Hotwire Hotel: 2* Ft. Lauderdale (Beach) Monte Carlo Resort Motel

[Phaelon56]

This was a last minute Hotwire purchase to replace a previous booking that had been cancelled and refunded by Hotwire at the last minute - due to hurrican damage issues. My original booking had been less than $60 plus taxes and fees for a Best Western in Hallandale (the far edge of the "airport zone").

Hotwire emailed me on the 26th offering a refund and suggesting I cancel. I called them on the 27th to arrange the refund and inquired about inventory they were showing that very day. The agent checked with his supervisor and assured me that this was definitely confirmed and current inventory - the hotel would be open and accepting guests. It was the only thing I found under $175 so I purchased.

The only amenity showing inthe listing was a pool. I arrived by cab at 6 PM on the 28th to discover a rund-down property that had obviously been closed all week. No valid contact info listed on the front door etc. - not even a sign to say that they were closed. The tiles and furniture surrounding the pool were covered with a sort of moldy slime that was definitely not due to the hurricane - this was and is a very poorly maintained property - very run-down and looked like a total dump on the outside. I'm not sure I would have stayed even if they were open.

I called Hotwire's customer service number immediately - they advised that after I got home I should fax them the info and a receipt from wherever I stayed as an alternate (if I could even find somethign!) and they'd refund me my $94.42.

Interestingly enough.... I checked my email mid-week when I was on my cruise and they had already issued a refund - unsolicited. This dump was not even a 1* in anyone's book as far as I'm concerned. Not only that.... there are far nicer properties in the neighborhood for under $70 per night regular rate! This is definitely my last Hotwire hotel purchase - never again.

[thereuare]

Sorry you had a bad experience but glad it ultimately worked out 'ok' for you and that during the ordeal you had a nice cruise to look forward to (hopefully that was a good voyage).

Thanks for adding this property to our lists and warning others of this property.