Originally Posted by
percysmith
The original charge - the lack of USD refund (void charge) sounds like my experiences at
Gallaries Lafayette (Montparnesse too) and
Harrods Knightsbridge.
Surprised the clerk can key in your card but probably cos its a hotel she took your payment as if it's a phone booking - many other merchants won't be able to do that.
I won't bother complaining to Accor - just like writing to /dev/null or Zhongnanhai.
I'd chargeback them to get even - both the original rort charge and the improperly-handled refund. i will make it very clear to the bank that I'm not seeking a handout from them, but paperwork grief from Accor.
Yeah, I called Capital One & they did a "courtesy" refund of the difference, so I should now be square as far as the DCC refund goes, but I would have rather had the hotel take the hit instead. I agree that trying to bring this issue up to Accor will only bring up a deer-in-the-headlights response or a staged language barrier issue. At least now I know to preemptively tell Accor/Novotel-branded hotel clerks to charge in Euros only, as I have heard this is an ongoing problem with this hotel brand.
P.S. I have purchased from Harrods' Gatwick & Heathrow airport stores & they always gave me a choice to pay in USD or GBP (I always paid in GBP). I don't think I've ever bought anything from their Knightsbridge store though.