How Would You Handle This?
I had to take a last-minute business trip to New York this week. Since hotel rates have skyrocketed over the past 12 months (from $120/night to $250/night) I decided to be frugal and picked a 1-star hotel from Expedia. This hotel was the “West Side Inn” and clocked in at a reasonable $72/night.
Upon arrival, I began to understand why the rate was so low—the full name of the hotel is actually the “West Side Inn & Hostel”, which has been updated since I booked my reservation. I ended up having to book another hotel a few minutes after getting to my room because it was just horrible. The most annoying part is that Expedia’s online description is very vague about the quality and features of this hotel, and their policy does not allow refunds. Rather than try to argue, I figured I’d ask the community if they have any clever recommendations.
In the meantime, I will offer to rewrite Expedia’s amenities list for Manhattan’s “West Side Inn & Hostel”:
- This inn offers a very relaxed attitude for the weary traveler. Feel free to take a nap on the couch of our lobby upon arrival. Our clerk checks in every 45 minutes or so, and he’ll be more than happy to check you in once he finishes the standard “significant other” argument over Windows Messenger.
- This hotel features the first production elevator ever deployed. Unfortunately, it doesn’t go to the first floor anymore, so you need to carry your bags to the second floor and hope for the best.
- Each and every door has been kicked in while locked to offer the full crackhouse experience. If you forget your key, feel free to wait for a strong breeze to blow the door open for you.
- This social networking-friendly building offers a complete bathroom on every floor, so you’ll get to know your new friends best. Don’t worry, most of the people you walk in on will be administering insulin shots—we swear.
- To ensure the highest degree of privacy, phones have been removed from each room.
- To protect guests from unknown infrared radiation risks, all TVs come equipped without remote controls. Don’t worry—you’ll still have access to all thirteen channels via the onboard dial, and we’re sure you’ll certainly enjoy our retro-style black & white screens.
- In accordance with our guest safety policy, all electrical outlets have been painted over.
I’d be interested in knowing if anyone has had a worse experience in NY, or if they’ve found a way to get a refund from Expedia.