Thistledown Inn B&B

In August of 2012 I made a reservation for a two night stay at the Thistledown Inn in Morrisville, VT. I recieved no confirmation at the time. In September I followed up with the owner who stated that I indeed had a reservation, but she needed me to resubmit my debit card information. While this concerned me, I decided to go ahead and submit the information again. Her communication with me ceased until early October when I followed up about a Reiki treatment I had booked in addition to my stay. At that time the owner asked when I would be arriving and I informed her of my arrival time. I also reviewed the inn's website and noted a number of substantial changes including a rate increase. Based on my previous concerns, I chose at that time to cancel my reservation (on Oct. 17, 2012).

I the inn has the following policy on their website: "To reserve a room, a deposit of 50% of your stay is required. Payments may be made in cash, check, or credit card. If you cancel your reservation at least 14 days prior to your arrival, your deposit will be refunded less a $20 fee. If your reservation is cancelled less than 14 days prior to your arrival your deposit is forfeited. Failure to show for your reservation will result in a full charge. No credit or refund will be made for early departures." Because the policy references a "refund" it was my understanding that the deposit would be charged ahead of the check-in date. However, the "deposit" was not billed to me until I cancelled my reservation (the charge was posted to my account on October 17, 2012). I find this practice completely unacceptable and it only serves to reinforce my original concerns.