I had a pre-paid reservation with the Ramada Plaza Hotel at La Guardia Airport through Priceline.com and was provided a Ramada confirmation number. When trying to check-in for the evening, I was informed by the assistant manager on duty that my reservation could not be found in their system and that the hotel was completely sold out for the night. I informed the assistant manager that I had a pre-paid reservation for the hotel, and showed him a copy of my printed Priceline confirmation with the Ramada confirmation number printed thereon. He instantaneously dismissed the confirmation and said that the hotel did not have anything in their system regarding my reservation and placed the blame on Priceline for allegedly not making a reservation at the hotel. I didn’t find this convincing, however, as I confirmed the reservation through Ramada’s 800-reservation line approximately one-week prior and they had no difficulty locating the reservation through the Ramada confirmation number I provided. Accordingly, Ramada did have the reservation in their system prior to my check-in and I find it very interesting how it mysteriously disappeared when the hotel became sold out for the evening.

Due to the assistant manager’s unwillingness to cooperate after producing sufficient evidence of my pre-paid confirmation, I immediately called Priceline customer service and informed them that the hotel alleged they could not find my reservation and had refused to check me in. Priceline called the hotel directly and faxed additional documentation as evidence of my pre-paid reservation. Priceline then informed me that the hotel refused to accept the fact that I had a pre-paid reservation even after they provided them with additional documentation and refused to cooperate with Priceline as well to resolve the issue.

Priceline told me to find a hotel on my own for the evening and to give them a call on Monday to resolve the issue. I asked the Priceline rep if they will cover my hotel expense for the evening and she said they “will try to work with me."

The hotel did not offer me any assistance whatsoever to help me find alternative accommodations. I was not able to secure a hotel for the evening as the major hotel chains I contacted in the area were already sold out for that evening. Although there may have been available hotels in the area, I did not have the proper tools at the time to find them nor transportation to drive around the area.

I called Priceline back and told them I could not secure a hotel for the evening on my own and asked for assistance. They said that they can only book hotels for the evening up until 6 p.m. and there was nothing they could do for me for the night. I stayed in the hotel lobby awake the entire night because I had no where else to go. I had been traveling from California until my arrival in New York at 10 p.m. that evening. After remaining in the hotel lobby the entire night with no opportunity to shower, I took the hotel shuttle to La Guardia Airport at 6:30 a.m. to return to California. A miserable experience indeed!

The location of this hotel is great. Driving in from Laguardia it may be a little confusing.

If your a Mets fan this is the hotel for you. It is a very short walk to Shea Stadium.

The number 7 subway lines is close by, this line will take you into The City.

If you feel up to a walk and want some Latin food (any kind) walk down Roosevelt Ave. Or take the subway up a stop or two. The good stuff starts a ways up.

The hotel itself is nice. It looks new or completely remodeled. Room service is reasonably price for NYC, the food is good and good sized portions. I ordered chicken meatball soup and a salad. It came with some great bread, perhaps I ate half of what was sent up. The Bar Restaurant down stairs has good food and a nice selection of beers. I was drinking Stella Artois on tap. The pool looked nice and the hotel has a decent fitness center.

The room had real glasses, not plastic or Styrofoam. I like to drink my bourbon from a glass, so it is important to me.

Parking is free!

Every staff member that I came in contact with was very pleasant.

Internet had a good speed. Price 2 hours $4.95, 24 hours $9.95 or 7 days for $39.00

The desk area only had one plug available. I need at least two (like three) so I had to unplug something.

I am currently on my third stay at this property. I like the food in the bar. It is good, not 5* but good harty food. But I want to add a warning. I am used to expensive hotel where you get a small portion. That is not the case with this property. Don't try to eat it all by yourself.

The portions here are large so come hungry or better yet bring a friend.

Lots of locals and flight crews in the bar so it has quite a buzz to it. When the Mets play it can get jammed.

This property is now the Holiday Inn LAGUARDIA AIRPORT. The Holiday Inn website still shows the Pine Restaurant Lounge which is a good thing.