WILL NOT STAY AGAIN!
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 9/6/08
We stayed at the Embarcadero Inn based on the reviews I read online. However, my husband and I truly regret it. When we first entered the lobby we were greeted by a woman who was curt and abrupt. Regardless, we checked in, received our room keys and were given direction to our room (317). The suite was less that satisfactory. The couch had crumbs in it, the sheets were not changed because we found a black sock between the sheets and comforter. Lastly, I had to call the front desk 2 times for soap and the video machine was stuck. It was a good size room, though and the view was stunning! We stayed for 2 days and 1 night. On our last day we headed towards Carla Country Kitchen, the breakfast is amazing but the waitresses are less than stellar. We walked backed to our suite, carried our bags down to the car and pulled up to the lobby to return the key and check out. I received a copy of the receipt and left. However, it wasn't until we were up the coast (we have a vacation house on Pebble Beach) when I looked at the receipt and discovered we were charged an extra NIGHT! I called to inform them of the mistake and was told that we had booked for two nights and we had "chosen" to vacate early and did not give substantial notice of canceling, which was a 72-hour policy. I informed them that I had booked the suite through Embarcadero Inn not a third party and it was for only ONE night. The person on the phone apologized but this is what HIS documents/computer stated if I wanted to refute the charges, I could do so within 10 days. I then continued that the front desk did not inform me that I was paying for two nights but again he blandly stated, that he was sorry but it was their policy to charge when the cancellation policy was less than 72 hours. I
I was appalled as we were traveling and I did not have access to the confirmation notice, which was on my home computer. I asked for an extension because we would not be returning to Palm Desert for another two weeks. He stated that was the hotel’s policy.
Needless to say, my husband and I wanted to forget about it and continue on with our vacation. We don’t get to stay in our home on Pebble Beach because we rent it out and the weather is not conducive to my husband’s condition. Unfortunately, the event at the Embarcadero “lingered” during our trip. We felt taken advantaged of because we were senior citizens. We just wanted a place that was clean, tidy and friendly. Our intention was to take the 3 day tours and one night tour at the San Simeon Hearst Castle, which was just fabulous by the way!
I feel that it is my obligation to inform other travelers that this could happen to them. I did find the receipt that indicated it was only for ONE night, however, since I didn't submit the documentation within the time period, the account manager refused to reverse the charges. As he stated, they have a strict policy that needed to be adhered to. When I informed them that I would be making my experience known, the "manager" responded that they never had a problem having guests.
Again, the view is fantastic from the Embarcadero Inn. However, it is the same view one can get while walking down Embarcadero Road without the hassle.
Incidentally, I did contact my American Express card and informed them what had happened. They ask I submit the documentation, which I did. As the account representative pointed out, I signed the charge slip so it may not be reversed. Frankly, being charged an extra for the additional night will not make us destitute. I am writing this email to inform other travelers that might be on a tight budget to beware and those that expect a clean place to think twice.
-Being 70 years young is really the new 60