The ordeal persisted during the checkout process. The same individual who had previously called me was handling my checkout, and the process began to take an inordinate amount of time. He claimed that my card was being declined, implying that it might be due to traveling. After I inserted the card once more, the device authorized the transaction. Following additional typing, he presented me with a bill that separated the charges for incidentals (such as breakfast) from the charges for my stay, showing that only the incidentals had been authorized.

I agreed to this arrangement, but requested a receipt indicating the total amount due, so I could pay the balance in cash. After spending nearly four minutes clicking around, he generated another bill that indicated I owed $222 and some change. He then asserted that my credit card had been successfully charged and advised me to leave. Concerned that he might later claim I had an outstanding balance and either file charges against me or target my Bonvoy account, I insisted on receiving a receipt showing a zero balance on the account or a written and signed document confirming that my stay had been fully paid for before I would depart.

Ten minutes later, he finally provided me with an accurate folio that displayed a zero balance, which had been settled using my credit card. While the hotel and my stay were satisfactory, the management's behavior was reminiscent of mafia tactics. I have resolved to never stay at one of their properties again. I also doubt that lodging a complaint with the Ambassador program will have any effect, especially if the complaints are directed to the very person who had called me initially and engaged in the problematic checkout process. It's akin to entrusting the protection of sheep to a pack of wolves.