancellation would apply. I challenged this but was told that that was how it was.
I also had booked a 5 night award stay at another Australian hotel in on 1st jan.
This was accepted.
Now I have received a letter saying that I will loose all the points if I cancel after 31st august.
I feel that conditions should not be applied AFTER the contract to stay has been entered into.
What are your feelings.
BtW no customer bonus was applied to the NYE drama.

bigjim

As long as you have the original e-mail confirmation or a printout of the original reservation, I think that the hotel's position is not enforceable. If you don't, I think that you're stuck with their new rules.

Starwood Lurker

Actually, depending upon what local laws allow, a hotel may correct an error after the fact. Usually the local Innskeeper Laws that are in effect determine whether or not this can happen and I have no idea what they are in Australia.

Do they have laws in Australia? ducking

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

[email protected]

fly co to see the yanks

while what william says may TECHNICALLY may be true, i would be shocked (given starwood's great customer service) if starwood would go against a printed copy of the original cancellation policy.

aussielori

Starwood CS BNE acknowledged that they have changed the rules but no leway on the Syd NYE booking.
I have a copy of the 5 day award stay saying cancel before 6pm day of arrival.
I can understand that being a cancellation of a few weeks before but 4 months is a bit of a stretch.
No William I really dont think we have adequate laws here at all.
A couple of years ago melb Westin cancelled my booking 2 weeks before the GP and gave me 4 chocolates at my other hotel(which thankfully Hyatt were able to provide-SPG could only get be a couple of second rate hotels)
It was a shame the starwood customer guarantee wasnt in then I should have got a lot of points for that one.

ozzie

Nahhh ... don't need them. We're all such nice people, everyone just along without them ...