On January 17, 2016 I went online to look up the Hampton Inn in Nashville, TN (1919 West End Ave., near Vanderbilt University). When I entered the information in the search engine the first choice I received seemed to be the website for the hotel. What I did not realize at the time is that this was actually the website of a third party booking agency (Reservation Counter) that uses the logo of the hotel to mislead potential clients. I called the phone number listed on the website to inquire about reserving a room. The representative on the phone never stated that he was working for an outside company. I believe he started the conversation with "Reservation Counter" or "Reservation Desk" which led me to believe that I was speaking to an employee of the hotel at their reservation desk (especially since I thought I was calling the hotel based on the number from the website). Maybe I should have seen the signs during the phone conversation, the representative spoke rapidly and asked for my credit card information after quoting me a rate for a one night stay. I thought this was being done to reserve the room, but my card was immediately charged. The nightly fee for the hotel was $139, but I was quoted a price of $170.00. When I asked about his I was told that these were fees and service charges. I was also told that this was to be expected on a holiday weekend (Dr. King Holiday weekend). As it turns out these are fees that they collect for their "services" which is in addition to what you would have paid the hotel for a direct booking. So they aren't doing you any favors they are charging you for something you could've done for less on your own. However, I didn't even realize I was dealing with an outside party at the time of the call, I thought I was dealing with the hotel. I experienced problems while traveling and knew that I would not be able to make it to the hotel. When I called the hotel I was told that I did not make a reservation with them. They stated that I made a reservation with Expedia (it took them a while to figure this out). I then called Expedia and I was told that I did not make a reservation with them, but with a third party that they are affiliated with (it also took them a while to figure this out). At this point I was truly confused because I never knew I was dealing with an outside party. This third party booking agency is Reservation Counter, also known as Reservation Desk. When I called Reservation Counter they informed me that they have a no cancellation/no refund policy and although I would not be able to make it to the hotel I could not be reimbursed. When I checked my email I saw that this policy was stated in a confirmation email which also appears as if it is from hotel. I was scammed. Perhaps I should have seen the signs. I do feel that they mislead people and take advantage of consumers. When I researched this company I discovered that my story is not unique. Many people have had the same if not worse experiences. They were "hijacked" when doing an online search They thought they were dealing directly with the hotel Their credit card was immediately charged The fee exceeded the amount that would have been charged by booking directly with the hotel They do not allow refunds, cancellations or changes What makes this situation worse is the fact they charge consumers more than the actual hotel charges to book a room. I am also disappointed with the hotel and Expedia for participating in this scam. They are aware of this company's fraudulent practices, yet they don't seem to be concerned. I guess everyone is happy as long as they're making money. Hopefully others will heed the warning and avoid these scammers.