Verbally attacked by GM because I booked online!
Jun 7, 2012, 7:55 pm
#19
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: san francisco
Programs: No airline status whatsoever, Chase URs, HHonors Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 567
Amazing story
I'm a Minnesota native (looooooong time ago) and am convulsed at this story. This GM is so backward as to appear mentally deficient. Perhaps he is never able to travel and can't comprehend why calling for a res is dumb. Perhaps he has NEVER had any training in running a hotel, he is someone's brother in law (Johnson/Nelson/Peterson/Olafson/Whateverson). No matter what the topic, what hotel employee would ARGUE WITH A GUEST? I would love to know the location, I'm checking into the CS in Alexandria next week. I'll betcha Marilyn Carlson Nelson Johnson has heard about this by now.
Jun 8, 2012, 6:36 am
#20
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: DEN - Ft. Collins
Programs: PC Plat, HHonors Silver
Posts: 145
Even worse now, she has to send her requests to someone else who will do the bookings.
Jun 9, 2012, 10:07 am
#21
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: SA Voyager, BA Executive Club
Posts: 6
I would not dream of booking online without first seeking a quote over the phone. In SA, UK and Ireland this usually obtains a better rate than is quoted online.Most recently, ten days ago, received a 50% discount at a major airport hotel in Joburg. Worth much more than 1000 miles. My wife does all the bookings; maybe it's her voice and telephone manner!
Jun 9, 2012, 6:37 pm
#23
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
Posts: 21,690
I would not dream of booking online without first seeking a quote over the phone. In SA, UK and Ireland this usually obtains a better rate than is quoted online.Most recently, ten days ago, received a 50% discount at a major airport hotel in Joburg. Worth much more than 1000 miles. My wife does all the bookings; maybe it's her voice and telephone manner!
Jun 9, 2012, 7:34 pm
#24
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
My understanding is that standard hotel contracts with chains as well as booking organizations like Leading Hotels specify a commission or fee for reservations. The brand and the booking website are marketing the hotel and should be compensated for their services. Regardless of ownership (franchise status, etc.), the hotel cannot fly the chain's flag and opt out of the reservation service.
Jun 9, 2012, 7:36 pm
#25
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
It's not just a matter of calling the hotel but more importantly getting an official written confirmation that clearly specifies the details, including dates, room type, and cancellation policies associated with the room rate. Having to call back several times for this is what I find especially annoying. (Response to post #23.)
Jun 10, 2012, 11:12 pm
#27
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,816
Jun 11, 2012, 8:51 am
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Minneapolis
Programs: Delta Plat Kool-Aid Drinker, Hyatt Diamond, SPG GM, Marriott GM, Hilton GM, and Priority Club GM
Posts: 1,184
Calls can be virtually free these days. Nonoh.net is your friend @:-)
Jun 11, 2012, 8:53 am
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Minneapolis
Programs: Delta Plat Kool-Aid Drinker, Hyatt Diamond, SPG GM, Marriott GM, Hilton GM, and Priority Club GM
Posts: 1,184
Jun 11, 2012, 8:54 am
#30
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
Calls can be virtually free these days. Nonoh.net is your friend @:-)