OMG! Talk about frantic. The other night I got home about 8pm. I talked to a friend who wants to meet us in Montreal for the 40th Montreal Jazz Festival in June, 2019. She has never been on a cruise that was NOT a music cruise; thus, did not want to cruise with us to get to Montreal. Ok, so, I went online to book her reservation.
I could not find the hotel. I’m like, “WHF?” After several Google searches I finally see where the Hyatt Regency Montreal is PERMANENTLY closed. I’m shocked. My mouth dropped to the floor and my head started spinning. PPPuuuulllleeeeezzzze! “Whatchu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” I had paid for 6 reservations IN FULL Sept. 12, 2018. I called the number on my confirmation. It turned out to be Priceline. Like, what??? They did NOT have any of my confirmation numbers (3 of them) and no record of the hotel no longer existing. OK, but, “where da money at?” It was midnight his time and he told me to call back in the morning.
BUMP that! I Googled and found the number for Hyatt Regency Coprorate offices and called them. I am not thinking about what time it is and someone answered the call. After much ado, she confirmed the hotel had closed and Double Tree by Hilton had taken it over. Ok, so “where da money at?” I made reservations for 6 people. We paid in full and LAWD, I can’t afford to pay back all that money. She suggested I call Double Tree. I’m W A Y beyond frantic, now. Not angry but, TOTALLY bewildered about how can this happen and the client (me) is not notified? I called Doube Tree. They did not have any confirmation numbers for me. I was told Double Tree took over the Hyatt in and around December 18, 2018 and that’s when they cancelled all reservations. OK, so WHERE IS THE MONEY??? Since Double Tree didn’t have the reservations, they didn’t have the money either. Back to Priceline. Again, Priceline doesn’t know the Hyatt has closed they only want to know if I want to cancel.
I made these resevations was in advance because I know as time get closer to the big event, the hotel prices go up. The price we got for the Hyatt Regency, which is directly in front of the event, was a good price. I tried making a group reservaton directly with the hotel. After 3 days of negotiating about their terms and conditions, I opted to go online – I got a better price, too. Yeah, but, where is the money now? So, I call Double Tree back – all they want to know is do I want to make a reservation. I did. Since their reservation polices are better and they don’t take any money off your credit card until you get there, I made the reservations again. WHEW!! Damn good thing I found out now instead of in June when our cruise ended in Montreal, the jazz festival would have started by 2 days and we would have no place to stay. I was somewhat relieved, especially because the price is now nearly $450 cheaper for the same room. Now, I have to find the money.
The next morning I called my agency to find out we now book through Priceline. Pricelines cancellation policy is full refund up to 48 hours of arrival and a full refund is given within 24 business day hours from Friday morning. Everyone should have their money back on their credit card by Monday morning. I pray it will be that easy.
MarshaAgogo – gone
