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Ramada Plaza

Attempted Cancellations

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Amy of East Islip NY writes (3/25/03):
We purchased a so-called “highly discounted vacation package” on October 19, 2000 from Ramada Plaza Resorts; at the time of sale we were not advised of any “sales presentation” requirement. On January 20, 2003 we booked our trip for April 4, 2003 and paid Ramada $1,200, which included fees for upgrades as the hotel did not meet our expected standards even though this package was touted as having first class accommodations.

On February 20, 2003 we phoned Ramada to get the details of our trip as no itinerary had been forwarded to us as promised. It was at this time we first learned of the sales presentation requirement; we immediately refused and spoke to various sales people and supervisors. Throughout the dispute all they tried to do was sell us more upgrades/extensions on the other so-called “free” trips. I can get a getaway for free anywhere if I am willing to sit through a sales presentation, I don’t need to pay for the displeasure of doing so.

Furthermore, after performing my own research on travel pricing there is no discount on this vacation. I can book this trip cheaper than the price I have paid. We then called back on Feb 22, 2003 and cancelled the trip with much resistance from the Ramada sales staff/supervisors. It was at this time we demanded to hear the so-called tape of our conversation from Oct 19, 2000 where we were supposedly advised of the sales presentation requirement. To date this tape has not been produced.

After much back and forth it was at this time the Ramada staff agreed our trip was cancelled and our refund was forthcoming. We made 2 subsequent phone calls and on each occasion were told the trip was cancelled and our refund would be credited to our card any day. Finally after a month had passed on March 24, 2003 we called and demanded to know where the refund was. We were placed on hold 3 or 4 times for about 20 minutes, a technique they use frequently, until a supervisor finally came on and said “your were getting a refund but it was denied”.

At no point were we ever told this trip was nonrefundable, and in fact oral representations were made on at least 3 occasions that the refund was authorized. We relied upon the representations made by Ramada and booked another trip. We called back later that evening to try and resolve this issue by speaking Arthur and Warren. The supervisor refuses to get on the line and we hear him say in the background “tell him to f*** off”. This epitomizes the treatment we’ve received by the Ramada organization.

In summary we demand a full refund of the monies paid of $1,900 (1200+700 paid in 2000) due to the following misrepresentations made by the Ramada Plaza Resorts: 1. We were never advised of the sales presentation requirement and would never have booked a trip where we had to sit through one. 2. The trip is in no way highly discounted, a misrepresentation by Ramada organization. 3. We were never advised the trip was non refundable.

Lesley of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan writes (3/6/03):
I bought a vacation package from Ramada Plaza Resorts. The following day, I tried to get refund and was refused despite their so-called 3-day grace period. I was also told that my conversation with their representative was being recorded, "for my protection and theirs".

I am now a few hundred dollars out and will never deal with this business again. I have been ripped off and want to know if there is anything I can do about this.

Jacky of Elkridge MD writes (3/5/03):
I purchased not one but two vacation packages. (We take our nanny with us). I specifically asked about the requirement of sitting through a sales pitch and was told no. After the purchase they are saying I have to go on a "tour" and listen to a pitch. I requested a refund and they said that I was told about the tour and they could play back the audio for me.

I waited 2 hours to hear the audio. Conveniently it did not contain the first 30 minutes of the phone call in which I asked the agent directly if I would have to attend a sales pitch. I requested a copy of the audio (which was obviously doctored) but was told I could not have it. Unfortunately for them, when you tape record a phone conversation in Maryland (where I am) both parties have equal rights to the audio. I will be sending them a refund letter by certified mail as well as a cover letter from my attorney. I have a friend who made the same purchase and tells the same story as I do. The tour is not that big of a deal but I do not like to be lied to or deceived.

Donovan of McKinney TX (1/31/03):
They sent me a mailer about their great vacation offer. I called and got the information about the benefits and cost of the cruise. It sounded like a good deal, so I signed up. I put down a $349.00 deposit. I went home that evening and my wife told me to get a refund. I called them the next day and was told that I could not get a refund.

When I received their package in the mail with my information, confirmation sheets and video, I read over it and it stated that a refund would be made within 3 days of purchase. I was told I could not get a refund on my first attempt at a refund within the 3 day grace period. I called back again after receiving the package and was once again told it was non-refundable. This was false advertising on their part due to the fact that it says in the brochure that you can get a refund.

I have called on three or more occasions since then and been told that I still will not get a refund. The only response I have gotten from them when trying to get a refund is them trying to push me to add $234.00 more to my package as a customer service upgrade.

Jenni of Elk Grove CA (1/2/03):
We were sold a vacation and were not told we would have to view a time share as well as upgrade everything on the trip from the "basic" level to make the trip "deluxe" which we were told it was anyway. We paid for the trip in full but have not yet traveled and now want to cancel for financial and personal reasons, and Ramada Plaza Resorts refuses to refund our money. We are continuously routed to other people when we try to make a complaint directly to them. We paid over $2,000 and have not yet travelled.

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