My husband and I don't have any
credit cards. There is a reason for this and we're quickly finding that
it's harder to plan and take vacations without one. We enjoy having very
little debit and we realize that we tend to spend money when we don't
really have it to spend. So we don't own any credit cards.
Once we have our next vacation spot
picked out, the saving begins. We eat out a lot less and make lists of
must haves vs wants. The wants usually end up waiting until after our
vacation and some times some of the must haves also wait.
We get a
potential quote of how much a trip would cost by using one of the many
Travel Booking sites with Orbitz being my favorite. This has worked well
in the past and only works if you know up front all of the potential
costs that will be involved. Why pay cash? It's paid for up front. I
have to say, it didn't work that well for our recent trip, an Alaska
Cruise.
Back in November of 2013, we decided
that we wanted to try a cruise and we wanted to see Alaska. We had
always heard that an Alaska Cruise was the best way to see Alaska. After
reviewing a number of options on Orbitz, I had an idea of what we
wanted to do. We picked Holland America Lines and we figured that we
could save up enough to get a veranda room with an estimated cost of
$3200.00 for the two of us. We also invited my parents to come with us.
We started saving what we could and put all of our 2013 Tax return
towards the trip. We planned on going in September of 2014 and I wanted
to go through a Travel Agent to make sure that we got everything we
wanted, a room next to my parents, shore excursions and what ever else
we needed/wanted.
On April 2 I got
a email from my Dad telling me that they've booked the cruise directly
with Holland America after talking to some of their friends. At this
time we were short around $1000 from what I had planned on paying. After
viewing the booking, the cost was going to be $3600, this also included
insurance, and this is before any additional costs of the shore
excursions and airplane flights. Honestly, I thought that we had to pay
for everything at once and was panicked on how we were going to get our
trip booked. If we had to pay the full amount, we were going have to
down grade our room to one with just a window. I ended up crying and had
to tell myself that there would be places that we could sit on a deck
and watch the world go by or we could sit on my parent's veranda. Once
it came to "check out" there was an option to make payments.
We had
enough to pay the minimum payment. A Happy Dance ensued and we upgraded
our room to the veranda. Made a payment with the money we had and made
plans to make payments for the rest that was due. The full amount had to
be paid by July 1.
Then, unforeseen car repair costs
and vet bills interfered with our planned payments. We ended up tapping
into gift cards that we were saving for the trip and juggling bills but we
were able to pay off the cruise before the July 1 deadline.
Next
on the list was to get a airline tickets and to decide when we wanted
to fly out. Did we want to fly out the day before to ensure that we were
in Seattle for the cruise or did we want to fly out on the day of the
cruise? We decided that it would be best if we flew out the day before
and stay at a hotel. We got a good deal on
our flight via Orbitz with Alaska Airlines. The following week I then
started looking for a hotel. I contacted Holland America to see how much
a room would be via them and have it include transfers from Airport to
hotel to pier. They had three options and all of the hotels were 4-5
Star Hotels and well out of the price range I wanted to stay in and said
no thanks.
Remembering that we stayed at the
Quality Inn Sea-Tac hotel a few years ago and knowing that it was a
great location and nice place to stay, I checked to see if they had a
shuttle that could pick us up and also take us to the pier. I called
them and was told yes they did! Great! I quickly booked a room with them
for Sept 13. (See what happened with that by reading my review here.) Finally, everything was paid for, we could use the next month to save spending money and I could relax.
Here
is where those unforeseen costs come into play. Three weeks before our
trip, we get a email from Holland America advising that we need to check
in and provide them with our passport information and other
documentation they needed. So, I go in and start checking in. Then
towards the end they advised that $430 some dollars per person will be
held on our card on September 14 when we board the ship. This would be
our spending money on board. I flipped out! Now, I had to figure out how
much we had to save to make sure that our monthly bills didn't bounce
while we were on the trip. We weren't planning on having that much
spending money as we don't get much on our trips. The food was already
paid for as it was part of the cruise and WHY would I want to buy
anything on the ship as I was sure that they would be way overpriced! (This view changed once I was on board with the End of season sales!) I
could understand them holding around $400 as we had the same thing
happen when we went to Hawaii. The hotel held some money because it was a
debit card we reserved the room on and they wanted to make sure there
was money to pay for any incidentals.
After reading more on Holland
America's site about it, they said that it was because they can't charge
credit/debit cards while they're at sea and our room key acts like a
credit card. Alcoholic and Soda drinks aren't included with the meals.
There is also a casino on board that you can use the money at. And
finally, the tip for the staff comes out of that money. Depending on
which room you stay in determined how much they were going to charge. We
were charged $12 per person per night. 70% went to our porters and the
remaining 30% went to those that worked behind the scenes. I wasn't very
happy with the tipping but it did take that question of how much to tip
off of my mind. We weren't planning on gambling and we weren't big on
drinking. If they were going to hold the money that we were going to use
it to book the shore excursions, we would just wait until we were on
board to book them.
A few days later we found out that my parents had booked an excursion. Thanks to my in-laws, they sent us money to make sure that we had a wonderful time and had emergency money. I went to book the same excursion as my parents just to find out that we were on a waiting list. It worked out in the end and we were able to go at the same time as my parents and Holland America took the payment from the money they held.
I have to say, as stressful as it was planning for this trip, the cruise itself was wonderful! Everyone was so nice and Holland America delivered. The additional charges are most likely disclosed in the fine print when you book the cruise but who reads that? Not me! Lessons learned. As a traveler that pays for trips with basically cash, it's best to go through a Travel Agent for trips of this size. They know the ins and outs of cruises and knows all of the costs. Now, if you have credit cards, then by all means, feel free to set everything up on your own. Simon and I are planning taking another cruise, we're looking at doing Hawaii. It won't be for a few years but it's on the list. We will have a travel agent help with that.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
Not so Quality Inn.
Certain names of businesses can set you up for failure. Speedy Cash
looses the effect of its name if it takes forever to get your money.
Tasty Cakes are not so tasty if you get a bad batch.
We can add to that list Quality Inn Sea-Tac Airport, since the one we just stayed at was anything but "Quality".

A better name would be "Holding out until the building falls apart Inn." A little wordy, but a better fit for what your expectations should be.
We had been a guest of this Quality Inn apparently an owner or three ago, so when fate and vacation had us needing to spend the night in the area again, we were eager to spend our money where we had before as we were expecting another quality stay.
The problems started a month prior when we had called asking a few questions. Now the first problem was getting the call to complete. We are in Denver and only have cell phones, so likely at the time cursed phones and carried on. Once we did get on the phone, we asked if the hotel offered airport shuttle service. "Yes we do. Just give us a call from the shuttle pickup area as soon as you arrive." "Sounds good. Do you also offer a shuttle service to Pier 91, as we are taking a cruise." "Yes, we do offer shuttle service to the piers." "Great, thanks!"
The day before we left, we called to see if we needed to let them know when we were arriving so they can pick us up. We were told that all we have to do is go to the Courtesy Shuttle and call them to let them know we were there to be picked up.
When we arrived on 9/13/14, we were eager to get to the hotel room. We hurry down to the busy and loud waiting area and start calling the hotel to let them know we are there for pickup, as instructed. The phone rings and rings and eventually hangs up. It must be those blasted cell phones again, right? We tried countless times, both trying on our own devices likely longer then we should have wondering what was going on. Meanwhile watching a fleet of other shuttles going by, stopping and picking up other guests for other hotels.
We decided to call customer service for Quality Inn, Choice Hotels, and realized it was not our phones as we got right through. "Rob" answered the phone and I expressed I was having trouble reaching one of their establishments as the phone number was just ringing and there was no answering. And Rob's day saving solution? Read me off the phone number from the hotels website. Thanks, Rob. For a second there I almost forgot I called to report there was a problem with the phone number working... I explained that we were left stranded at the airport and asked if they could try to contact the location to see if they can help us. Maybe they had a special number or line? Surely the organization that has their name on the building can offer some help. But I had given them too much hope. They came back to let me know the number was indeed not working for them either. I explained one of the reasons we chose their hotel was because of the shuttle service and asked what we should do. They replied I should just keep trying to call them. I stated I was already left hanging for some time, and asked if I could receive some sort of compensation as a paying customer. I was informed since I booked the room through Orbitz, that there was nothing they could do for me and I'd have to take it up with the hotel.
So hoping still there was some kind of problem with our phones that was causing the problem, I ventured over to the courtesy phone at the airport and tried calling them, to still be greeted by the endless ring. We admitted defeat at that point and hired a taxi to drive us to the location. Once we arrived we were greeted with a lobby fairly full of other customers I would not describe as happy.
Quotes I remember are "I reserved a room that was handicap accessible." Followed by a "where on here does it say that?" Another guest was fuming that the hotel had lost their reservation. We make it up to the front to check in and ask them if they know their phone system is down, which they respond they do, "tee hee." I explained we could not call them to have a shuttle pick us up, and had to pay for a taxi and they said "Oh, sorry about that." And it was back to business. No apology that they couldn't provide one of their advertised services at their guests expense and offer to discount the room or anything past a "wish I wasn't here" sorry. I explained we never even saw them come by and they replied they were by every half hour. Now as we waited an hour, that allows at least once for a shuttle to pass, and that didn't happen. Also so nice we couldn't speak to them since their phone system was down and they knew it, I guess we would have needed to dash in front of traffic to get the drivers attention or maybe throw a milkshake at his window to get him to stop.
So I ask if they can compensate us at all for having to pay for our own way to their hotel and was still never given an answer. The conversation shifted to "the cleaning staff hasn't gotten to your room yet, so it's going to be a wait." We reply "Seriously?" And we get a matter of fact shoot back "check in is at 3". Now for a moment I figure hey, maybe the schedule is off due to the time zone difference between Denver and this one is on us, and it was ten tell three, But then I notice the room key holder has printed right on it, "check in is after 2" not "Check in After 3".(Also on Orbitz, it states that check in is at 2.)

As we make the march to the room, which was on the 3rd floor and given no direction so we had to wander around the halls for a while, we noticed that the floor boards seemed weak, and bounce with every step. The issue continues to the room itself, which took us a while to notice, not because all of the other amenities dazzled us, but because it took 3-4 swipes of our keycard to get in. At that point we just started to notice all of the wear and tear of the place, and we get the feeling this place had some water damage or just is finally starting to break down, and they don't even seem to care if anyone noticed.
We head down to at least arrange for the shuttle to pick us up and take us to the Pier so at least we can be done with this place come morning. At that point they ask for my credit card. I ask why and they let me know it's 12.00 per person. I let them know I had called to ask about the service earlier and no one mentioned there was a fee. The response I got was a glance around the room as if too say once again "I wish I was anywhere but here right now". And I said "we asked if there was a shuttle to the pier and you said yes." And they "well we do, so the answer is yes" "I get that, but it was never mentioned there was a fee for it." I suppose this was my fault, as a traveler passing through one night, I should have known the trip to the pier was not covered with the other shuttle service we asked about at the same time. No empathy, not even sympathy, just a "sucks, huh?" Attitude and an eagerness to run my card. "Well it sucks mostly because of you." "I know, right?"
(After doing more research when we got home. It states at the bottom of their page that there is free one-way shuttle to Piers 91 and 66. http://www.seatacqualityinn.com/
Good thing that the girls that were working the front desk were idiots and even messed up that charge. They entered it in as the $100 hold for additional charges and we weren't charged the $24.)
The next morning we find out that our card has two $100 pending charges. We were baffled as we had already paid for everything through Orbitz. All that should be on there is the $24 charge for the shuttle to the pier. We go down to see if there was another person finally working at the front desk. The front desk manager Crystal was there. I explain to her what happened the previous day. She apologized and gives us back our money for the cab fare. She also apologized for the two $100 pending charges and said that they should fall off in the next couple of days. We appreciate her attempt to make things better but we will not be staying here again. This Quality Inn is the worst that we have ever stayed in.
We can add to that list Quality Inn Sea-Tac Airport, since the one we just stayed at was anything but "Quality".
A better name would be "Holding out until the building falls apart Inn." A little wordy, but a better fit for what your expectations should be.
We had been a guest of this Quality Inn apparently an owner or three ago, so when fate and vacation had us needing to spend the night in the area again, we were eager to spend our money where we had before as we were expecting another quality stay.
The problems started a month prior when we had called asking a few questions. Now the first problem was getting the call to complete. We are in Denver and only have cell phones, so likely at the time cursed phones and carried on. Once we did get on the phone, we asked if the hotel offered airport shuttle service. "Yes we do. Just give us a call from the shuttle pickup area as soon as you arrive." "Sounds good. Do you also offer a shuttle service to Pier 91, as we are taking a cruise." "Yes, we do offer shuttle service to the piers." "Great, thanks!"
The day before we left, we called to see if we needed to let them know when we were arriving so they can pick us up. We were told that all we have to do is go to the Courtesy Shuttle and call them to let them know we were there to be picked up.
When we arrived on 9/13/14, we were eager to get to the hotel room. We hurry down to the busy and loud waiting area and start calling the hotel to let them know we are there for pickup, as instructed. The phone rings and rings and eventually hangs up. It must be those blasted cell phones again, right? We tried countless times, both trying on our own devices likely longer then we should have wondering what was going on. Meanwhile watching a fleet of other shuttles going by, stopping and picking up other guests for other hotels.
We decided to call customer service for Quality Inn, Choice Hotels, and realized it was not our phones as we got right through. "Rob" answered the phone and I expressed I was having trouble reaching one of their establishments as the phone number was just ringing and there was no answering. And Rob's day saving solution? Read me off the phone number from the hotels website. Thanks, Rob. For a second there I almost forgot I called to report there was a problem with the phone number working... I explained that we were left stranded at the airport and asked if they could try to contact the location to see if they can help us. Maybe they had a special number or line? Surely the organization that has their name on the building can offer some help. But I had given them too much hope. They came back to let me know the number was indeed not working for them either. I explained one of the reasons we chose their hotel was because of the shuttle service and asked what we should do. They replied I should just keep trying to call them. I stated I was already left hanging for some time, and asked if I could receive some sort of compensation as a paying customer. I was informed since I booked the room through Orbitz, that there was nothing they could do for me and I'd have to take it up with the hotel.
So hoping still there was some kind of problem with our phones that was causing the problem, I ventured over to the courtesy phone at the airport and tried calling them, to still be greeted by the endless ring. We admitted defeat at that point and hired a taxi to drive us to the location. Once we arrived we were greeted with a lobby fairly full of other customers I would not describe as happy.
Quotes I remember are "I reserved a room that was handicap accessible." Followed by a "where on here does it say that?" Another guest was fuming that the hotel had lost their reservation. We make it up to the front to check in and ask them if they know their phone system is down, which they respond they do, "tee hee." I explained we could not call them to have a shuttle pick us up, and had to pay for a taxi and they said "Oh, sorry about that." And it was back to business. No apology that they couldn't provide one of their advertised services at their guests expense and offer to discount the room or anything past a "wish I wasn't here" sorry. I explained we never even saw them come by and they replied they were by every half hour. Now as we waited an hour, that allows at least once for a shuttle to pass, and that didn't happen. Also so nice we couldn't speak to them since their phone system was down and they knew it, I guess we would have needed to dash in front of traffic to get the drivers attention or maybe throw a milkshake at his window to get him to stop.
So I ask if they can compensate us at all for having to pay for our own way to their hotel and was still never given an answer. The conversation shifted to "the cleaning staff hasn't gotten to your room yet, so it's going to be a wait." We reply "Seriously?" And we get a matter of fact shoot back "check in is at 3". Now for a moment I figure hey, maybe the schedule is off due to the time zone difference between Denver and this one is on us, and it was ten tell three, But then I notice the room key holder has printed right on it, "check in is after 2" not "Check in After 3".(Also on Orbitz, it states that check in is at 2.)
As we make the march to the room, which was on the 3rd floor and given no direction so we had to wander around the halls for a while, we noticed that the floor boards seemed weak, and bounce with every step. The issue continues to the room itself, which took us a while to notice, not because all of the other amenities dazzled us, but because it took 3-4 swipes of our keycard to get in. At that point we just started to notice all of the wear and tear of the place, and we get the feeling this place had some water damage or just is finally starting to break down, and they don't even seem to care if anyone noticed.
We head down to at least arrange for the shuttle to pick us up and take us to the Pier so at least we can be done with this place come morning. At that point they ask for my credit card. I ask why and they let me know it's 12.00 per person. I let them know I had called to ask about the service earlier and no one mentioned there was a fee. The response I got was a glance around the room as if too say once again "I wish I was anywhere but here right now". And I said "we asked if there was a shuttle to the pier and you said yes." And they "well we do, so the answer is yes" "I get that, but it was never mentioned there was a fee for it." I suppose this was my fault, as a traveler passing through one night, I should have known the trip to the pier was not covered with the other shuttle service we asked about at the same time. No empathy, not even sympathy, just a "sucks, huh?" Attitude and an eagerness to run my card. "Well it sucks mostly because of you." "I know, right?"
(After doing more research when we got home. It states at the bottom of their page that there is free one-way shuttle to Piers 91 and 66. http://www.seatacqualityinn.com/
Good thing that the girls that were working the front desk were idiots and even messed up that charge. They entered it in as the $100 hold for additional charges and we weren't charged the $24.)
The next morning we find out that our card has two $100 pending charges. We were baffled as we had already paid for everything through Orbitz. All that should be on there is the $24 charge for the shuttle to the pier. We go down to see if there was another person finally working at the front desk. The front desk manager Crystal was there. I explain to her what happened the previous day. She apologized and gives us back our money for the cab fare. She also apologized for the two $100 pending charges and said that they should fall off in the next couple of days. We appreciate her attempt to make things better but we will not be staying here again. This Quality Inn is the worst that we have ever stayed in.
Aloha Hawaii
Simon and I
went to Hawaii back in October 2012 and I am now just finishing it. I'm
not to sure why it took me so long to write this up. Maybe it was that I
didn't want to share it with anyone. Maybe it was that my Grandfather
had died a few months before we went. Or maybe it was the unseen and
unfortunate circumstances that happened after we returned. With
everything that happened before and after, it was a wonderful, magical
trip that I will never forget. I find Hawaii singing to me telling me to
go back.
So
when it came time to determine where in Hawaii we were going and where
we were going to stay, we felt that it's our first trip to paradise so
we went all out. We picked Oahu and stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikki Beach.
We stayed for 7 days. This is one place that you have to book direct
and can't go through a travel site. To save a little money we went ahead
and got the breakfast package with the room. This was a great idea and
I would do it again. We asked for a room with an ocean view. We weren't
sure just how much of a view this would be until we got there. The nice
woman at the check in counter told us that they had overbooked the
rooms that we would have been in. Because of this, we got a free upgrade
to the Rainbow Tower. Not a problem here as those are usually the more
expensive rooms.
This was our view when we opened the curtains to the patio.
The view took our breath away. Right below was the pool area and you could see Diamond Head.
The pool below us.
|
Diamond Head
|
I
was so happy that we stayed at the Hilton. The village had everything
that we needed. We could have just hung out on the beach and do our
shopping there without ever going out to see the island and city.
However we wanted to get out of the resort and see the Island.
The second day we were there we got a 7 day pass to the Waikki Trolly. This was worth it!
The
first ride we took was to the mall. Holy cow! That was a zoo as it's a
huge tourist site. The best part of it was the food court. Different
restaurants from around the world. It was so packed I grabbed a table
while Simon went to find us a meal. He found a Japanese place and got us
Cold Soba Noodles and tempera shrimp and sweet potatoes. It was so hot
that the cold noodles and Iced Green Tea was perfect to cool us off.
Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures.
Before
heading back we stopped in the ABC Store (They are ALL OVER THE PLACE!)
and a local market that was in the mall that sold Beard Papa. Because it was so packed with people and parts of the mall was outside, we couldn't wait to get out of there.
The
next day we hoped back onto the Trolly and took the Green Line. It
loops around Waikiki and goes into Diamond Head. At any point if we
wanted, we could get off and walk around. What was also really nice is
that the Trollies had a stop in front of the Hilton.
A stop just outside of the entrance to Diamond Head.
|
The route was fun. It took us through the "Beverly Hills" area. Basically multimillion dollar homes.
The
film studio where Hawaii Five O is filmed and other movies that have
been there and in to Diamond Head. I have to say, the inside of Diamond
Head looks like Colorado.
The
next day we took the Red Line. It took us around downtown Honolulu and
by China Town. The drivers on both routes were full of knowledge of the
history of the city and the sites.
We
ended up buying most of our meals or snacks at the ABC Store that was
in the Village. These stores are everywhere. The best way to describe
them is that they are like 7/11s or Walgreens. We got some beach toys,
some of our souvenirs and a pair of swim shoes. I usually got mix fresh
fruit to eat. I swear on my life, the pineapple is to die for. I
couldn't get enough of it! My one regret that we didn't do is mail some
home. Simon usually got Spam Musubi. I did try it but I really like my
spam cooked over an open camp fire.

The
last two days that we were there we booked two tours through the hotel.
One took us around the Island and the other to Pearl Harbor/ USS
Missouri.
The
first one we did was the trip around the Island. We had a wonderful
guide. The first stop was the Dole Plantation. She suggested that the
first thing we do is get in line to get a scoop of Pineapple Ice-cream.
Simon went one better and got us Pineapple Ice-cream Smoothy. It was
sooo good! We also picked up some Christmas gifts for family while we
were here. Then we got our most expensive purchase. When you go, DO NOT
take a key for a treasure chest. I repeat DO NOT TAKE IT! We ended up
buying a pearl gold necklace. The Sales Lady was very nice but very good
at her job. She could sell ice to the Eskimos. What we thought would be
a couple hundred dollars ended up being $600. We failed to ask how much
the chain was. Sticker shock hit us hard and we were still in shock at
the next stop on the tour that we didn't even walk over to the beach. We
spent the time looking over funds. Because we had been careful with
spending we were fine but it was still a shock.
Simon taking a drink after going over our funds.
|
The
drive along the north shore was gorgeous. The next big stop was a
Macadamia Nut Farm. This was fun. We shared fresh coconut milk from the
coconut. It was so refreshing and cooled me off nicely. Our Guide
recommended a lotion that helps with sore backs. I would have gotten
some but the necklace was still weighing heavily on my mind.
The next stops were at the Battle of Nu'uanu and Eternity Beach . The views were was spectacular!
|
The last day we went to Pearl Harbor. Before my grandfather died, I promised him that we would go to Pearl Harbor. He was in the Navy and he disabled sea mines. He was stationed on a number of ships and subs but the one that I remember was that he was on the USS Missouri. We did the tour of Pearl Harbor and went over to the Arizona. It was a very humbling experience. We liked how it was neutral in explaining the whys, giving voice to both sides. They have a museum and a time line of the events. Then, before you get on a boat that takes you to the Arizona Memorial , you watch a documentary on Pearl Harbor.
![]() |
Those that died on the USS Arizona.
|
The survivors that have died and are now buried with their brothers at arms.
|
After
visiting the USS Arizona, we went to tour the USS Missouri. This was my
favorite part of Pearl Harbor. I think it was because I got to see
where my Grandfather had walked and worked at some point in his Navy career.
![]() |
Standing at the entrance to the USS Missouri. |
After Pearl Harbor, we headed back to the hotel to
wait for our ride to the airport. People say not to visit Pearl Harbor
on your last day as it is very sobering. I honestly don't know when it
would be a good time to visit but I encourage everyone to go at some
point.
Hawaii was a wonderful experience that we won't forget.
We plan on going back. Not sure when but we want to go to one of the
other islands. Even now, two years later, I still think of swimming in
the ocean with golden rain falling and Simon singing to me "White Sandy
Beach of Hawai'i" by Israel Kamakwiwo'ole.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)