new york city lodging bust
 

FYI anyone looking for lodging in NYC---the Da Vinci Hotel did not honor my written confirmation upon my arrival at their hotel. They did nothing to help me find another place to stay--I was left to my own resources. I had my confirmation number and price guarantee in my hand and all they could say was "oh--we're overbooked. so sorry." I was left aghast!! I could not think of anything to do about the situation on the spot. The manager refused to give me the name of someone to contact with my problem and he refused to do anything for me. What should I have done short of camping out in their lobby? They are a small boutique hotel and appartently don't need to honor their confirmed reservations if they don't choose to. BEWARE!!!!

I would report them to the Better Business Bureau.

How awful! I wish I had some advice for you, but I don't know what I would have done, either. How awful! The BBB sounds like a good idea; I'd cc the Visitor's Bureau, too. And are you sure the hotel doesn't belong to a small chain at all? Many boutique hotels do belong to a "group". If you're mad enough, you could also write to any organization or publication that seems to have rated the hotel: you know how brochures will say "Conde Nast 4-star winner", etc? The cherry on top would be to lastly write the manager and list everyone else you've written to. What a shame! Did you manage to find another room?

I almost stayed there one time so I did a little research.This hotel is a memeber of Classic International Hotels which is an affiliate of Business Travel International.
www.cih-hotels.com
www.nyc.bti-hotels.com is the website for the North American Office.The fone number is 212.301.6110.....Good Luck!

Beachboi--thank you soooooo much for the information. You gave me what no one else could provide!!! I'm glad I posted my situation!!!!!

I'm curious as to how this was booked. Did you book through the hotel itself? It sounds like they are really unprofessional in their business dealings. I have never stayed there but I go to NY alot and knowing this about the hotel, I would never consider staying there.

You're welcome....glad I could help but terribly sorry to hear about your debacle....Always helps fellow travellers to know tho........S

Just called and had a lengthy conversation with the number BEACHBOI gave me. They only handle website inquiries for the hotel and have no jurisdiction. Oh welll----felt better venting to someone who would listen. If anyone else knows how I could find a really good vent venue, let me know. It's only been a day and I'm still fuming--I'm sure I'll get over it!!!!

I forgot.....Conde Nast has an Ombudsman that might be able to help.I have only read the print version but I think you might find it on the website...They may be able to help.

dm, you have a piece of paper and pen ready? Phone calls from any of the three of these organizations will slay the Da Vinci and all three should get you serious recourse.

The New York City Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.NYCVisit.com
#212-484-1200

The Hotel Association of New York City
www.hanyc.org
#212-754-6700

Better Business Bureau of NYC
www.NewYork.bbb.org
212-533-6200

Good luck and keep us informed!

Don't forget to post your story (the whole story, after you've pursued the above avenues for recourse) on the various internet hotel review sites, you'll be doing a great public service.

You should have put "DaVinci Hotel did not honor my reservation" in the subject line... many people will miss this.
Again, how did you book this reservation?
Many agencies have agreements with specific terms on how a hotel can "walk" a guest.
You need to contact whomever made the reservation.

TX TRAVELPRO--booked through their web sight. I called them personally and they said they had room but at a higher price. I told them their web site had a cheaper price. The manager said "Good luck honey, go for it...." I think he was trying to tell me something and got back at me royally.

Oh--TXTRAVELPRO..I took your advice and reposted with a nastier message title. Thank you for your insight.