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Diane_Jobe
Explorer
Jun 13, 2016

Colorado Campground - Beware of Cancellation Policy

Unreasonable Cancellation Policy at Dakota Ridge RV Park (outside Denver). We booked in April 2016 for an August 2016 5 night stay. We had to cancel due to illness (canceled in June). When I canceled the reservation I was informed they would not refund my payment of $158.57 (which they referred to as a deposit). Yes, $158.57 - not the typical cancellation fee or one night's stay but the entire amount (1/2 of the total cost of my stay). I was told by staff that when I booked I was informed, if I canceled, they would keep the full amount - I Was Not. If I had been told of that outrageous policy, I would not have booked. Don't know why anyone would! I was also told I could apply the amount for a stay until the end of this year - really, I live in Arkansas. We have never experienced this kind of greed at any RV park. I emailed the owner and received no response (also owns Spruce Lake RV Park and Elk Meadow RV Park).
  • One only needs to READ their 'Reservation' requirements and the 'policies' information to see that 50% Deposit is required and that that deposit is non-refundable

    From Reservation page.....LINK

    Reservations of two nights or more will still require a 50% deposit.

    From Policies page......LINK

    Deposits
    A deposit equal to 50 percent of your entire stay plus any applicable additional charges (for pets, additional guests, vehicles, etc.) and tax is required, with the balance due upon arrival.


    Cancellations
    Deposits are non-refundable.




    While I do NOT agree with their 'Non-Refundable' Policy it is clearly stated on their website.
    Buyer Beware..........READ ALL of the info
  • Diane Jobe wrote:
    Unreasonable Cancellation Policy at Dakota Ridge RV Park (outside Denver). We booked in April 2016 for an August 2016 5 night stay. We had to cancel due to illness (canceled in June). When I canceled the reservation I was informed they would not refund my payment of $158.57 (which they referred to as a deposit). Yes, $158.57 - not the typical cancellation fee or one night's stay but the entire amount (1/2 of the total cost of my stay). I was told by staff that when I booked I was informed, if I canceled, they would keep the full amount - I Was Not. If I had been told of that outrageous policy, I would not have booked. Don't know why anyone would! I was also told I could apply the amount for a stay until the end of this year - really, I live in Arkansas. We have never experienced this kind of greed at any RV park. I emailed the owner and received no response (also owns Spruce Lake RV Park and Elk Meadow RV Park).


    This appears to be a Good Sam CG.

    I would suggest you go over to the Ask Marcu Forum and choose the Good Sam Club Forum and post what happened to you. At least you will get a call back from them which in turn might give you a main line to the CG and or Good Sam helping you out directly.
    http://www.goodsamclub.com/travel/campgroundsandrvparks/generalinfo.aspx?cgid=930000497

    Their cancellation policy is on their website:

    Posting it on a website does NOT eliminate/protect a CG from the responsibility of STATING it to all campers who 'call' in their reservations.

    If I get a phone number of a CG off google while traveling I would have NO way of knowing their cancellation policy. Not everyone reads a CG website.

    If you look at the CG listing on the above link for Good Sam website, NO WHERE is it noted the no deposit refunded. Many RV'ers use GS to look up CG's.

    The CG manager SHOULD have stated the cancellation policy when 'taking' any reservation over the phone. That is the policy for all companies regarding deposits.

    Good Luck. Call or post to Good Sam forum what transpired between you and that Good Sam CG. Only if to make them take a good long hard look at THEIR listing of the CG without any notation about the refund policy.
  • Their cancellation policy is on their website:

    Deposits
    A deposit equal to 50 percent of your entire stay plus any applicable additional charges (for pets, additional guests, vehicles, etc.) and tax is required, with the balance due upon arrival.

    Early departures
    No refunds or credits will be given for early departures.

    Cancellations
    Deposits are non-refundable.

    http://www.essentialcoloradorv.com/dakota-ridge/resort-policies.cfm

    Lynn
  • Contact the Colorado BBB and State Attorney General file complaints with both


    Diane Jobe wrote:
    Unreasonable Cancellation Policy at Dakota Ridge RV Park (outside Denver). We booked in April 2016 for an August 2016 5 night stay. We had to cancel due to illness (canceled in June). When I canceled the reservation I was informed they would not refund my payment of $158.57 (which they referred to as a deposit). Yes, $158.57 - not the typical cancellation fee or one night's stay but the entire amount (1/2 of the total cost of my stay). I was told by staff that when I booked I was informed, if I canceled, they would keep the full amount - I Was Not. If I had been told of that outrageous policy, I would not have booked. Don't know why anyone would! I was also told I could apply the amount for a stay until the end of this year - really, I live in Arkansas. We have never experienced this kind of greed at any RV park. I emailed the owner and received no response (also owns Spruce Lake RV Park and Elk Meadow RV Park).

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