Harry Potter and the Mini Bar Mystery

[inkkognito]

Just got our bill via email from Royal Pacific for our Harry Potter overnighter and there is a $13 minibar charge. Prioblem is, we are locals and were never even in the room other than a very brief period. We wanted to see what it looked like, so we stopped in after WWoHP closed on the first day and DH went to the pool and took a quick shower. Then we went home and never returned. Some employee must have enjoyed a snack on our credit card...or at least thinks they did, since I'm going to do some serious reaming tomorrow (Accounting is closed for the night). I wonder if this sort of thing is common there. I've never, ever had it happen before at any hotel so I advise all you HP package peeps to watch your bills too.

 

[bubba's mom]

We had a mini-bar charge last year too. I had to GO to the front desk to check out and tell them I didn't even TAKE the mini-bar key.

I'm sure if you explain your situation, they will take it off.

ESP if you tell them you didn't even take the key.

 

[NashvilleTrio]

We were disturbed four times on our last trip to the RPR with a worker checking the mini bar during the day while we were recovering from the parks. Problem is, we didn't take the mini bar key.

I "get" the daily checks if you take the key, but if not stop wasting my time and yours.

As far as reaming, I don't think you'll have to do that. We had a $50 false charge show up a few days after checkout and it took about 10 minutes and 2 business days to get straightened out. They were really nice about it.

 

[inkkognito]

I totally forgot that we didn't even take the key. Hopefully they will give in without much fuss. It sounds like they're used to this sort of thing. If not they'll just get whalloped with a credit card dispute anyway but I'd hate to have to go that far.

 

[thedisneymom]

Yup-same here-we were charged when we didn't use it. now we refuse the mini bar key so we have proof.

 

[Lou Holtz]

From reading past threads, this seems to be a common thing with the mini bars. I doubt anyone actually ate something from it, probably is just an accounting error.

HOWEVER, I wouldn't want to be deprived of a good inkkognito reaming story, so I think you should just go with that. That story above you about the dispute being resolved in ten minutes with no headache and they were nice put me right to sleep.

 

[inkkognito]

HOWEVER, I wouldn't want to be deprived of a good inkkognito reaming story, so I think you should just go with that. That story above you about the dispute being resolved in ten minutes with no headache and they were nice put me right to sleep.

The trick will be calling them before I've had my caffeine. I owe them a reaming anyway since they reamed me when I dared to call before booking and ask if I'd get access to WWoHP. IOA Guest Services said yes, Hard Rock said yes (but was all booked) and central reservations said yes, but Royal Pacific treated me like I had just told them I was going to set up a crash between a busload of nuns and a train filled with puppies and kittens to expect such a thing.

 

[bumbershoot]

...but Royal Pacific treated me like I had just told them I was going to set up a crash between a busload of nuns and a train filled with puppies and kittens to expect such a thing.

The way you put that....

 

[Lou Holtz]

How dare you try to take advantage of their establishment by booking a room you're not even going to use and giving them money for it! You're lucky it was over the phone or else they'd have had cause to spit right in your face.

 

[starrzone]

...Royal Pacific treated me like I had just told them I was going to set up a crash between a busload of nuns and a train filled with puppies and kittens to expect such a thing.

I haven't been to Universal in 10+ years, but I really want to go back (IOA wasn't even open yet the last time I was there!). This is one of the funniest things I've read on this board!

 

[Planogirl]

Loew's is from my experience a pretty good hotel chain. I love the comment about the Royal Pacific though!

Get 'em!

 

[bubba's mom]

The problem is...when you check in, they just give you the key and tell you what it's for. They don't ASK you if you want it...you have to TELL them you don't want it.

Good luck Barb. Keep us posted.

 

[justprettynpink]

As cash/debit card user...we are never offered to be the key keeper...which is fine with me.

 

[mjohnson96]

Royal Pacific treated me like I had just told them I was going to set up a crash between a busload of nuns and a train filled with puppies and kittens to expect such a thing.

Great now I have to make sure I'm not eating or drinking when I read this board. I about choked on some bacon!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Royal Pacific treated me like I had just told them I was going to set up a crash between a busload of nuns and a train filled with puppies and kittens to expect such a thing.

Now I have to clean my computer monitor to get the tea off it!

 

[inkkognito]

Sigh. Their "customer service department" is a voice mail box. Can't wait to see how long before they return my call.

 

[Bradsdadg]

Sounds like a pain, good luck getting it straightened out!

 

[tink1957]

This is why we never accept the minibar key, although it doesn't help that they have the $7.00 bottled water and the 3 bags of goodies out on the counter for all to see. I almost thought they were freebies until I saw the price list next to the bags.

Here's the number for RPR "Star Service"..407-503-3000, hope this helps. It didn't help us when my son left his phone charger in our room, they refused to check the room because someone else was in it. I don't understand why they couldn't just ask housekeeping to check when they cleaned the room.

 

[inkkognito]

They called back and did not give me any hassle at all. The only thing they asked was did we maybe use the water...didn't even see any water although I did see the goodies. I explained we didn't even stay in the room and they said no problem, credit will show up in 3-5 days.

I'm glad we didn't actually spend the night there. In the short time we were in the room I was shocked at the amount of hallway noise. I can't stand that and wouldn't have gotten any sleep. I'm surprised the rooms are not better insulated. I've never had that problem at the WDW hotels, other than (surprisingly) the Grand Floridian. Our room was right in a large atrium in one of the wings and the sound echoed up day and night. It was fun taking the IOA hotel boat for the first time ever, tho' (we left our car in the garage when we checked out the room as there was no way I was popping $15 to park at the hotel).

 

[mjohnson96]

They called back and did not give me any hassle at all. The only thing they asked was did we maybe use the water...didn't even see any water although I did see the goodies. I explained we didn't even stay in the room and they said no problem, credit will show up in 3-5 days.

I'm glad we didn't actually spend the night there. In the short time we were in the room I was shocked at the amount of hallway noise. I can't stand that and wouldn't have gotten any sleep. I'm surprised the rooms are not better insulated. I've never had that problem at the WDW hotels, other than (surprisingly) the Grand Floridian. Our room was right in a large atrium in one of the wings and the sound echoed up day and night. It was fun taking the IOA hotel boat for the first time ever, tho' (we left our car in the garage when we checked out the room as there was no way I was popping $15 to park at the hotel).

We have never had the noise problems, but our rooms have been either in the middle of the hall or toward the rear away from the elevators. That might make a difference. I think one day we did hear some family fighting with their kids but that was right next door.

Good thing to note when you requesting a room though, make sure your far enough away from the elevators and such!

Glad to note they did not give you a hassle....prob housekeeping forgot to put water in there and then thought you had drank it. I used to work for a resort in the credit department. Lots and Lots of disputes all the time!