<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by FlyerAl:
You could always try disputing the charge with your credit card issuer. Since you didn't sign anything, you could try aruging that you never authorized the charge.</font>
Disputing a valid charge like that with the CC company will not work. When you make the reservation you confirm that you will abide by the T&C of the reservation, which in this case is a charge as soon as you made the reservation. The CC company will go to bat for you if there is a legitimate claim on your part, not everytime you change your mind.
I agree with
shareholder. Your best bet is to try to work with the manager as that is your only shot right now. Hilton.com, Hiton, HHonors can't help you.
I also agree with
shareholder about grabbing a pre-paid stay this far out to save few bucks. If you decide that the savings are worth the chance, then do it, but also realize that you're gambling with the money, as the hotel is not under any obligation to return it to you if they choose not to. Non-refundable means just that folks, it's non-refundable.
[This message has been edited by andrzej (edited Nov 29, 2003).]