Tropicana rant

[pink7420]

So manager finally called ne about 15 minutes ago. Told her my situation and she said all she could do was take off two of my days I had to pay parking leaving ne with the three remaining days. She stated they told Disney and they should deal with it and that they can change any policies at any time. Told her I would be talking to credit card about parking charges when home and she told me go right ahead. Never had anything like this happen before, been to many places and hotels, but didn't let ruin vacation, been having blast at Disneyland. Just glad at least called me back and will deal with remaining charges when home.

 

[kiwitravel]

When you check out inform them that you will be paying with two credit cards.... Work out the total cost less the parking fees and pay with your card, then give them the same card and tell them you want the parking fees on this card...

That way when you dispute the transaction it will be on its own transaction, you will find the CC company more likely to reverse...

 

[PinkBudgie]

I'm glad you finally got an answer. Just the fact that it took 3 days (4 days?) to get back to you shows the disorganization and lack of care on the part of this hotel. I guess some places just figure they close to DLR and there will always be people staying there so they don't have to try very hard. So glad you've been having a good time in spite of having to deal with this. Have fun!

 

[ducky_love]

Unreal... they have lost all our business over $45 that you are going to end up getting back anyway. Someone there is pretty dumb. Plus with raising gas prices they are going to need the business this summer. This will end up costing them thousands.

If you have an AMEX I would use that card for your parking fees only. They are the easiest to get your $$ refunded.

I would be sure to leave negative feedback everywhere so others don't make the same mistake. I also don't think this is legal so I would consider a formal complaint with the BBB.

 

[01spirit750]

Tropicana
I will be sure to let my friends know about the customer service.

 

[MickeyManiac]

Please leave a review on Trip Advisor. I always read the reviews when booking a new hotel and I continue to read them up until the stay. People need to know that customer service IS NOT their priority.

 

[tzeitel]

Good to know Tropicana does not care about customer satisfaction/service. If you booked when they still offered free parking they should honor it. Hope other people are complaining about this.

For sure it is off our list of possible resorts. I don't mind paying for parking if it is clearly stated at the time I book the rooms but I don't care for their bait and switch tactics.

 

[richfei]

I just got on the phone to getawaytoday.com
That is where I booked my package with Tropicana
I booked back in April

They told me that Tropicana introduced this on May 2nd, and that any reservations with them prior to this date were specifically sent to Tropicana to indicate that there should be no additional charge for parking, and if there are problems to refuse payment and call them

I believe the OP booked with another travel agency, but I didn't go through the whole thread as to when they booked. If prior to May 2, I would think for sure there would be no issue

Perhaps if this was booked after this date, and there was no mention of this at the time of booking, it could also be addressed with the travel company

 

[cirquelovers]

I have friends heading to DL soon and will be sure to tell them to stay away from the Tropicana. I can't believe the manager took that many days to get back to you and with the answer she did!

 

[tzeitel]

I just got on the phone to getawaytoday.com
That is where I booked my package with Tropicana
I booked back in April

They told me that Tropicana introduced this on May 2nd, and that any reservations with them prior to this date were specifically sent to Tropicana to indicate that there should be no additional charge for parking, and if there are problems to refuse payment and call them

I believe the OP booked with another travel agency, but I didn't go through the whole thread as to when they booked. If prior to May 2, I would think for sure there would be no issue

Perhaps if this was booked after this date, and there was no mention of this at the time of booking, it could also be addressed with the travel company

The OP mentioned they booked through Disney and that was 2 months ago.

 

[kristenhh]

Unfortunately, I have been noticing the trend of all those hotels across the street that used to have free parking, all now charge for it because they can. It stinks.

 

[curiouslittleoyster]

So manager finally called ne about 15 minutes ago. Told her my situation and she said all she could do was take off two of my days I had to pay parking leaving ne with the three remaining days. She stated they told Disney and they should deal with it and that they can change any policies at any time. Told her I would be talking to credit card about parking charges when home and she told me go right ahead. Never had anything like this happen before, been to many places and hotels, but didn't let ruin vacation, been having blast at Disneyland. Just glad at least called me back and will deal with remaining charges when home.

WOW! This is unbelievable! I will never stay at the Tropicana and I will definitely warn others to stay clear of this awful hotel. Thank you for sharing your experience. I am sorry this is happening to you. I agree with the others, your credit card company should reverse these charges.

 

[jory29]

Please leave a review on Trip Advisor. I always read the reviews when booking a new hotel and I continue to read them up until the stay. People need to know that customer service IS NOT their priority.

Yes. This is utterly ridiculous, the lack of customer service shown toward the original poster. Trip Advisor should be the place to go after you fix this up with your credit card.

PLEASE, OP...do not let this ruin your trip!!! I know how hard it can be when things go wrong not to let it bother you, but this is something that will be resolved with credit card company, then you never have to stay there again.

 

[Faithful Raider]

Thank you for posting this. Just checked the hotel I booked for next week (Residence Inn Marriott Maingate) to make sure a silly change like this didn't happen with them, and glad to see that it did not. Parking is certainly a consideration for where I personally choose to stay. Tropicana's poor handling of this situation is without doubt going to cost them customers. I understand a hotel's decision to charge for parking, but not accommodating you in your situation having booked well advance of this change is simply bad business.

I hope you successfully fight it with your credit card company.

 

[grimgrinnin]

Check out the email I just received from the Tropicana for our upcomming trip this month:

May 11th, 2011

To our Valued Guest:

We are delighted that you have chosen to stay with us at the Tropicana Inn & Suites during your visit to the Disney Resort. This is a courtesy letter to inform you of a policy change.

Over the past two years, most of our hotel neighbors have had parking fees in place. Parking has become such a challenge over the past several months, so the hotel now has a daily parking fee of $9.00 + tax.

Our Parking Service is provided by LAZ Parking Hospitality Company. They have been in operation for thirty (30) years. The company is very experienced and will be able to handle all of your parking needs. Luggage assistance is also available upon request. The Daily Parking Fee applies from 4:00 pm check-in through 11:00 am the following day. If you do arrive before the 4:00 pm check-in time, an additional parking fee of $9.00 + tax is applicable, or Disneyland provides parking at a $16.00 rate per day. Parking after check-out is also available at the same rate.


grim

 

[grimgrinnin]

Not only are they charging parking, but they're going to charge me for 7-days of parking during my 5-night stay.

I'm going to have to seriously reconsider staying there. I don't mind paying for parking, they are just being very sleazy about the whole thing.

 

[sonnyjane]

Check out the email I just received from the Tropicana for our upcomming trip this month:

May 11th, 2011

To our Valued Guest:

We are delighted that you have chosen to stay with us at the Tropicana Inn & Suites during your visit to the Disney Resort. This is a courtesy letter to inform you of a policy change.

Over the past two years, most of our hotel neighbors have had parking fees in place. Parking has become such a challenge over the past several months, so the hotel now has a daily parking fee of $9.00 + tax.

Our Parking Service is provided by LAZ Parking Hospitality Company. They have been in operation for thirty (30) years. The company is very experienced and will be able to handle all of your parking needs. Luggage assistance is also available upon request. The Daily Parking Fee applies from 4:00 pm check-in through 11:00 am the following day. If you do arrive before the 4:00 pm check-in time, an additional parking fee of $9.00 + tax is applicable, or Disneyland provides parking at a $16.00 rate per day. Parking after check-out is also available at the same rate.


grim

Wow. "Valued Guest" lol. First of all, parking at Disneyland is still only $15.00 a day (I just checked to make sure!) so that part is wrong. Also I'm disappointed to see that they are charging an additional day's rate if you check-in before or stay after. Even when I stayed at a hotel on Harbor that did have a parking fee they would let me stay a few extra hours gratis. Again, I'm really disappointed, as I used to recommend Tropicana. I'm not angry that they started charging a parking fee. That's their prerogative. I am disappointed in how they are dealing with the OP's case and in how they are blaming their actions on "neighbor hotels".

 

[tinksdreamwishes]

Holy smokes! I am booked for the Tropicana June 2 thru June 6th. nobody mentioned a parking fee- and I have not received and email of the new change. I was semi- ok with paying for the parking as it was still the cheapest walking hotel. But now after reading the pp comment- parking fee charged before 4 and after 11 am? Thats just rude and insane! I might just change it now!

 

[pixiewings71]

So they are saying they are using a valet service? The ONLY hotel that I know that has mandatory valet is the Peacock Suites (we own with them so we stay there a lot), and that's one of the only hotels I know of that needs it!! I've stayed at the Tropicana and we had NO problems parking, they even let us STAY AFTER check out with NO issues at all!!!! This is just wrong and I am now crossing the Tropicana off my list of possible places to ever stay again.....no way Tropicana, you just lost my business!

 

[blabbermouth]

Check out the email I just received from the Tropicana for our upcomming trip this month:

May 11th, 2011

To our Valued Guest:

We are delighted that you have chosen to stay with us at the Tropicana Inn & Suites during your visit to the Disney Resort. This is a courtesy letter to inform you of a policy change.

Over the past two years, most of our hotel neighbors have had parking fees in place. Parking has become such a challenge over the past several months, so the hotel now has a daily parking fee of $9.00 + tax.

Our Parking Service is provided by LAZ Parking Hospitality Company. They have been in operation for thirty (30) years. The company is very experienced and will be able to handle all of your parking needs. Luggage assistance is also available upon request. The Daily Parking Fee applies from 4:00 pm check-in through 11:00 am the following day. If you do arrive before the 4:00 pm check-in time, an additional parking fee of $9.00 + tax is applicable, or Disneyland provides parking at a $16.00 rate per day. Parking after check-out is also available at the same rate.


grim

Soooo brutal! You really wonder what some companies are thinking when they do this.

Most of us agree that we don't mind paying parking, but be reasonable about it!

Don't drive in the driveway at 3:59... $9! Plus tax

I would really call and cancel, just based on principle. If you could find another room this late.