Theresa S.

I'm usually very careful not to use a booking agent and always call the hotel which is what I thought I did while traveling on the road today. I Google searched, and it appeared to be the actual hotel. I asked repeatedly if it was because he was somewhat rushed and rude(1st hit of a problem). He repeatedly assured me that this was in fact Laquinta & Wyndham. He also said there was only one room left at this location, completely false on everything.
I was charged a $14.99 booking fee which was included in the rate he quoted but explained as hotel tax. It actually was a separate transaction on my credit card. The amount for the actual room was less than that, probably what they pay out? He also wouldn't honor my AAA discount... another obvious tipoff.
Hotel was prepaid upon my arrival and completely dead, not at all sold out...
So far my rush to book didn't amount to too big of a RIP off compared to what I'm reading but I feel that they now have my info, including email. I have alerted my credit card company to their shady practices and am on the lookout for any other charges.
Be aware and follow your intuition!