RI couple experiences a vacation nightmare

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- A Providence couple says they booked a vacation through an online company, but when the arrived at the hotel - it was temporarily closed down.

Pat and Lenny Hart spontaneously decided to get away, and went to Hotels.com to book a trip. The company booked the couple a hotel in Maryland, and the next day, they were off.

Hours later, they pulled into the hotel parking lot and unfortunately, the hotel wasn't ready for them.

Parts of Maryland were hit hard by heavy storms just one week before their trip, leaving tens of thousands of people without power - including their hotel.

"Everything was in darkness," said Pat. "There was a big sign that said 'closed'."

Pat and her husband were furious, stranded, and left wondering why Hotels.com would book them at that location.

"That's really not acceptable," Pat added. "It's 8 o'clock at night, we've been on the road all day, and I just want a shower."

Pat tells us that Hotels.com apologized and quickly booked them another hotel that was 20 minutes away, so off they went. When they arrived and tried to check in, the hotel didn't have a reservation under her name!

We contacted Hotels.com and they agreed that the Hart's were inconvenienced, and gave them a 15 percent refund, plus issued them a $200 voucher for future hotel bookings.

Although, Pat's not sure if she'll use it.

"I would love to go to a hotel for a couple of days for a nice weekend," she added. "Am I confident in this company? Not really."

When booking a hotel with any online company, be sure to call the hotel to make sure the reservation went through before you leave on your trip.