Unhappy with Discount Car and Truck Rental

Recently we rented a small compact car for a three day weekend, to save on gas on a roadtrip we were taking. We had never rented from Discount Auto and Truck rental, we found them to have the "best" prices online by about $5 or so, so we choose them. We booked our rental vehicle from 4:00 pm Friday to 4:00 pm Monday afternoon.

When arriving at the rental location they began hassling us to purchase the insurance. Well we are already covered under our ICBC insurance as well as our credit card. Unfortunately they would not take our word for it and started calling to ask these companies, which I was not comfortable with as that is alot of personal information. Upon calling they said they were experiencing long wait times and that we had to purchase the insurance and upon verification they would "refund" us the insurance portion, so after much grumbling we chose that. They then also tell us we must pay this mandatory fee that would have the insurance deductible go from $1000 to $300, shouldn't this be our choice whether or not to pay a $7.99 per day fee.
Had we not been "picked up" from our home and driven to the location by the company we would have just walked away at this point, but it was getting late in the day and we wanted to head out. No big deal we will get this figured out when we return the car at 4:00 pm Monday.

Unfortunately upon returning the car they attempted to inform us that we were late in returning the car and would have to pay an additional day. Already frusterated with the company and knowing we were going to have difficulty I had prepared. I brought with us everything proving we had the coverage for the insurance and the original email with the reservation times showing clearly pickup was Friday at 4:00 pm and drop off would be Monday at 4:00 pm. The clerk even still continued to argue with us that the price we were given was based upon returning it at 9:00 am, I said well my reservation was showing till 4:00 pm at this rate with no additional day charged. The clerk finally gave in on that regard and honoured the original reservation, which in my opinion should have never been an issue in the first place. The clerk looked over our items showing our proof of insurance and grumbling accepted it.

The clerk then ran the full price of the rental through on the credit card and said oh our head office will do the refund of the insurance! Why he couldn't run the real cost through then boggles my mind. This was several weeks ago and I am still waiting for my $62.68 refund. I have called the customer service line, then sat on hold for 15 to 20 minutes until it said we are experiencing high volume of calls leave a message and we will phone you back. I am also still waiting on a call back.....

In short, do not rent from this company you will be extremely irritated and it will end up costing you an arm and a leg. I have rented from alot of different companies and have never had such a terrible experience.

WestJet Sales

West Jet has some pretty good deals for travel within Canada, some for as low as $19 (before taxes). If you book before July 3rd for travel until September 30th, 2008 there is a 10% promo code of 'Canada' that you can use. I have also done some random searches for other fares to international and US destinations and there are some seat sale prices to be found.

WestJet has also added Barbados as a new route!

Check them out, its always good to support local Canadian companies.

MGM Signature Suites

As promised in my previous blog about Las Vegas, I will go in to more depth on the MGM Signature Suites located at the MGM Grand on the Las Vegas strip. These suites are designed as a quiet enclave of the resort. There are three towers, with a convenient air conditioned walkway to get you back into the heart of the action back at the MGM Grand.

There are several types of rooms to choose from a Junior Suite (Some with balconies), One Bedroom Suite and a Two Bedroom Suite. They all feature kitchenettes, great bathrooms with seperate shower and jacuzzi tubs, wifi, and nice LCD televisions. By staying in the Signature suites you also have access to private pools as well as the other amenties offered at the MGM Grand.

I have read the reviews on many different websites and these suites are highly recommended, it is ranked #2 on tripadvisors popularity index of 252 hotels in Vegas, only being beaten out by the Skylofts at the MGM Grand.

I have found two promotions being offered at the MGM Signature Suites.

Summer Splash - Suites from $149 a night, offer also includes: 20% off poolside grill, 20% off spa treatment, Children eat free poolside, Continental breakfast for two at Delights and a $25 entertainment credit. Use booking code SUM011 book online, or call 1-877-727-0007

and

Girlfriend Getaway - "Sex in Sin City" Las Vegas escape package - This package is good for four girlfriends, perfect for a bachelorette or just a girls weekend out!
What you get:
- One bedroom suite - 950 square feet with two bathrooms.
- Upon arriving in your suite you are are served Cosmopolitans in keepsake martini glasses. Then don plush, pink chenille robes (our gift to you!) to relax in as you indulge in a delicious chocolate fondue.
- Private cabana at The Signature pool and enjoy a poolside massage service for four!
- Three full hours of private limo service to use at your descretion for shopping or club hopping....
- Experience WET REPUBLIC, an alluring 53,000-square-foot ultra pool combining an exclusive nightlife vibe with poolside pampering and relaxation, enjoy a delectable sushi dinner for four at AAA Four Diamond award-winning Shibuya, and then party like rock stars at Studio 54.
- Once back in your Signature suite, you’ll adore the specialty shoe-shaped treats on your pillows. Sleep way beyond dawn before recovering with a “morning-after” continental breakfast in the comfort and privacy of your own suite.

Cost: Starts at $425 per person based upon a four-person occupancy. Rates and availability vary. Contact The MGM Signature Suites at 1-877-727-0007 to book!

Another way to book a Suite at the MGM Signture Suites is to book direct through owner, as they are individually owned suites. I highly recommend using Vacation Rentals By Owner. You can find some great deals going this route, and you still receive a confirmation of your stay direct from the MGM Signature Suites.

Viva Las Vegas!