DO NOT BOOK AT PGA NATIONAL RESORT AND SPA

[Deleted User]

I booked my Wedding at PGA National Resort and Spa 2 years ago. We were told we could not book rooms or block rooms (with payment) until 2012. We were also told there were no issues with booking rooms. We were just told the day before my wedding, the entire resort has been booked via company buy out. PGA was well aware we were planning a destination wedding and the buy out was executed prior to my wedding booking. Thus, the people selling me PGA Resort as a venue lied by omission or blatantly lying to us regarding availability. My mother (a 62 year old widow) who lives in WPB say and spoke with PGA's Vice President Sales,Marketing, and Revenue Development at an in-person meeting. At the meeting, he interrupted my mother, called her "crazy" and berated her for 30 minutes. This is a disgrace considering this was a younger man yelling at a 60 year old woman. Furthermore, they told us our guests won't even be able to check-in until an hour or so before the rehearsal. Of course, when trying to negotiate with PGA about the final arrangements, he asked if we were going to be having our rehearsal dinner there...a cost of $8500 for burgers and potato salad. Do not work with PGA National Resort and Spa in West Palm Beach, Florida. They are not a good business. 

Danny&Mel2003

OMG ... do you have a contract with them? is there anything in the contract that can help you?

I would be making some serious calls ... that's unacceptable! when is your wedding?

nja1975

I read your previous post earlier in February.  Have you looked into rooms at one of the other hotels nearby?  You need to look into a plan B for your guests asap.  I am so sorry this is happening to you!  

swanrat

You have plenty of time to get a block of rooms at other hotels if you're not getting married until October...

FaithCaitlin

The way they treated your mother was unprofessional and ridiculous.

That said, hotels do not have to guarantee you rooms. There are plenty of other places in the area to block off rooms. 

quiggels219

I'm confused - What does it mean for the entire resort to be booked via buyout? I'm also confused because you said you were told the day before your wedding? Am I just reading this wrong? Anyways I'm sorry this happened and it sucks but hotels can't guarantee a room unless you block them - I guess if you really tried that's one story. There are a ton of hotels in the area - may not be as convienant but don't let it ruin your wedding! I have people who chose to stay at other hotels than my block just b/c they thought it would be fun to have access to two nice hotels or because they liked another pool better - it won't ruin it for you so just try and focus on the positives and te wedding itself! Hugs your way though.

Pamela718

Ya I saw this post like a month or so ago.... There are a lot of hotels in that area... ya it sucks but its a positive there are other options for guests... why were you told the day before the wedding? Was a contract not in place before then? I'm confused as well...

deelopi9

Sorry, I'm confused as well - at any hotel you are allowed to make reservations 360 days out - this should have been something you made arrangements for at least 1 year in advance. February is season and hotels are allowed if you hadn't made previous contractual arrangements for the block of rooms to sell rooms - that's our job to maximize the revenue during our peak times. There is no law that says we have to set aside rooms for you if you didn't contract them. We do highly advise and strongly suggest you make arrangements for the bridal party and friends and family. Even having a contract if the hotel decides to contract a buy-out group which is going to have golf/spa/meeting rooms/multiple catering they can do that and then are required to relocate your rooms at the same rate to another similar level hotel (5 star hotel - to 5 star hotel) and bring you back if a room becomes available. Yes, that would suck and put a damper on your day. However, it doesn't seem this is the case.

deelopi9

I just noticed your wedding is in October - you still enough time to contract at a nearby hotel, most probably at a much less expensive rate and make arrangements to provide transportation for your friends/family. That's one option.
I always tell my brides because check-in is at 3pm or 4pm depending on which hotel, if your wedding ceremony is scheduled at 6pm chances are the rooms will not be ready. We do place them on top priority because of this, however, we can't guarantee it unless you block the room the night before - which would mean you would have to pay for the room the night before. There are so many factors - what happens if the person checks out late - unfortunately you can not legally kick someone out of the room until they check-out or housekeeping sees that the room is empty and if they want to stay over another night - again hotels can not legally kick them out. In my experience and opinion - you catch more bees with honey than with vinigar. If your requests are unreasonable they will not want to work with you - ask the hotel if they will at least pay for transportation for your friends and family since you have to relocate them. That's something they might be able to do for you.

LoisLane007

Firstly I am sooo sorry this happened to you and your mom! I've always had such a relaxing time there!

Secondly, CALL THEIR CORPORATE OFFICE!!! Get names of the people you spoke with and the dates.