Hilton’s Abusive Reservation Practices Toward SXSW Attendees
My credit card was charged over two weeks ago for my SXSW accommodations at the Hilton Austin, and while I’m disappointed that Hilton didn’t give earlier notice about this advance payment, I can’t say that I’m surprised. Frankly, I’m appalled by Hilton’s abusive customer service approach toward SXSW attendees. It’s one thing to jack up rates to gouge conference attendees, it’s another to require three weeks advance notice for cancellation—knowing full well that by its proximity to the convention center alone, the Hilton could fill every room in the hotel using more consumer-friendly reservation practices. But it’s another thing altogether to charge customers’ cards over three months in advance of their stay for the full balance! What horrific customer practices.
This will be my last stay at the Hilton Austin. Who needs this crap?
The World According to Richard 
Why don’t you just cancel and get another hotel room somewhere?
Location, location, location. When I was looking for lodging, everything else immediately surrounding the convention center was full.