I waited a week to write this review to ensure I could provide an objective account of my experience. My stay at the Papago Hotel in Phoenix was disappointing and concerning on many levels.
Booking Experience
I booked this hotel through Hotels.com, as I often do, and was shocked to learn after the free cancellation period had passed that I was required to provide the following:
A copy of my driver’s license (front and back)
A selfie
My car license plate information
A $200 hold on my credit card
A $30 cleaning fee
These requirements were not disclosed prior to booking. Had they been, I would NEVER have chosen this property. As a woman traveler I was particularly uneasy about providing such sensitive information, especially without a clear privacy policy outlining how it would be stored or protected. This raised serious concerns about data security and potential identity theft.
When I contacted Hotels.com to cancel, I was informed that the cancellation policy was 100% of the booking cost, as the free cancellation window had closed six days prior to my stay. This left me with no viable option but to comply, even though I was uncomfortable with their demands.
Arrival and Parking
Upon arrival, I was informed of an additional $10 per day parking fee for an unsecured, open lot adjacent to the street. A quick online search revealed free parking was available just steps away in an alley. This lack of transparency felt deceptive. Additionally, the parking lot offered no security