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Asking for your support...
Dec. 26th, 2008 11:08 pmSo my fiance is the outgoing president of his Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, and along with his incoming president, is attending the Fraternity's National Conference in Boston, which is being held at the Sheraton Convention Center, a Starwood Hotels Property.
Now, both Peter and Alicia have budgeted very very carefully to make this happen, so imagine their surprise upon check in to be told they had to put down a $50/day (over $200 total) incidental fee in case they "trash the room". No mention of this fee was made in any of the convention literature nor in any of the emails Peter received when booking the room made any mention of this fee. Additionally, while the fee will be refunded at the end of the week should the room be left in good condition, it won't be until after they get home. Charging this fee essentially wiped out Peter's food budget for the week (I am going first thing in the AM to put money in his bank to give him a cushion).
I understand that Hotels have to protect their property, but this could be done by a clause at booking (which requires a credit card anyways) that damage to the room will be charged to the card at check out. By forcing an unexpected fee on college student, most of whom are already on a tight budget, is ageist (funny, since Peter is a non-traditional student) and discriminatory.
So I am asking for you to let Starwood know how you feel about this policy. Send them an email, telling them you think this policy is unfair and unnecessary, and that in the future, you will not stay with their properties or utilize their convention facilities.
I appreciate you support on this.
Now, both Peter and Alicia have budgeted very very carefully to make this happen, so imagine their surprise upon check in to be told they had to put down a $50/day (over $200 total) incidental fee in case they "trash the room". No mention of this fee was made in any of the convention literature nor in any of the emails Peter received when booking the room made any mention of this fee. Additionally, while the fee will be refunded at the end of the week should the room be left in good condition, it won't be until after they get home. Charging this fee essentially wiped out Peter's food budget for the week (I am going first thing in the AM to put money in his bank to give him a cushion).
I understand that Hotels have to protect their property, but this could be done by a clause at booking (which requires a credit card anyways) that damage to the room will be charged to the card at check out. By forcing an unexpected fee on college student, most of whom are already on a tight budget, is ageist (funny, since Peter is a non-traditional student) and discriminatory.
So I am asking for you to let Starwood know how you feel about this policy. Send them an email, telling them you think this policy is unfair and unnecessary, and that in the future, you will not stay with their properties or utilize their convention facilities.
I appreciate you support on this.
