www.hoteldiscount.com - didn't receive refund promised

# 11 for January 10, 2002

Complaints.com received the following e-message on January 9, 2002:

From: Lisa Tucker [Email User]

www.hoteldiscount.com - didn't receive refund promised

I made a reservation with Hotel Reservations Network (aka HRN) online for 4 days in New York City's hotel Thirty Thirty. The total was $420.00. Unfortunately the trip was cancelled and had to then cancel the room. I called to cancel and was informed that I would not be charged the $50 cancellation fee and that I would see it amount credit to my account in 7-10 business days. Due to being anal, I called the next day to ensure my reservation had been cancelled and that I had been told correct information about when I would see the amount credited to my account. I was again informed that in 7-10 business days the amount would be credited back to my account. Well needless to say 7 days pass, 10 days pass, 13 days pass and no credit. So I call and speak to a nice young man who then informs me that the normal procedure is for the company to hold your money until the date of the stated reservation. Then it is refunded. I very nicely explain to him what I had been told and the situation I was in, seeing as I needed the money back. He said due to the incorrect information I had been told, he would refund the money that day. Wow was that a load off my chest... So I check my credit card the next and guess what no credit. So I call again and this time get the you have to wait until the date of the trip, which was more than a two months a away, to get your money back. I asked to speak with a manager and is told that he will have to take my name and number and have a manager call me because they cannot just take every call that asks to speak with a manager. Not like that is a their job or anything. Now a day later, I still await that manager's call... This return policy is not stated on their website, was not stated when I made the reservation, and obviously is not know by 50% of their employees (spoke to 4 and 2 knew and 2 did not). I was also lied to when told that my credit card would be refunded. I now realize I have not been the only one jerked around by HRN and want all to know to stay away from their discounts. Thank you... LisaT