Holiday Inn IHG, Crown Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Intercontinental, IHG rewards club Time Share Scam Nationwide

I called to book a room at Holiday Inn. I was told I was being forwarded to a reward program but was sent to a time share rip off pitch instead. I got a high pressure sales pitch to come to a time share sales pitch at a later date.

Before I had the full details about all the dates that were blocked and before I had a reservation for a date, I stupidly agreed to the $200 fee. Now the company will not refund the fee even though I have not made a reservation for a stay with them and have explained that I have no interest in purchasing a time share. 

I have learned an expensive lesson...and booked with Holiday Inn for the very last time. I see there are numerous reports of similar experiences dating back to 2013. This is an ongoing problem. I am surprised Holiday Inn is not suffering and suggest shorting the company since it is likely this will catch up with them sooner or later.