I tried it on April 7 of this year. The website stated a 30-day money-back guarantee, so I figured what the heck. I bought two memberships and my Visa was charged twice. I just happened to notice it on my online banking statement and promptly asked for a refund for the overcharge. They refunded me the $149 but then after looking it over decided that I wasn't interested in what they had to offer and asked for a refund. I still haven't received my refund and was told that it would take four weeks to receive it. Many times during my 30-day trial Shawn Pigg, the CEO, promised he would call me back at such and such a time but would never call me back unless I called him for a second time. He would promise one thing but then do another. This became a pattern throughout my 30-day trial, so in addition with being charged twice, I became suspicious.
After being well within my 30-day trial, about a week before it was to expire I finally told Mr. Pigg that I really just wanted a refund. Hotels Etc. offers hotel accommodations at a discount rate, but the listing of the few high-end ones such as Hilton is deceiving because they do not get you discounts at ALL the Hilton hotels, just a few here and there, so it's hit and miss if you get the hotel you want. Pretty much, they have lower end hotels in their data base for the most part. They also offer discounts on car rentals, but that one is a pretty measely discount. As far as the certificates go, it sounds good but then you have to take into consideration that you are required to pay a *fee* in differing amounts to get the "free" accommodations at regular hotels - not the nice ones.
Anyway, Mr. Pigg stated he would process my refund once I sent him the cards, so I did and then still didn't get my refund. When I called, I was told that I had to return the package (which was not listed on the website). Bear in mind that the "package" consisted only of the cards, a certificate (remember the fee you have to pay if you use it) for an X number of nights stay at some regular hotel and several rental care coupons that really didn't amount to much. I was incensed that I wasn't told this the first time instead of now being expected to mail in AGAIN some additional requirements not listed in their refund policy on their website. To me, a 30-day money back guarantee means just that, especially when requirements are not listed in the beginning when I first purchased their so-called travel club.
I believe that you can, indeed, get better discounts through the hotel of your choice on your own without having to pay someone else for the same thing. As of today, Monday, June 9, 2008 I still have yet to receive my refund of $149 that I sent to Hotels Etc. on April 7, 2008.
