Cheri Smith's dashboard

I had a very serious problem with Expedia earlier this month. My family and I live in Germany with the Army. I have always wanted to go to Istanbul, Turkey. After begging my Soldier husband for three years he finally relented. I had to book the trip through a reputable company and have everything preplanned. It isn't always safe for a military family member to travel to an Islamic country due to the war. We booked our trip with Expedia on 13 August with air fare, hotel and tour. We were set and Expedia took the money out that day. I called the hotel on 7 October to confirm my reservation and set up a pick up from the airport. My hotel reservation was confirmed and pick up was arranged. On the day of my son and my birthday trip our flight was delayed. I called my husband asking him to let the hotel know that our flight was delayed. I called him back later and he informed me that the hotel did not have our resvation. He was told that we could have a room for that night but that we had to find a room for the other nights. We arrived at the hotel and were told that Expedia never sent them a confirmation even though I had my copy on me. When we got to our room I called Expedia and let them know the problem. The woman was not helpful. I told her the whole story and she replied that it was my problem not her's. I then let her know that I was a military spouse and that it wasn't a good idea for two miltary dependants to be there without a hotel. Once again, she said my problem not her's and she hung up on me.
The next day the hotel manager gave me a story about what happened and told me that I had to pay for the previous night's hotel since Expedia did not pay them yet. They also would not allow me or assist me in booking a hotel for the other nights. I was told to go to a travel agent who took advantage of the situation. Unbeknownst to me, the IMF conference was ending at that time, so there were no rooms to be had (so I was told) in Istanbul. Honestly in fear for mine and my son's safety I booked a tour to Ephesus which cost me $900. The next day, my husband began calling Expedia about our room. He was assured by Expedia with confirmation numbers and all that we had a room. We arrived at the hotel at 11:00 at night. As soon as I walked in, I was told that there was no room at the hotel and that I had to find my own. I was not very happy about that! A slight argument ensued and Expedia finally called me back. The woman, Gloria, argued and said that there was a room. It didn't matter that I was standing in the hotel being told that there was no room, she said there was. Even the desk clerk let her know there was no room. Several minutes later, she said she would find us another hotel. This is at 11:30pm. After I ended the call, my son and I were escorted out of the hotel onto the streets of Instanbul late at night.
Fortunately, there was a travel agency open two doors down. He assisted us in getting a room. It took him over an hour to finally find us one. That cost us an additional $776. Once again, I was taken advantage of. I didn't have a choice though. I was worried about my son.
Once we got to the hotel, I called my husband and told him we had a room and he let me know that Expedia never called him back. This is at 1:00am. I talked to him the next day and he said that Gloria informed him that they still hadn't found us a hotel but they would refund us our money. They still haven't. They said they will, but they were doing us a favor by doing so since that was not their policy. Now I am seeking legal counsel to get this matter resolved.
I'm not sure if this is what usually happens with Expedia, but I promised myself if I survived that trip, I would let the world know what they did. Please take caution when booking with Expedia and bring enough money with you or available to you so you can cover the unexpected expenses that may happen.