Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
Kris516
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Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
The wedding is not even here, and I'm completely dissatisfied with the service - esp at the Inn.
After much deliberation, we blocked the well over-priced rooms at the Inn. We had to put down a 50% DEPOSIT ON ALL ROOMS BLOCKED. Whatever rooms we can't fill, FH and I are completely responsible for. In addition, as guests book, they must also put down 50% Deposit, so 100% of the room is essentially paid for, and no one has even received the service yet - what a racket.
We started w/ a block of 10, and STDs went out 2 weeks ago. I called today to check on the block, and 7 rooms are already filled. I don't want to add anymore rooms to the block, b/c we can't be sure if we'll need 3 more, 5 more, etc and we're afraid of having to pay for unreserved rooms once June comes. The bitter part is that any guest who tries to reserve a room AFTER the block is filled, will NOT get the 'discounted rate.'! It's complete crap!
Now, I have to micro-manage the process, and check up on the block and guest list weekly to see if we should be adding more rooms. IT IS COMPLETELY UNFAIR THAT ANY GUEST OF MINE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FULL PRICE, JUST B/C MY BLOCK IS FILLED! IMO, EW SHOULD HONOR THE RATE OF ANY GUEST WHO CALLS.
All the hotel manager cared about was potentially getting more $ for the rooms, or suckering us into blocking more rooms we potentially cannot fill. She actually recommended I direct my guests to another hotel!! ***?
Talk about jumping over dollars to get pennies.
In addition, we are not only having our wedding out there, but RD, and Brunch in the morning for anyone who stays. Everytime I try and talk to the RESTAURANT MGR to book the RD, she gives me an awful attitude, and claims 'we have plenty of time.' Helllloooo - my wedding is almost 4 MONTHS away!!
Can anyone make any recommendations on what to do?
BRIDEMICHELE
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
All I can say is that I am having the same problems with the inn. I have found all the staff at the Inn to be uncaring. They don't call back and when they do they never have good news. The manager who filled out my contract to block rooms got everything wrong on the contract, including the date! I have to white everything out and fill it out again before I could sign it. And forget getting a copy of the contract, it took me 2 months.
Now I am afraid that I won't block the rooms and I'll be stuck paying for extra rooms. It is the worst arrangement I've ever heard of and to be honest, I wish I never blocked any rooms there.
Don't get me wrong, the people at the Country Gardens have been great. They always call back and are really accommodating. I wish the people at the Inn would take some lessons from them.
MattandTricia07
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
Oh my gosh girls, I am so upset and sorry to hear this news!!! My parents went there last weekend and blocked 10 rooms and they had a good experience so far (I forget who they dealth with) It really is weird how the set the whole thing up...I had even told one of my BM and my FMIL that they could just call up and reserve, no $$, because it seems so backwards to have to put money down for a room- usually all you need is a credit card.
About the restaurant people, I think it is a guy who runs the restaurant (my FH went to HS with hime) so I don't know who you've been in contact with, but that is so rude!! I hope things get straightened out...we are probably blocking rooms at the Best Western for other guests who don't want to stay at the Inn. Let me know any updates! FM me!!
july06bride
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
We started w/ a block of 10, and STDs went out 2 weeks ago. I called today to check on the block, and 7 rooms are already filled. I don't want to add anymore rooms to the block, b/c we can't be sure if we'll need 3 more, 5 more, etc and we're afraid of having to pay for unreserved rooms once June comes. The bitter part is that any guest who tries to reserve a room AFTER the block is filled, will NOT get the 'discounted rate.'! It's complete crap!
Now, I have to micro-manage the process, and check up on the block and guest list weekly to see if we should be adding more rooms. IT IS COMPLETELY UNFAIR THAT ANY GUEST OF MINE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FULL PRICE, JUST B/C MY BLOCK IS FILLED! IMO, EW SHOULD HONOR THE RATE OF ANY GUEST WHO CALLS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------- You can fight this... don't settle until they give you what you want! Trust me!
Kris516
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
Posted by july06bride
We started w/ a block of 10, and STDs went out 2 weeks ago. I called today to check on the block, and 7 rooms are already filled. I don't want to add anymore rooms to the block, b/c we can't be sure if we'll need 3 more, 5 more, etc and we're afraid of having to pay for unreserved rooms once June comes. The bitter part is that any guest who tries to reserve a room AFTER the block is filled, will NOT get the 'discounted rate.'! It's complete crap!
Now, I have to micro-manage the process, and check up on the block and guest list weekly to see if we should be adding more rooms. IT IS COMPLETELY UNFAIR THAT ANY GUEST OF MINE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FULL PRICE, JUST B/C MY BLOCK IS FILLED! IMO, EW SHOULD HONOR THE RATE OF ANY GUEST WHO CALLS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------- You can fight this... don't settle until they give you what you want! Trust me!
I tried! Allegedly, I was on the phone wiht the mgr, than she claimed not be the mgr, only to say she was again all in one conversation.
Does anyone know if there is ONE PERSON (maybe the owner??) who oversees the entire prcocess, so I'm not dealing with a Rest Mgr, BM and Hotel Mgr? They all could care less how the others are treating me.
july06bride
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
That totally stinks! I am pretty sure I spoke with and my mom spoke with Christine...
nicpizzo
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
I'm sorry for the way you have been treated. The whole way they handle the blocking of the rooms, is the exact reason why we didn't block rooms there. We ended up blocking rooms, 7 mile away with Best Western, who have been GREAT!!!!
Good luck, and hopefully you can get everything you need and want w/o much more headache.
BRIDEMICHELE
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
When I blocked off my rooms I spoke with Christine. Then she went on maturnity leave and some guy was doing her job. He NEVER calls back. But I believe Christine is back now.
I am want to reserve the staircase for my wedding so I can take pictures there. The guy I need to talk to about this NEVER calls back either. It is just rude. It's almost like it doesn't matter that I am a paying customer.
I really wish I never got involved with the Inn.
October Bliss
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
The policy they have is the reason I'm not blocking rooms at the Inn. I ran a google search and came up with a list of all the hotels in the area. So far, I'm leaning toward the Hampton Inn at exit 63. I timed it last week, and it's only a 10 minute drive, and the hotel includes breakfast for the guests.
LUCKinlove
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
We had the same problem. They wanted a ridiculous amount of money to reserve the rooms! No one has that kind of money before their wedding. I also have heard that it takes a while after your wedding to receive your money back. If it was just leaving a credit card against the rooms and then being charged if the rooms go unfilled I would totally understand that but their policy is outrageous.
We already blocked rooms at the Best Western in Riverhead. NO money down- no liability if the rooms are not filled. They provided transportation back from the wedding to the hotel so I don't have to worry about people drinking and driving. The only crummy thing is I have to pay an extra $100 for them to keep the bar open until 2.
LUCKinlove
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
Posted by BRIDEMICHELE I am want to reserve the staircase for my wedding so I can take pictures there. The guy I need to talk to about this NEVER calls back either. It is just rude. It's almost like it doesn't matter that I am a paying customer.
I was just wondering what you meant by 'reserving the staircase'? I am getting married in the Southampton ballroom (the staircase side) in July. I don't want to stir the pot AT ALL but as much as I love you ladies I don't want to see any other brides on my big day. The stairs are magnificent and I totally understand why others would would want to take pics there. The stairs are exactly why I chose SH room. I am now freaking out a little that the other four beautiful brides will all be taking pictures during my wedding. - really no offense I am not trying to start drama. I know I don't own the stairs. It's just...oh please tell me you understand.
Do they set up times so our paths don't cross or our guests don't see the other brides? If anyone has info please pass it on....
july06bride
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
We reserve the stairs so that brides do not see eachother, they give out specific times we can go there
LUCKinlove
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
AHHH...thank you.
Does that mean that I can go to the other hall locations for pics too? Like the bridge in the Country Gardens and the fireplace in the southhamptom room?
BernandRob
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
I'm sorry guys that is really terrible. I don't understand why you even had to put the money down and be responsible for the payment if people don't block. Usually isn't the process you are given a time limit to fill the rooms by and if it is not filled then the release the rooms so other people can book them? How far in advance do you have to cancel without being charged. I say try to find somewhere else.
july06bride
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
i believe so, but call to check and reserve time slots
MattandTricia07
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
My parents told me they dealth with Jacob and he was really good...try to get him on the phone to straighten it all out. Good Luck.
MattandTricia07
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
I had no idea you had to block a time to take pictures on the staircase, thanks for the info girls!!!!
EvaLution333
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
My mom was VERY upset when she found out she had to put down more than a $1,000 for rooms for our guests-- I personally think it is absolutely ridiculous. My only suggestion, and it is a STRONG suggestion, is to book rooms at the Holiday Inn Express in Riverhead in addition to the rooms at East Wind. I booked 10 rooms at East Wind and 20 at the Holiday Inn. I drove out to the Holiday Inn 2 weeks ago, and it is gorgeous-- it just opened up about a month or two ago, and still has that 'new' smell to it. The rooms are very nice, PLUS they offer a free shuttle to East Wind with every 15 rooms you block. Best part is that you don't have to put any $ down to block the rooms. Please feel free to FM me if you have any questions, need rates, etc. Good luck! And hang in there!!!
halfpint51
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
I really think if you make a HUGE stink about this, they will change that. Trust me, I would have gone NUTS if they told me this...You are giving them a large amount of money ..if they dont allow your guests to also get the discount, I would firdt speak to a manger IMMEDIATELY, and do whatever I had to do to change this. They are taking adavantage..and it is BS. Let me know how it works out...We are getting married at Giorgios, and we booked 8 rooms at the new Holiday Express. The hotel is new, the rooms are nice, and they gave us a great price, not to mention they were very patient, and very nice. So we booked with them , but still needed another 10 rooms or so. . So, because of the location of Giorgios , we were considering booking some rooms there, and when they told me the amount of room per night, I nearly dropped the phone...not to mention that as you said, they claim you have to put 50 percent down., which is also ridiculous. I would book the remainder of the rooms we needed way west before I booked the East Wind..I have seen the rooms at the east Wind, and they arent worth the money they are asking, by any means. Although the hotel is fairly new and the rooms are decent, it certainly doesnt give them the right to rip you and your guests off. Ok, ill shut up now..I just dont want to see you get taken advantage of...Make a stink about it..Especially if you are gtting married at the east Wind...You are spending thousands of dollars, and they cant give you a couple of bucks off on the rooms...It sure says a lot about their business...Let me know how it goes..Good Luck!!!
o17range
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Re: Repost: Upset with East Wind (long, but need advice)
Ouch. I would say if East Wind had a complete monopoly on the east end, what you girls are saying wouldn't completely shock me. But there are plenty of other options. I would stay away if it were me.
We recently attended a wedding at the Thayer Hotel at West Point and had to PAY IN FULL (it was April for an October wedding) for the room we reserved. I decided to pay the RIDICULOUS amount only because it was Homecoming at USMA and didn't want to get stuck at a dive, plus we didn't have a car. With East Wind there are definitely comparable options--I would look into those. Hope the service and policies get better for you gals!
