Howard Johnson - Cancellation Policy

I had reservations with my grandson for 12/31/2011 until 1/2/2012. I got ill so they cancelled my room and paid the $50.00 cancellation, and paid cash for the other two (2) rooms. Now, Howard ** is still holding the money for the three (3) rooms and yet to this date have not put the money back on my card, which should have been the same day cash was paid for the (3) rooms.

Now, they have double payments which I know is illegal, so I am very tired of the run around. I have no other choice but to take legal action. I am on a fixed income and don't have time for the games. In other words they stole the $808.56 that was paid. They used the debit card and the cash. I wouldn't never refer any friends, relatives or organizations to this hotel. It seems like a big same.

On the day of the reservation I call the hotel, Howard Johnson Express Inn and Suites in O'Fallon, IL to cancel the reservation. I was told by the clerk that she could not cancel my reservation because it was after the 24-hours cancellation period and not before. I informed her that I was told to call before 4:00 pm to cancel and was unaware of the 24 hour cancellation policy for Howard Johnson of O'Fallon.

At that time, the clerk refuse to give me a cancellation number and I ask to speak to the manager of the hotel. I was informed that the manager had left for the day and to call back the next day. I contacted the manager on Jan. 3, 2003, and was told that a refund could not be given because of the hotel's 24 hour cancellation policy. I later ask Ms. Yun for the hotel's chain complaint phone number to voice my complaint about the reservation issue.

After voicing my complaint about the reservation to Deb at HOJO's complaint line, I was informed that my complaint would be investigated. Several day later I again called HOJO's complaint line and spoke with Deb again as to when I was going to received my refund, I was told by her that a refund would be given within a few days. At that time, she ask me for my credit card number to make sure that my card would be properly refunded.

Two weeks later, after noticing that a refund had not been made, I contacted the complaint line again and was told by Deb that I would received a letter explaining the investigation and results. I have contacted Howard Johnson International, Inc in Aberdeen, SD several times to voice my complaint with no results other that a apology from Custom Service without an refund. I feel that this hotel has commited credit card fraud to some degree.