I scheduled a package to St. Maarten that included airfare, a 7 day stay at the Caribbean Princess and a car for the week of January 12th. Unfortunately, there was a major snowstorm in NYC and the airport had canceled a number of flights, including mine. The airline was able to reschedule my trip to January 15th without penalty. I then spoke to Orbitz who called the hotel. They were not willing to extend my stay there because it was "high" season (although there were rooms listed as still available at the hotel on Orbitz for the dates in question). In addition, I was told that I would have to pay a $400. "penalty" for the cancelation. I decided to call the hotel myself to see if I could reason with the management and explain that this was not something in my control. The "manager" who was very haughty and nasty told me that she was "too busy and had work to do" when I called to discuss this. She offered to charge me half of the week ($1200.) that I would be missing and book the following week for the same price ($2400.). So I should pay $3600. instead of $2400. because of a snow storm and canceled flight, or cancel and pay the $400. penalty. And she had an attitude the entire conversation. I have been coming to St. Maarten for over 30 years and have stayed in many other hotels and resorts and have never been treated this way. The condo's look like they are very nice but with management like this, I would think twice about booking there. I am going back to a resort that I have stayed in before that I know would never treat guests this way. Sad.
