Help! Hotel Overbooked...no place to stay

[Choirmom]

Can I ask you how much you were paying for your room at the RPR? How much are you paying for you new room at Cabana Bay?

RPR was $1284 for 4 nights...Cabana Bay is around $400 less for family suite.

 

[Pooh's World]

OP here. The agent at Expedia explained that Universal updated their info late, so the rooms that were alotted to Expedia originally were not actually available. This seems strange and dishonest on somebody's part (not sure who). Anyway, was able to book at Cabana Bay with a refund for the difference in price. I guess we'll use the price difference to purchase express pass.

Really not happy about this. Not sure who to blame, Universal or Expedia.

This doesn't seem fair because you would get Express Pass for free with Royal Pacific.

 

[Pooh's World]

RPR was $1284 for 4 nights...Cabana Bay is around $400 less for family suite.

So $320 a night for a family suite at RPR?

Looks like they probably had COVID rates and now that demand is up they didn't want to pay the original agreed upon rates.

 

[damo]

RPR was $1284 for 4 nights...Cabana Bay is around $400 less for family suite.

You can get a standard room at PBH for Wed - Fri now at $232 with an AP rate and a king room at RPR for Fri-Sun at $341/night. Works out to be cheaper than what you originally had. Just upgrade one of your tickets to the seasonal pass which is probably about the same price as the tickets you've got.

https://res.windsurfercrs.com/ibe/i...&dt1=8007&nights=2&rooms=1&adults=2&promo=aph
Then cancel the expedia.

 

[Choirmom]

Also, I have been receiving regular emails from Universal about my upcoming stay, the last one coming Oct 21.

I just sent Universal an email...This is what I sent:

To Whom it May Concern,

I just received notification from Expedia that the Royal Pacific is overbooked for my travel dates (Dec 1 – Dec 5). I booked this hotel on August 21, 2021 (over 2 months ago). I have been receiving regular emails from Universal about my upcoming stay. Today (Nov 1), I received a call from Expedia telling me that there is no room for me at the Royal Pacific…that it has been overbooked.

We chose this hotel because it is upscale, the unlimited Express Pass, and the proximity to the parks. Now, we are being forced to stay at a lesser hotel (Cabana Bay), without the unlimited Express Pass and the other things I have mentioned.

At this late date, we are locked into flights. Had we not been able to book the Royal Pacific in the beginning, we would not have booked this trip at all.

I am extremely disappointed in the miscommunication between you (Universal) and Expedia to allow something like this to happen. This was something my husband and I were looking forward to and this situation has put a huge damper on our trip.

Due to this issue, this will likely be our only trip to Universal as I cannot trust your booking process.

I will be sending something similar to Expedia...if I can find a good email address.

 

[Choirmom]

So $320 a night for a family suite at RPR?

Looks like they probably had COVID rates and now that demand is up they didn't want to pay the original agreed upon rates.

RPR was a standard king room. Cabana Bay is a family suites

 

[damo]

Using the AP rate, Cabana Bay is only $120/night for a family suite for your dates. You're getting ripped off by Expedia.

https://res.windsurfercrs.com/ibe/i...&dt1=8005&nights=4&rooms=1&adults=2&promo=aph

 

[bchbetha]

Also, I have been receiving regular emails from Universal about my upcoming stay, the last one coming Oct 21.

I just sent Universal an email...This is what I sent:

To Whom it May Concern,

I just received notification from Expedia that the Royal Pacific is overbooked for my travel dates (Dec 1 – Dec 5). I booked this hotel on August 21, 2021 (over 2 months ago). I have been receiving regular emails from Universal about my upcoming stay. Today (Nov 1), I received a call from Expedia telling me that there is no room for me at the Royal Pacific…that it has been overbooked.

We chose this hotel because it is upscale, the unlimited Express Pass, and the proximity to the parks. Now, we are being forced to stay at a lesser hotel (Cabana Bay), without the unlimited Express Pass and the other things I have mentioned.

At this late date, we are locked into flights. Had we not been able to book the Royal Pacific in the beginning, we would not have booked this trip at all.

I am extremely disappointed in the miscommunication between you (Universal) and Expedia to allow something like this to happen. This was something my husband and I were looking forward to and this situation has put a huge damper on our trip.

Due to this issue, this will likely be our only trip to Universal as I cannot trust your booking process.

I will be sending something similar to Expedia...if I can find a good email address.

I'm glad you're sending it to expedia too because I really think your issue is with them. I stopped booking 3rd party a long time ago though because you just aren't going to be the priority to the direct guest (who, admittedly, might have paid a bit more than you did).

 

[Choirmom]

I will check into upgrading to an AP and see about rebooking.

Thank you all for your help. I knew everyone here would be super helpful!

 

[Choirmom]

How do I upgrade my ticket to an AP...I think the seasonal works for my dates...

 

[fsjking]

Also, I have been receiving regular emails from Universal about my upcoming stay, the last one coming Oct 21.

I just sent Universal an email...This is what I sent:

To Whom it May Concern,

I just received notification from Expedia that the Royal Pacific is overbooked for my travel dates (Dec 1 – Dec 5). I booked this hotel on August 21, 2021 (over 2 months ago). I have been receiving regular emails from Universal about my upcoming stay. Today (Nov 1), I received a call from Expedia telling me that there is no room for me at the Royal Pacific…that it has been overbooked.

We chose this hotel because it is upscale, the unlimited Express Pass, and the proximity to the parks. Now, we are being forced to stay at a lesser hotel (Cabana Bay), without the unlimited Express Pass and the other things I have mentioned.

At this late date, we are locked into flights. Had we not been able to book the Royal Pacific in the beginning, we would not have booked this trip at all.

I am extremely disappointed in the miscommunication between you (Universal) and Expedia to allow something like this to happen. This was something my husband and I were looking forward to and this situation has put a huge damper on our trip.

Due to this issue, this will likely be our only trip to Universal as I cannot trust your booking process.

I will be sending something similar to Expedia...if I can find a good email address.

Universal doesn't actually operate the hotels. They are ran by Loews. Not saying that Universal can't do anything, but they really don't have anything to do with what happened to you. I doubt you get anything more than a "We're sorry, blah blah" email.

 

[cschaaf]

How do I upgrade my ticket to an AP...I think the seasonal works for my dates...

I'd call Universal for the AP upgrade, but you may have to do that in person (you can book AP rates without having the AP when you book). I'd also try to book rooms with the agent while you are on with them. Ask about your original rooms and see what they say. Can't hurt.

 

[sandam1]

How do I upgrade my ticket to an AP...I think the seasonal works for my dates...

STOP!!! You do NOT want a Seasonal for your dates. There are Mannheim Steamroller concerts at Studios on both the 4th and the 5th. With the Seasonal pass, you will be blocked out of that park all day.

Your issue is actually with Expedia. They are the one that sold you the room. Universal (or more precisely Loews hotels) is probably not going to be able to help you since Expedia technically owns the reservation (just like a real-life travel agent would). You need to seek a reasonable fix from Expedia - and personally I'm not sure that I would consider Cabana Bay a reasonable replacement. Don't get me wrong, I adore Cabana Bay, but that weekend is likely to be very busy with the Orlando Informer meet-up on Friday and Saturday nights, so I could see really wanting EPs for those days.

 

[Choirmom]

Thanks everyone...I'm this close to cancelling altogether. If I could get a refund on my park tickets, I would.

Vacations are not supposed to be this stressful.

 

[CBMom01]

Thanks everyone...I'm this close to cancelling altogether. If I could get a refund on my park tickets, I would.

Vacations are not supposed to be this stressful.

I’m really sorry this happened to you.
You could try a couple of things: During the day call the hotel directly and ask very, very nicely to speak to the hotel manager. That’s a person who can get you your room at your rate if it still exists at the hotel or at another of the Lowe’s hotels.

If that doesn’t work, call Lowe’s. They can also help.

Finally, my son and I really loved the rooms at Cabana Bay. They are just lovely, if that helps.

 

[Choirmom]

Which AP would I need to upgrade to to get my dates...just running numbers to see if I can at least get a better deal

 

[Choirmom]

Just completely cancelled with Expedia (they don't deserve my business) and rebooked with the AP rate at Cabana Bay. At least this will save me a few $$$ and take some of the sting out of this mess. With the savings difference from RPR, I will at least be able to purchase Express Passes. Even the Preferred Pass saves me about $160 off the Expedia price. I'll probably call Universal tomorrow and upgrade my ticket.

Who knows...maybe I'll be able to sneak in another trip before the pass expires!

Again...thanks to everyone for being so helpful. I really appreciate it.

 

[damo]

STOP!!! You do NOT want a Seasonal for your dates. There are Mannheim Steamroller concerts at Studios on both the 4th and the 5th. With the Seasonal pass, you will be blocked out of that park all day.

Your issue is actually with Expedia. They are the one that sold you the room. Universal (or more precisely Loews hotels) is probably not going to be able to help you since Expedia technically owns the reservation (just like a real-life travel agent would). You need to seek a reasonable fix from Expedia - and personally I'm not sure that I would consider Cabana Bay a reasonable replacement. Don't get me wrong, I adore Cabana Bay, but that weekend is likely to be very busy with the Orlando Informer meet-up on Friday and Saturday nights, so I could see really wanting EPs for those days.

Seasonal passes are fine for those dates.

Know Before You Go
We can’t wait to see you for the holidays. Here are some things to help you prepare for your visit.

• Blockout Dates: Seasonal and Power Pass blockout dates apply Dec. 18 – Jan. 3, 2022 at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Subject to change without notice.
• Seasonal Passholders now have access to Mannheim Steamroller performances.

 

[damo]

I'm glad you came to a happy conclusion. It's a shame that Expedia caused you so much stress! We love Cabana Bay and you probably aren't going to need the express pass for the first few days you are there, so don't book it in advance!

 

[Pooh's World]

Just completely cancelled with Expedia (they don't deserve my business) and rebooked with the AP rate at Cabana Bay. At least this will save me a few $$$ and take some of the sting out of this mess. With the savings difference from RPR, I will at least be able to purchase Express Passes. Even the Preferred Pass saves me about $160 off the Expedia price. I'll probably call Universal tomorrow and upgrade my ticket.

Who knows...maybe I'll be able to sneak in another trip before the pass expires!

Again...thanks to everyone for being so helpful. I really appreciate it.

I would recommend that one person get the power pass. (or upgrade to it for one person)

Because I got the preferred but the preferred doesn't give you the 10%-20% discounts at all the restaurants at Universal and City Walk and all the stores. After a while you realize that it adds up and kind of pays for itself.

*You also get free parking with the Power Pass