Jennifer A.

Booking.com flooded me with "FREE CANCELATION" emails so I gave them a try. I have booked travel all over the world using these types of sites.

I booked a 3 night stay for September 15-18,2016 on August 1st and canceled it on August 4th. The Booking.com site promised FREE cancelations. I was then charged $291.90 cancelation fee from Erik's Retreat. Their official policy is a 70% charge if canceled 30 days in advance and 100% charge after that time. I didn't read the policy carefully but assumed that I was well within any window by canceling 45 days out. I tried to work this out with them and they not only would not return my call, but I received an email from their attorney. I am a very experienced traveler and have lived over seas - NEVER have I been charge a fee for canceling a hotel room - let alone after canceling in only 3 days and with 45 days notice. Please be careful! Even a seasoned traveler can get cheated! What's even worse is that they gave me the excuse that they are a non-profit and it is a "donation for Autism". I actually donate to that cause so it is really insulting that this is how they conduct their business. Please be very careful with both Booking.com and Erik's Retreat in Edina Minnesota.