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Old 06-09-2006, 12:18 PM   #1
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Okay, just want to run this by you all quickly. I booked a hostel for one of the nights we'll be in Vegas. The booking policy was 10% down, the rest due upon arrival. It strictly stated that the amount due upon arrival was $XX.XX - the remaining balance. TWO months after I booked this room, the said amount was deducted from our account (we don't leave until next week). I called them to inquire when they informed me it was their policy to take out the first night. I explained that the policy that I had agreed to was that I would pay the remaining balance when we arrive. They refused to budge.

Is this acceptable? Is this normal? I always thought that booking through an engine (Tpunk but of course) gave you that security - the 10% plus booking fee, and you had a guaranteed room you paid for when you got in. I have NEVER had this problem with a hostel before.

If this isn't acceptable, can we do something about their listing with us? The amount of money isn't huge, but it still really pisses me off, and then they were so apathetic about it, even when I emailed my booking confirmation that explicity states the policy I agreed to.

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Old 06-09-2006, 12:25 PM   #2
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The booking engine goes through HostelWorld, I believe, so besides complaining to the hostel, I would let HW know that one of their member hostels is violating the agreement...
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Old 06-12-2006, 08:39 AM   #3
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Unless it says in tiny writing at the bottom that they can do this then I'd say you have right to complain. At best though you can give them a bad review and maybe get a voucher off hostelworld.

I've seen backpackers pull into hostels with reservations and been told their was no room available for them. Last time I went to Amsterdam the booking form had us all seperated out into different rooms and changing around every day but when we got there we where all in the same room the whole time. I'd say the system has some niggles and the hostels operate outside the terms of the agreement on a regular basis.
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Old 06-12-2006, 09:13 AM   #4
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Thanks guys. I contacted hostelworld. I'm still super pissed. I think I'm more pissed at the stupid manager at the hostel. If we weren't looking at a $200 + night, I'd cancel it and just stay at the hotel we're booked in for the rest of the time.
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