OYO 79748 Eco Palace Stay

I called Eco palace three days before arriving, and the person on the phone confirmed my booking. I had reserved through goibibo on September 24, paid online, and got confirmation. My plan was to travel from Bangalore to Kolkata on October 6 for Durga pooja on a budget. It was my first visit to the city of joy in almost 20 years. I was really looking forward to it. The area around the property was lovely, with greenery, quiet roads, little traffic, and not much noise. I arrived by cab around 12:30 pm, after landing at 9 am and spending some time around the city. Check-in was from noon, so I went to reception tired from the journey and the hot morning. The staff member confirmed my booking, then told me they didn't accept online bookings and couldn't give me a room. He hadn't mentioned this when I called. I was shocked and exhausted. I'd been travelling since 3 am, had planned and paid for everything, and was in a new city with nowhere to stay. The person at reception didn't seem to care. He called his boss, but only said that someone who booked online had arrived. I asked him to explain that I'd come from Bangalore, but he ended the call in under a minute, then just told me no. When I insisted on speaking to the boss, he gave me a card with a number to call. I tried to explain my situation to that person too, but all I got was, “We won't accept online bookings.” I felt furious and helpless. I'd done what you do when you travel, booked and paid in advance, and still got turned away after reaching the hotel. No one there was willing to help, and they treated me like a nuisance. I'd never faced anything like this on my travels. I hope people booking online hear about my experience and decide for themselves. I called goibibo support, feeling completely helpless, and explained what was happening. They asked for 15 minutes to see what they could do. The woman on the phone sounded keen to help and told me not to worry, which made me feel a little calmer. I thought, at least someone is willing to help.