Complaint Review: Knights Inn - Stockton California

Prior to going on vacation we had researched pet friendly motels close to the proximity of our daughters home. The start of our vacation, we selected Knights Inn after reviewing their ads which stated EACH room came with a mini fridge, microwave, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, clock radio, coffee maker and cable. As well as being "newly remodeled rooms".

When we arrived at the motel it was 5:30 a.m. and after driving for 20 straight hours, we were extremely tired. Although there was a large open sign, on the window was a note taped telling you to call. When we called the person answering had an attitude and informed us if she had to come check us in now we would be charged for a day with a checkout time of 11 a.m. but if we wanted to wait until 8 a.m. she would be able to check us in. We opted to wait. By the time we were able to register, we were rum dummy from lack of sleep. We paid for 3 nights and then the manager handed us a form that read like this: Do you need a smoking room? We circled yes. Do you have any pets? We circled yes. What kind of bed would you like? King/2 double. We circled King. We got a non smoking room with 2 double beds. Right above the signature line it stated:

Please be advised that if there is smoking in a non smoking room, pets in a nonpet friendly room, or any other violation of these rules, There will be a charge of $200.

We were then required to pay a $200 deposit. If we hadnt been so tired we would have never paid this. After taking our credit card we were told if youre good youll get this back and then was told your dog is not allowed on the bed, not to leave dog hairs and no smoking around the doors or windows of non smoking rooms. We walked out and on the way to the room, instinct told us to grab our camera and take pictures so our dog could not be accused of damage he didnt do. As soon as we opened the door, stench hit us. We took pictures of food caked on tables, used q-tips on the floor, dirt piles, broken cable box, AND wads of dog hair lying around. The room was "horrific". We couldn't fathom what it was we were suppose to be putting a $200 deposit down for. As we looked around we noticed the amenities promised to each room were missing from ours. Not just some of them but ALL of them

We returned to the office to receive a refund. After showing the manager the pictures we had just taken and inquiring about the amenities offered, she agreed to give us a refund. The manager told me she was going to void the credit card transaction so that my money would be back on my card immediately. Because we had financially planned our vacation this was important to us.

It has now been a week since our funds were to be put back on our card IMMEDIATELY and our bank tells us the funds are still on hold by Knights Inn and because these funds were allotted to our motel stay while on vacation we had to come home three days early.

After speaking with a legal friend of ours we were told that the piece of paper we signed regarding a $200 charge would be construed as a contract and had we violated any rule management felt

fit too accuse us of, we would have been charged and lost our deposit. We were almost swindled out of $200, thank goodness, although tired as heck; we came to our senses in time. If anyone is required to sign this document DONT its a scam.

We have since filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau, ATF, Attorney General, and Consumer Assistance for fraudulent advertisement and failing to provide a refund.