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This is the horrible ONGOING story of: Charles (XXXX = data containing personal information from Charlesy, ZZZZZZ=personal (probably fake names form EXPEDIA's representative)

Considering the monetary losses and problems others have had with Expedia, mine pales in comparison, but I believe it shows the wrongheaded approach they take in providing "customer service" A week before my fishing trip to a bass-fishing lake, I used Expedia to book a hotel/motel for 2 nights where I could stay close to the water and take care of my boat(recharge the batteries, change tackle on rods, etc.) I found an older motel where I had stayed back in the 80's and 90's on similar trips.

I paid in advance with my credit card and a week later took the trip. When the day was done, I was tired, cold, and soaked and looked forward to drying out and getting ready for the next day. Upon arriving at the lobby, I was informed by the clerk that I had no reservation, much less one that paid for the room in advance. The clerk called the reservation manager and she confirmed that Expedia had not sent the proper credentials and there was no record of me or my pre-paid reservation.

Feeling pity, the desk clerk allowed me to do a preliminary check-in, contingent upon me getting Expedia to verify my pre-paid reservation since she didn't have the time to call. I asked for a phone book, but had to call my wife at home(150 miles away) to get Expedia's number. The American who answered noted that the reservation had not been sent, made another reservation, and attempted to have it sent to the hotel. After an hour and 1/2 the clerk in the hotel had received no reservation and I left the hotel.

I called Expedia immediately and was told I could have a courtesy coupon and a refund or I could try to get a reservation at another venue. Since the tournament had taken all the available rooms with facilities for boats, I chose the former.

On the way home, I was on the phone with the Expedia agent and she assured me all was well, gave me a file number, and told me to confirm the refund and coupons in the morning.

The next morning, I called Expedia seven times, with seven different people who went through every excuse possible to weasel on the refund, even stating I was in the room at the hotel calling them, trying to scam them, and getting a new desk clerk to state I was upstairs in some room.They finally put a harried and harassed desk clerk on the phone who stated that there was no reservation for me when I arrived, but since she had received one several hours later, and that I had "checked In" with her courtesy room, I had to pay for the room, even though she had been told by the reservation manager that I had not checked in or occupied the room.

Talking while I was talking, trying to get desk clerks and hotel employees to agree to "facts" such as "we received a reservation" while leaving out the fact it was received hours after I was sitting at home, or "he checked In", while leaving out the fact that it was a courtesy gesture only validated if Expedia confirmed the reservation while I was there(which they could have done on the phone, but since one didn't exist at that time, maybe wire fraud is a tough one to comtemplate, I don't know)

Bottom line:they took the two nights lodging, tax, and fees from me, did not provide the service I had paid for(having my reservation ready when I attempted to check in good for two nights lodging with no hassles),pressured employees of the hotel to state half-truths and belated facts to "support" their position, and generally proved themselves to be incapable of running a reputable business worthy of this customer's support and confidence. If you want similar treatment to what I received, such as having your money taken with no customer service(such as a pre-paid room or respectful discourse with customers) provided and to have the joy some completely out-of-touch with modern business and American cultural practices person in Sri Lanka, the Phillipines, or India run their ignorant mouths while essentially calling you a liar at every turn and drawing "the manager said that" card as the last comment on every logical and truthful objection you have regarding their outrageous treatment, then Expedia.com is the place to go for all your travel needs.