Phuket Thailand

stevescottcfi · #1 08-02-2005, 04:00

I had booked at the Salathai Hotel a couple of months age, but was thinking of changing to the Hilltop. It turns out there is a 20% charge on my credit card that is not refundable unless you cancel with more than 30 days notice. I've always been able to cancel hotel bookings with just one day notice. Does anyone know if this cancelation policy is normal?
Also if I even drop 1 day from the booking, I still have to pay for that day.

aussie dollar · #2 08-02-2005, 04:10

if its mentioned in terms and conditions cancel fee would apply.
most hotels have this in there terms

Nicke · #3 08-02-2005, 04:11

I know many hotels charge atleast one day if cancelling too late or no show up. But the policies vary with each hotel and booking agency so there is no general policy regarding this.

joeblow · #4 08-02-2005, 05:42

This does not sound normal to me, however it always pays to read the terms and conditions of the booking before making any payment and locking yourself in.

stevescottcfi · #5 08-02-2005, 07:31

It was stated in the conditions. I didn't read them carefully enough. 30 days just seemed pretty drastic, especially when usually it's easy for them to rebook with a whole months notice. It's not that big a deal for me, I'll just stay there this time, but never again. None of the hotels in BKK that I've stayed at have this policy.

river · #6 08-02-2005, 16:42

Sounds a bit rough but yes I agree you have no choice, although this is a good hotel and a bit closer than the Hiltop so at least you'll save on tuktuk's.

dizbuster · #7 08-02-2005, 17:08

It's worth checking the terms and conditions and if they don't clearly state this, then inform your credit card company and they will get your money back. A similar thing happened to me (not exactly the same) and my credit card company credited the money back to my account the same day.

In my experience all the hotels I have booked with charge a penalty fee, but none as high as 20% if you cancel within 30 days. Usually I came across terms that say that I will get charged for 1 day if I cancel and do not give at least 7 days notice.

Good luck
Diz

stevescottcfi · #8 09-02-2005, 01:42

I would have been perfectly content with giving 7 days notice. Oh well, live and learn. As a previous poster stated the Salathai has it's advantages, I just wanted to try somewhere new. I'll be back in June and will stay at Hilltop.