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Radisson Complaint - Car Broken into in Parking lot - Hotel stay - Raddison Charleston (SC) Airport Hot

Hotel stay - Raddison Charleston (SC) Airport Hot - Complaint
Review by Consumer on 2006-05-22
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA -- In the early morning of April 23, 2006, our car, parked in the parking lot of the Raddison Charleston Airport Hotel in North Charleston, SC, was broken into, ransacked, and looted of an expensive camera.

Only one employee of the hotel, the courtesy van driver, was kind enough to help us. We had to empty our car of all belongings to see what had been taken, put our belongings on the ground to examine them, and then drive the car to a car wash to vacuum out the glass of the smashed window. At no time did any manager inquire as to our discomfort, or to anyone else's, as there were five other cars that suffered the same fate.

When it was time to check out, I told the desk clerk that I felt it would be right for them to offer me my night's stay for free, due to the inconvenience and expense we had incurred. She replied that it was not the hotel's policy to do so.

I asked for the owner's name, Mr. Patel, and started calling him as soon as we arrived home in NY. He has still to return my call. A call to the Raddison corporate office was not returned until I called back. They told me that the hotel was individually owned, and that they (the main office) would not refund any money to me.

Although six cars were broken into and ransacked, during that time no one from the hotel either looked at the security monitor, or called the police to report this crime spree. I was reminded by the company that the hotel had warnings about cars being left "at your own risk," and apparently they feel this is enough to absolve them of responsibility.

If you go to Charleston, it is not safe to stay at this hotel and leave your car in their parking lot. Other cars were broken into just to see if there was anything hidden or in the glove box, etc. -- they had no visible luggage as ours did.

If you have had a poor experience at this hotel or any other, you can also contact the AAA, as it has included this hotel in its guide book. The more complaints they get, the better chance of their dropping the hotel from its book.
Comments:
Posted by Ponie on 2006-05-22:
Although I understand how maddening it is when something like this happens (my car was stolen from a 'guarded' parking structure), I really don't feel you can blame the hotel for this action, or their inaction. You say they have a notice posted that they are not responsible. How was your stay at the hotel? Unless it was an absolute flea bag, I don't believe this should have any bearing on the AAA recommendation. The damage to your car will be covered by your auto insurance. Articles taken from your car will be covered by your Homeowners' insurance. Although time consuming because of paperwork, you shouldn't be out any money. It took a while, but I was 'made whole' by both my insurance companies. Again, I empathize with you, but don't think you should place the blame on the hotel's shoulders. It's the thugs that did it, not the hotel.
Posted by Hugh_Jorgen on 2006-05-22:
In addition to what Ponie said, I would imagine that they have been advised not to offer a free room night in cases like this, as the court might consider that some type of admission of guilt on the part of the hotel.
Posted by bill on 2006-05-22:
First off, youn are an idiot for leaving an expensive camera in yur car. Secondly, it's not the hotels resposabilty to call the police. It wasn't thier car or thier property that was stolen. Third, it wasn't the hotels fault so you are not entitled to a free nights stay.
Posted by Stew.old on 2006-05-22:
Radisson.com/aboutus - "From our franchise partners and strategic allies, to every manager and employee at every hotel, we are committed to providing you with personalized, professional guest service and genuine hospitality at every point of guest contact. Our "Yes I Can!" service philosophy focuses on empowering employees on doing all they can to make sure that you are completely satisfied with your stay

As the Radisson brand evolves, our vision is centered on the quality of facilities and services, "beginning with the guest in mind." Our chief mission is to create loyal, satisfied customers who will return to Radisson properties repeatedly because of the quality and value offered."
Posted by Stew.old on 2006-05-22:
How about a little truth in advertising. “You are on your own and we could really care less about you other than when the bill is due. Our ‘Yes I Can!’ philosophy is only a marketing term and shouldn’t be confused with a legally binding offer of any value. You might want to sleep with a weapon under your pillow.” Yall come back you hear.
Posted by Doc J on 2006-05-23:
I'm with Stew on this. Putting up signs has become the ultimate dodge mechanism. Such signs do not, however, garner absolute immunity. Report the incident to local police. Now, request a summary of reported incidents for the hotel address (you may have to use the FOIA). If there have been an "excessive" number of car break-ins and the hotel has done nothing to improve security, the sign becomes less of a defense. Getting a free night does little to help subsequent guests. I appreciate the warning about the security at this hotel.
Posted by Mrs Manischewitz on 2006-05-23:
In addition to what has been said. What about calling the cities police department (NOT 911) but the business line and check to see if the hotel has a problem with thefts?
Posted by tawanda on 2006-05-23:
Actually, in stead of going to the expense of calling the non-emergency number for the police department, I would recommend you look up both the city and their newspaper(s) on the internet. It varies by city, of course, but there may be a link showing minor crimes being reported in the area (or by neighborhood). Most papers contain a police blotter which can also provide you with a listing of any other criminal activities taking place at this establishment.
Posted by tawanda on 2006-05-23:
Incidentally - I don't think you are wrong, nor do I think you are at fault. If you look at other complaints of B & Es at hotels, you will see that others left items in their hotel rooms that were stolen while they were out and the hotels took no responsibility there, either. Those people, just as yourself, were further victimized and called names by other posters. Hotels seem to go to great lengths to exempt themselves regardless of the crime or its location, but how much cheaper would it ultimately be to provide security for the parking lot and better screen employees than to fight off / pay off lawsuits?
Posted by Doc J on 2006-05-24:
Nicely put, tawanda!
Posted by rhondam718732 on 2006-05-25:
Even if you didn't have a camera in your car, you would still probably be a victim of B & E...as other cars were as well that didn't have anything "visible." So regardless, you were a victim and while the hotel legally does need to protect themselves and should...the management staff - let alone the owner, should have taken their ass out to the lot and made sure if you needed anything. Kindness would not have been too much for them to spare. You were a paying guest.
Posted by anonniemouse on 2007-11-28:
If your car got broken into at the mall would you expect them to compensate you? What about your workplace or your friend's house? Hotels have no more responsibility for the security of your vehicle while on their property than any other place you might go. Yes hotels are expected to provide good service but this has nothing to do with any service the hotel provides. Yes it would be nice if the staff was kind about it, but there's a fine line between being kind and opening yourself up for a lawsuit and most places just won't approach it for that reason.
Posted by rudybjr on 2009-05-06:
Why would you expect the hotel to give you a free nights stay? The hotel employees didn't break into your car.

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