I'll never stay in these Wigwams again...
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ส.ค. 2016
- Alternate title, "The $400 Wigwam." The moral of the story is: watch out for those Yelp reviews, they're worth reading: www.yelp.com/biz/wigwam-motel...
Anyway, out of hundreds and hundreds of vlogs, this is my first BAD review, but only of my experience with staff. There was a lot more to this story that I'm leaving out to keep the blog family friendly, but suffice to say my experience was similar to those 1 star yelp reviews. Good times.
This isn't the worst motel I've stayed in, the PLACE is Amazing! Just needs new owners or perhaps the owners should hire other management, because Hospitality is not forthcoming here, in my experience. Enough of the opposite, in fact, that it made this a nasty experience.
Whats your worst hotel experience? Ever stayed in a Wigwam? Turns out San Berdoo was a bust, but Can't wait to stay in Holbrook, AZ at a friendly wigwam motel soon!
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From one 66 promoter to another, thanks for telling the truth. I've struggled with this place personally. You told the world what I was too afraid to. Good work man.
When I say this place, I mean Kumar.
Is there a ROUTE 66 Group that takes care of all of the Places on Route 66 ? As in letting be part of the Route 66 Group and to use the Name Route 66 ? Like a Office in Chicago that is in Charge to file a complaint with ????
iv seen on their facebook they get angry when people leave honest poor reviews... of THEIR personal experience ...LOL
I was like you at your age, always making excuses for other people's bad behavior. He wasn't having a bad day. He changed the terms of the agreement after the fact. He's a dishonest businessman.
That is 100% correct
Small claims court issue. I'd contact my credit card company and put a stop payment. Write out the particulars and let the owner go after Visa. Enough such issues and they won't be allowed to take the credit card. That does work.
I'm going to second this. The charge would look so obsurd, and the story would sound so odd, that they would refund you the "permit" charge as well as the charge for the stay.
He could tell you to not film. That's as far as he can take it.
Oh, Justin. You're a gem. This whole situation would have made most people angry and sad but you've turned it around and your endless positivity has turned poop into gold with your Vlog. These experiences are life, even those that are tough. Life is for living. You inspire me to be a better person and always try to look on the bright side.
better buisness bureau needs to be called, and the police should have been involved with the extortion.
$400 just to let you film?? Dude, you should have immediately called the cops on that douchebag!
As far as I know, you may film in public UNLESS PREVIOUSLY STATED OTHERWISE... were there any signs saying that you couldn't film? If not, then it was his dumb word only.
Crappy motel (for $77???) and then an attitude?
You're too nice, Justin. I admire you for that.
Sounds like he thinks he's some kind of Hollywood superstar or something.
private property is not public.
You Can't Trespass on Private property , But since it is a MOTEL on Route 66 The Police said you have every right in the world to take pictures . This Guy has been known to go out to the Sidewalk and YELL at People who were taking Pictures of the place . Telling them they MUST pay him to take pictures . Like I said , his only right is to build a wall so the hotel can not bee seen from the Street , And the City , County and State Will NOT allow that to happen . HE IS A THRON in the City's ASS and They would LOVE for him to Move ...
Daniel Mc Route 66 is public. You can fim at any PRESTIGIOUS HOTEL IN LAS VEGAS, brother. You go to a crappy motel in freaking Rialto and can't film?? That's beyond dumb, man.
I think they make you put away your cameras inside the casinos...for obvious reasons "There's my accountant at the craps table, drunkenly using 100 dollar chips!"
Unacceptable! Sewage coming up through the shower?! Wtf! H___ no! The owner has the nerve to charge for filming rights? Smh. I'm already aware the property is NOT handicapped accessible. AND because he had derogatory comments regarding those with special needs omgeee I would have cursed him so badly. You are too nice.
The sewage one is understandable just because of the age of it and the construction of them. But everything is absolutely not acceptable.
Jokes on the wigwam owner. Instead of treating you right and getting 44,000 people to see his hotel in a positive light, you have now filmed a honest review.
Justin, I know you probably won't since you're a positive guy, but you should seriously think about disputing the charges! He's a fraud. He's committing extortion. Many people have complained about similar things, but none have done anything about it. Change that! I haven't stayed there so I can't, but if I could, I definitely would!
Justin, please dispute the charges. He will continue to extort other innocent people until people dispute these charges. Dismiss his claims about winning in small claims court regarding the credit card disputes. As long as he has nothing stated in writing and any document that you signed an agreement with that filming policy in writing, the credit card company will charge back the money in your favor. In order for the charges to remain he will have to send proof to the credit card company that this filming policy is in effect, and you have indeed signed a contract/statement with this policy printed on it. Please take our advise and dispute the charges. I do work for a small regional bank on the east coast and I would help you out if could, but I can't as you're not one of my employer's customers
call me as a witness if you do
Thirded this.
Just read a review and as of July of 2018 someone that works at the wigwam said this,” Kumar Patel is not the owner of the hotel but was the General Manager. He is no longer connected with our hotel since January of this year.”
he probably didn't want videos or pictures taken because he's afraid that you might film something that would be incriminating against him!
I'm telling ya. Those yelp reviews scared me off big time. We so wanted to stay there too.
Lite , just saw yesterday's comments and you were the ONLY one to warn about Kumar !!...Yikes..!!
+Scott B. I was wondering if Justin read my comment yesterday and went on yelp because of it.
I stayed at the Wigwam two years ago to cross it off my bucket list too! Luckily I did not have any problems w/ the bathroom. You or your friend DO NOT have to pay the $400 "filming fee" and can get it refunded back, along with your hotel fees. Have your friend call his credit card company and do a "charge back." You will fill out a form online and the credit card company will give you a "provisional credit" on the amount you are disputing as they investigate the matter. Explain what happened and how YOU were not aware of the filming fee and that it was NOT advertised on their website or when you booked your room. YOU WERE TOLD AFTER YOU CHECKED IN at the front desk and told the owner you were not going to stay and he stated that there was no refunds and that he still was going to charge you for room and filming fee. Businesses are not allowed to be EXTORTIONISTS nor to do FALSE ADVERTISING. In fact, when you fill out your complaint, send them the link to this TH-cam video . Also send it or write a complaint to the SAN BERNADINO HEALTH DEPT. Having Sewage come up from the bathroom pipes is a serious health violation. I know you don't want to go to through the hassle, but the owner will then extort money from future customers and people can get sick off the sewage.
The owner of Wigwam Hotel should have PAID JUSTIN for the publicity and promotion of this place.
Justin, if you did not authorize this charge you should call your credit card right now and file a dispute.
Justin, if you read this, please refute the charges with your credit card company. Don't let this place walk away with your money. They're criminals and will continue this behavior - you deserve better.
let's petition that this shady motel owner waives the filming fee. Sounds pretty sketch to me. was there anything posted on their website or at the front desk advising about a filming fee? Filming fee that's greater than the nightly stay fee at that? Sounds like he was trying to con you guys. I hope this video does serious damage to their business.
You couldn't pay me to stay there. They really stuck a knife in your back and twisted it. $400 is a ridiculous price to make you pay for filming their property. Reputable establishments don't stick you for fees after the fact and no cancellations is ridiculous. They don't take proper care of their motel or sewage wouldn't be coming up in the bathroom. Be sure and leave a 1 star review on Tripadvisor and Yelp. Staying in a TP motel shouldn't cost $77. I've stayed in much nicer places for less. Glad you used your own pillows and covers. There's no telling what might have been lurking in the bed. I don't know anyone in their right mind that would pay $77 to stay in a place where the sewage backs up.
Justin, your fans must have really banged up the Wigwam...."This business is being monitored by Yelp's Support team for content related to media reports. "
UNBELIEVABLE - They really should have paid YOU for the free advertising - now they basically lost all these potential visitors - - what a dork! Very sad ... I am glad you pointed out the bad (and the good)... oh, well... his loss.
Dont feel bad dude! Being in that neighborhood and you came out in one piece.. I consider that a success!! Plus the video was awesome! You truly know how to make everything look fun!
Justin , Call your Credit card company and tell them what happened and I BET you they will reverse the Charges . They CAN'T CHARGE you to Film in a Public Place .
BY THE WAY , As a audio guy on a Pro film Crew , it is against the Law for Anyone other than the City you are in to Charge you for a Filming Permit . Because you were in a Public space You can not be charged to film . It is Against State and Federal Laws for the Hotel to Charge you for a filming permit . Just think if you went to Disneyland and You got into the park and a Cast Member walks up to you and says , I AM SO SORRY SIR , I SEE YOU DON'T HAVE A FILMING PERMIT , YOU CAN'T FILM INSIDE THE PARK ...The Permit is $ 500.00 .. That would be a GREAT way to thin out the Crowds at the park . I don't think walking around with a iPhone , you good friend and two Girlfriends makes up a FILM CREW..LOL...LOL...The Last Film Crew I was on there were 11 of us and 2 vans .
agreed, they can't charge you to film...but private property is not a public space. you can film from the sidewalk, the street, or just about any public property...but not on the property itself, without consent.
As a PAYING GUEST to the hotel you CAN Video on the Property . LET's Think about this . So you pay the $ 1400.00 to get your family into Disneyland and DCA . So You are about to take a picture or shot some video and a DISNEYLAND CAST MEMBER walks up to you and tells you , SORRY SIR , YOU MUST HAVE A $ 1000.00 FILM PERMIT TO TAKE PICTURES IN THE PARK ... WHAT WOULD YOU DO ???? As the COPS there told me , The OWNER can NOT Stop you from shooting Video NOR Can he Charge you for a Film Permit . IT IS AGAINEST THE LAW in California .I Called the State Attorneys office and asked . They Laughed when I told them the story . They thought I was Pulling there leg . They are going to look into it ...
So, there should be a really an easy fix. Call your credit card company, and refute the charge. Did you sign a contract regarding filming? Was this information upfront? Has the hotel charged every person who has filmed, or even taken photos? Just saying. (BTW - I've stayed at the Wig Wam in Holbrook. They are not as well maintained as these - no sewage or anything - , but the owners are really nice.)
from what i read online this guy does it to video filmers and people just taking photos. He will make a copy of their credit card and charge them anyway . one woman said she would just delete the photos , but he said she still owed him $150. after she got home she found he had still charged her and charged $165! He is a crook. He told one person they can take him to small claims court but that he always wins.
I remember about 45 years ago, Disneyland had a sign as you were entering the park "Notification of filming in Tomorrowland". It was implied consent that you would (perhaps) be on t.v..We ran over there and saw NBC cameras, panels of lights and guys in suits redirecting the (much smaller than now) crowd. Disneyland knows what this little idiot doesn't: advertising a unique location is good for business.
He should be giving you $400 to stay there! You helped promote it. What the heck??
Dummies like that hotel owner don't understand the value of a good P.R. It's a shame that something as special as The WigWams are cared for by a jackass like that.
+Michele Hood exactly. its just like the neon museum video. They don't get that word of mouth doesn't work anymore. I didn't know this place or the neon museum even existed until he showed us. But ignorance is bliss and if they don't adjust or accept it, well, they'll just run out of business. (which I'm sure isn't far down the road at this point) If I was charged 400 to film I would go insane (fuck them🖕) and outright sue them or something or report them to the health department if there was sewage...If I was charged that I'd drone the shit out of that place... I'd take their shower sewage in a cup and bring it with me to the pool... oops... 😉
+Michele Hood ^^^that or I would blackmail them saying "you can either give me my $400 back or I can report your establishment to the department of health and safety as a biohazard or hotel that is violating multiple safety and health codes... that should get them to talk...
I know right! Me and my father love watching Justin's videos and now my dad wants to stay there!
$400?!?! Might as well stay at a Disneyland resort hotel, much better
Sorry you had a bad experience, the man is a criminal!
Agreed! 😢
Thank you for this. You are so gracious in how you dealt with the sinister owner of the motel. I appreciate your positivity as well as your honesty. People need to know something is really dangerously off with that dude. We are one of those 1 star reviewers on Tripadvisor and Yelp after a really dreadful visit to the Wigwam last summer.
I work in tourism and can tell you most places would welcome you to film at their attractions, and most would even comp your night/dinner/ticket/whatever and they'd appreciate the exposure.
PS: you are awesome, hilarious and I am a now a fan.
Okay some of those 1 star Yelp reviews are kind of terrifying not gonna lie
Could Justin dispute the charge with his credit card company or bank? That may be one way of getting his money back.
I don't see why he shouldn't do that, what a jerk that owner was.
That's what I'd do. I'd want every penny back!
It could be considered fraud by the credit card company.
The Sometimes Mob has your back, brother!
The most beautiful thing about "credit cards on file" means that if he charges you unfairly... you can simply have your credit card provider reverse the transaction.
I wish I could more like you. I tend to let a bad day take over . You hold it together and I really like your positive attitude. That’s hard to have sometimes. Thanks for your videos.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. C'mon now! That's wrong! And to think I was going to consider staying there!
the owner is a bit, let's say "unfriendly" for the sake of decency
I agree. A real low blow money grab
Well.....Anyone who's watching this needs to share this info...Because that's super shady. Oh then the "ignorant 20 year old" comment was way over the line. DO NOT GIVE THIS GUY BUSINESS.
just found your channel and very impressed with your very vlog..and you got a new subscriber..love your work looking forward to your next review👍😄
I'm glad you laid into that scumbag by giving a true review, instead of only speaking to the positive points. If I ever have an opportunity to stay there, I'll keep driving, so that I can get to the cleaner more advantageous version in Anaheim.
People should go there just to take pictures now so they can see Kumar run out of the office and yell lol
Can't believe you're coming back to my home park! Swing by Adventureland and say hi - big fan of yours and watch the vlogs daily (yours and Adam's). Thanks for the knowledge you bring - sharing that with my guests. Enjoy yourself!
Thank you for the honesty! I just canceled my stay for July!
At first I thought it was ironic and funny you stayed here a few days before we planned to. I was going to make a reservation but not now. Great vlogs Justin!
Congrats on 30,000 subs 👍
Great review! Normally a video this long puts me to sleep, you're just entertaining enough without being annoying... and, yes, please take that as a compliment.
BTW, your voice is similar to SpongeBob... very funny!
Better block them from charging you again. One of the reviews I read said they tried to take payments a year after the original visit. Sketchy!
I feel after what I heard happen here a few days ago I needed to share
my experience I love taking random photos. On my way to a meeting in San
Bern from Upland Ca Feb 6, 2016 I passed this cute little motel. Since
I had my camera I decided to stop and take a few photos. I got out of
my car and was taking photos when Kumar came up to me and said "I don't
allow photos to be taken for free" As he said this he was smoking a
"blunt" and blew smoke into my face. I asked him not to do that again
and asked for the manager, he said "you are talking to him"..feeling a
lot uneasy I made my way back to my car...as I was getting into my car
he asked if I wanted a "hit" (off his blunt) I replied "no I don't do
drugs" he then told me I have a marijuana card, if you smoke a blunt
with me I will let you take photos and show you the inside of a tee-pee"
me: I don't think so. I had to back out to leave and as I'm backing out
he's next to my car exhaling smoke from his blunt....I still wanted the
photos so I made a U turn and parked across the street and took several
photos...as I was taking photos he started yelling at me "F you Bit*ch"
Wow it's no way in heck I would stay there with him as the manager. I
would be afraid to go to sleep. I did post on my FB page about my
experience on Feb 6, 2016...It's ashamed that this guy has to ruin a
cute little Route 66 hotel...it's bad enough given the fact it's in a
location I would be too scared to walk across the street to get a bite
to eat at Church's Chicken. High crime area! Wish I could give zero
starts!! I felt so uneasy I had my cell phone in my hand and was
recording as I walked back to my car, it clearly recorded him saying "if
you will smoke a blunt with me I will let you take photos and let you
see inside one of the tepees". If I could post that recording I sure
would
That guy is a monster. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I read the yelp reviews, amazing! 😂 I love how the hotel staff writes back.
I'd be disputing that charge if I were you.
I work at a hotel in San Francisco, and everything that is on the website or in the itinerary, usually, goes. A lot of people come and don't realize how expensive parking is, and if they want to say that it wasn't on the website they booked or what not, we always tell them double check the website, look at the fine print or call your third party booking. They have the option to park elsewhere as well.
In my opinion, unless the filming fee/permit was in your itinerary or on the website, he should not have charged you. If for whatever weird reason parking said it was free at my hotel, then we have to follow what the website says. I feel like $400 was criminal. I would sympathize more with the guy if it was $50 or $100, but $400 is outrageous.
Well I just Flushed this off my bucket list. Thank you for the heads up. Love your videos BTW.
Having a blast reading these reviews. Sorry you got the bad end of it!
Justin, sorry for having a terrible stay at the wig scam motel. I feel you need to contact the San Bernardino County Board of Tourism and inquire if that is illegal. I truly enjoy your vlogs on a daily basis and disappointed that happened to you or future visitors. Take care and look forward to your next adventure. 👀📷📱🗿🐓🎠🎡🎢🚂🚡🚀🌚🆒
Aside from your poopy experience, I'm excited to hear you'll be back a Disney world next month! I'll be there too with my bf and friend. It's both of their first time there also 😊
oops! i was accidentally "punny" 🙈🙈
Am planning to take a Route 66 vacation in the near future. This place was on the radar but after seeing what you experienced it's now off the bucket list. You would think this owner would love the free advertisement. All he gets now is bad reviews. And I would bet the health dept would be interested in the sewage backups. I know now I won't go near this place. Thanks Justin .
Reading the responses from Kumar on the Yelp site to visitors that gave him 1 star, it is clear that he is severely unstable. How sad that such a piece of history has fallen into the hands of a madman.
I have stayed at all three Wigwam motels plus the Tee Pee motel RV park in Texas. I took lots of still photos, but did not Vlog from any. The WigWam you stayed at was fine. So was the Arizona one. The Kentucky one is my favorite layout but the room itself was horrible- like we stayed in a room that was under renovation. There were paint flakes all over the floor. The sheets and towels were not clean and the osner/manager would not answer the phone or door after hours to give us clean ones. We slept in our clothes. The Texas Tee Pee motel had open sewage spilled all around the hookup area in our site and the surrounding grounds were totally junked up.
While your experience with the owner/ manager over a filming license is unfortunate it is not unique. The former owners of Roys in Amboy were notorious how they treated people taking any photos on the property.
I have always actually preferred Harold to Kumar... #WhiteCastle
$400! Holy crap! Is that even legal?
No.. It's called extortion
I just got off the phone with a person in the City and told them what happened to Justin . They told me The hotel CAN NOT CHARGE FOR A FILM PERMIT . ONLY THE CITY CAN ... So I called the Hotel and Was Told That Justin Should of been Charged the $ 1600.00 For the filming in the Public . The Owners are from East India . The guy told me he only Charged Justin $ 240.00 not $ 400.00 . Well the Guy who could speak English Told me that ... Go to Yelp and Look at there reviews . THEY SUCK BIG TIME ....
Someone should let him know via his email..poor Justin , to be scammed out of money..Oh man..that's the Dino for ya..things were different when I lived around the corner..friends of mine in 1982 said it was nice..That's sad I have never heard of a filming permit..you know how many people filmed their families there over the years Wow..
It's not legal. Unless they had a sign somewhere stating it was private property and no photography was allowed. If no one was ever made aware if it then it's not illegal.
HOWEVER, him calling it a filming permit is. I think what the guy did is illegal though with the insane amount billed.
You rock man I like all your videos
Thought something seemed a little off about the vlog yesterday. Love seeing how you can make a postive out of it though, Justin.
Justin, I just checked out the "Yelp" reviews!!!
Wow, that manager (Kumar P.) is a horrible joke!
It seems he searches for bad reviews, then attacks the reviewer with negativity in a reply. Really...what manager (that wants your business) does that? 😒well, I guess him.
He really put it all together on one of his replies...his parents own the Motel. Now it makes sense as to 'why' he's still employed there. Anyhow, glad cars land brought your spirits back up!👍🏽
Steal from him? That was free advertising! It's too bad you can't have a lawyer to handle him.... that was so sickening. You handled it like the champ you are!!
I am very glad I decided to try to find out why you said you can never stay there again. I, too, am a vlogger. I’m hoping within the next few years my husband and I can travel from here in northern Michigan to Santa Monica, all along Route 66, filming vlogs the whole way. Thank you so much for the heads up about this place so we don’t stay there. I WOULD have filmed there and I would have had a very miserable experience getting screamed at and ripped off by this guy. Thank you so much for saving my neck!
Filming permit, that is bad PR. Most businesses view it as free promotion. Not steeling. If I owned any kind of business. I would allow filming. Unless there is some kind of stupid government regulation. I did go to business school.
So true man!
The owner sounds a bit unstable.
Wow. Those Yelp reviews! Sounds like a cool place, but there's no way I'd stay there hearing all of this!
I think you should of filmed the guy. I mean, you did pay to film there, correct? I'm just surprised they haven't replaced the owners with new ones.
They can't really replace the Owners if they ARE the owners XD But seriously I read a lot of the yelp reviews and most are terrible. The ones that aren't seem a little bit on the fake side. Kumar left replies on the bad reviews of lies he made up with his terrible grammar. Serious fraud!
Who's going to replace the owners??? God? Lol. How do you replace the owners of you are the owners?? Just wondering
Thanks for your review of the Wigwam experience!! You are too nice!!! Guess I don't have to go there!! Have a great day!!
I'm glad you overcame the bad experience , however you did me a favor to, I wanted to go check it out, I'll wait till Arizona now. It's unfortunate that there is wicked,evil,rude,disrespectful, and just slime people out there feeding on others. I think your video's are awesome because of you great attitude toward life and feeling, respect for others...
Carry on the show, can't wait to see the next one.
Thanks, Wa. State fan
Frankly you got ripped off. I was legitimately worried about you guys staying there and I'm not kidding. I used to have San Bernardino as my area n a social work job and I've seen it all there. Glad you survived in one piece. Love you guys!
I'm SUPER Proud of you for keeping your COOL!!
Those one star reviews on the Wigmam are epic. Well, at least you did it.
That is so damned underhanded!!! I myself am on a fixed income with a husband in cancer care. I pinch every penny. That would burn me up!! So glad you were able to come out with a smile.
Thanks a lot, Justin, now I have watch Fawlty Towers. I always enjoy your videos.
Wow, I am kind of upset that he took advantage of you like that. I feel like someone has attacked my son or something. Glad to hear about next month's Walt Disney World trip! Nothing more fun than taking someone you love to any Disney park for the first time they have ever been. I feel a little better now. Thanks Justin!
The best course of action is to report this to the state District Attorney. The fee should be minimal or non-existent (I live in Texas and it is free to file commerce grievances here). If you paid cash, you might have a harder time than if you used a credit card. With the credit card, you might be able to get a charge back on the fee, but I would check with the District Attorney's office first. I encourage Justin to take this action, even if just for future patrons avoiding similar treatment. Very few businesses will mess with the state District Attorney.
DA isn't going to get involved with this, they are stretched too thin already unfortunately. Especially in California
@Stone: as an elected official, they are obligated to respond. They are the consumer advocate for the state. Failure to "get involved" is a violation of their elected duties and can result in consequences.
Yey !! Your coming to Disney World !! I hope I get the opportunity to meet you while your here !!!!
I'd get your money back or call someone to claim this as a fraudulent owner.
Justin I am so sorry about how you were treated it was so unfair but you were so positive and and good about it. I believe the owner needs to post signs about filming. I would have also told the owner about what was going on in the bathroom. Justin you have such a good and positive heart.
Dang....I'm glad you put out this spoiler video for people. Thanks for the link to the yelp reviews. That guy sounds like an insane pervert. Creepy.
I'm still a fan of Adam the Woo attaching bombs to his drone and wreaking havoc at the Wigwam. Maybe that's too much...?
What an experience! So sorry you had to go thru that. Take some of the advice from below. Watch your credit card to make sure he doesn't sneak anything. I would check with City Hall in that little town and ask about the legality of them charging you that fee. Then take that SOB to small claims court and get the money back.Justin you are just too nice. But we love what you do and I will keep watching. Thanks........................
I will definitely wait to stay at the other Wigwams. So sorry it was a disappointing experience. Yay! WDW fam Trip! Well done Justin!
Man I haven't seen somebody reply to yelp reviews that rudely in some time. Great for a laugh, shame about the 400, but hey at least you got to knock something off your bucket list and at the end of the day as long as you feel like it was worth the money you paid, it was worth it
Sorry you had a bad experience there. But I have stayed in the Wigman is AZ. Always a must stop on the way to CA. Drive 16 hours to stay there, because it is so awesome. Love the family who owns its.
Oh I need to add....thanks Justin for your videos!
Won't likely stay here, again, simply because of the unpredictable environment, but it was generally pleasant, after getting past the awkwardness of the environment, which includes the management and the dodgy neighborhood.
Late in July of 2017, while bringing my son home from Kansas and trying to follow Route 66, my son insisted that we cap off our drive with a stay at the Cones, er, Wig Wam in Rialto (San Bernardino). Two weeks ahead, I phoned in a reservation and made it clear that our stay would be on the condition that we would have somewhere safe to park our travel trailer. On the phone, the owner hemmed and hawed, but said, "Oh, well, there are trucks that park here on the street." "Is it safe?," I asked, "Oh, yeah," he answered. "How big is the trailer?," he asked. "17 feet and pulled by a Honda Pilot," I answered. "Uh, yeah, we should be able to do something; we'll see," he concluded. "Okay," I thought nervously to myself.
We arrived and, as I am pulling into the driveway, the owner stops me and says something like keep that "thing" off my property. I politely pointed out that I had asked about parking our trailer, while we stayed in a "Wigwam." He said, "I did not realize it would be so big. You know the Blue Swallow Motel had its historic sign damaged by one of these things." Uh, well, if you know anything about travel trailers, seventeen foot is not "big" at all. It would be like a "toy" poodle in terms of trailer size, with the only thing smaller being a "teacup" size, like Casitas and "teardrop" trailers. It cannot be the first time a RVer had stayed here, so this "waffling," vague permission (setting up for a haggle, perhaps?) was the first red flag for our stay. The second red flag, was that the same Route 66 soda that cost $1.50 at most other establishments along the Mother Road, was $5.00 at the Wig Wam. I had paid $5 per gallon to fill up at Roy's Motel and Cafe, in Amboy, California because of it's remoteness and for the general support of Route 66 preservation, but this was kind of a gouge. The third red flag, "Do you want to use the pool, because, if you do, it's an extra charge," he says. "What?," I think to myself- this was a first for me, a charge for what every other hotel offers as a standard amenity. The fourth red flag, was the neighborhood itself, which, uh, was not in my comfort-zone. Had I watched this video th-cam.com/video/9TeetdiIczA/w-d-xo.html before our stay, including the owner's derisive comment about "Mentally-challenged twenty year-olds coming to look and not pay to stay" (FYI my son is twenty and has special needs #autismnocrime), I never would have booked this place.
On the plus side, he eventually allowed me to park on the grounds, which was no small favor in that neighborhood; was generally kind and engaging to my son and myself, as we chatted about Route 66; and proved himself an enthusiastic advocate for the historical preservation of Route 66. I am glad he made things right with Justin Scarred, but it would seem he has a pattern of hard-nosed gouging and strange "fees."
Whatta' ya' know, apparently this is not the only place that charges people for not liking a place. Shortly after posting a negative review, about three months after staying here, at Wigwam, San Bernadino, I had a mysterious charge on my credit card from somewhere in Las Vegas. The thing is, this place is one of a few places I used this card last summer and the only place that would have permission to keep my card number on file (common practice at many hotels/motels).
I will be clear. This was the only hotel/motel where I used this card in over a six month period and the suspicious charge occurred within minutes of my posting a negative review. Coincidence? Maybe.
abc7chicago.com/2799107/
I feel you should do something about that filming charge when you didn't know about it.... That was shady as hell. And after reading the yelp reviews the owner seems so childish and unprofessional with those responses, I feel he's bi polar and doesn't take anything for it.
Basil Fawlty lives on
Also, the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook AZ is fantastic. We'll look forward to your vlog about it sometime.
Wow!! I can't believe an owner of ANY motel would have such terrible manners let alone customer service, n what you did to work it out was totally the best thing you could do to fix the situation!!! Hopefully, the WigWam Motel will be purchased by better owners sometime in the future. I was a Manager at 2 different small older roadside motels when I first moved to Ohio and my owners I worked for always had either myself or they themselves, always treat the customers who treat them well to the most polite n gracious stay possible, reducing prices included, giving away free phone cards we used to sell n any other amenities that we had a available, including if so mething malfunctioned taking money OFF the bill!!! Attaboy, Justin Scarred n crew, for making a silk purse out of a sow's lining!!!👛🐖
The cones looks straight out of Cars. It looks like all the people stepped into the world of Cars and its so cool that they have the characters driving around
Justin you are so, so sweet. This owner guy was a jerk and here you are letting it go and feeling bad about things he did. You're amazing!! :)
I will never stay at the Wigmans either! It was a VERY good idea on your part that you to proceed with filming, thereby using this video to truthfully review this motel for the (albeit historic) run down, broken motel that it is. Yes, the manager felt like HE won when he charged you $400, however now there is a TRUTHFUL TH-cam review of the motel in addition to a plethora of negative Yelp reviews on the Wigwams. No one who watches this video is going to stay at there now, I'm sure that will cost him MUCH more than $400 in the long run. You won Justin! Good work.
Sounds like you handled it like a champ!
Are they insane!!! $400 to allow you to take a video of the place. That's nuts. They should be thankful for the free advertising.
All I know if I ever get there, I'll take my own, non commercial video, and let's see if they try to charge me.
As always. Love your videos.
What's funnier than the reviews are the owner's snarky replies. He turned someone complaining about marijuana smells into asking them why they hate disabled people
It's always good to take the high road. How could anyone not like your face?
what an enthusiastic intro
Thx for update...I really don't believe that's legal, might get a second opinion on that charge. I won't be visiting there, I was thinking about it...not anymore.
Justin, Do a chargeback. If you did not sign anything, they can't force you to pay to a "fee". I would fight it. No reason to pay $400 for no reason.
I would have just paid the 75, and if he charged the $400. Call the credit card company, and tell them it was an unauthorized charge. That place sounds shady, I'll never stay there now.
I WAS IN THIS VIDEO I WAS THE PERSON WHO LOOKED BACK IN THE BURGUNDY AND GREEN FLANNEL😄😄😄 I DID ACTUALLY TALK TO HIM AND I WAS SUPER NERVOUS AND HE WAS SUPER NICE AND REALLY COOL THANKS JUSTIN💙💙💙💙💙💙
Just wanted to let everyone know Kumar is no longer associated with this place. His family (the REAL owners) got sick and tired of his attitude and issues and now they are running it. I will say the Patels HAVE put a lot of work into this place and yes, there will always be issues but I know/knew Kumar and his issues were incurable. I would give it a second chance as I too want to stay here (I am in AZ so the Holbrook location is much closer). We, as the Route 66 family, hate when experiences like this happen. One bad person can ruin it for 100 other businesses....
Ed
Route 66 World
Wow... lol... at least you did it for the story, right? And saved the rest of us all the trouble! :-)
Justin I'm just going to say what everyone else is saying. Call the police and file a complaint, call your credit card company and dispute the charge and block that jerk because it sounds like they might charge you again, and file a complaint with the better business bureau. There's a time to turn the other cheek but this is not one of them. At least you have Disney World to look forward to. Will ally be joining you?
yes someone on a review site says he was copying their credit card and id. he could charge what he wants when he wants