I made reservations thru Expedia for a one-night stay on my way home from taking my daughter to college. About 140 miles from Tucumcari, I got a flat tire. Called the hotel right away, about 7:45 p.m., explained the situation and that I wouldn't be able to make it because I couldn't travel the remaining distance on an undersized spare and it was too late to get a fix on the original tire. Clerk said to call Expedia. As soon as I was checked into a different Choice hotel in Moriarty, NM, called Expedia and they called the hotel on my behalf to check on a refund of my reservation. No go.
Called the hotel myself. No. Was told it had to do with the billing with Choice Hotels.
Called Choice Hotels, no billing on their part.
Called the hotel back on a weekday to talk to a manager. All this time I was very polite. He seemed frustrated that I was trying to pursue a refund of my stay that never happened due to a flat tire.
The moral of the story: if you make a reservation, it's guaranteed and it's after 6:00 p.m., you're paying no matter what happens to you on the way.
- Tucumcari Econo Lodge
