Deal of the Week

The March 26 “Deal of the Week” featured Avis’ fly-drive packages to shuttle cars from Phoenix, Ariz., to California. Avis offered transportation to Phoenix, a rental car and seven nights’ accommodation at Ramada, Howard Johnson or Days Inn for $299. It sounded like a bargain. When I phoned to inquire, I found out that it would cost $399 if I traveled by myself. I found a friend who wanted to go, so I phoned again. This time I learned that if we wanted to fly on a Friday or Saturday, there would be an extra charge. Then I decided to check on the availability of reservations in the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff areas. The two Ramada Inns in Flagstaff and Williams refused to accept the Avis vouchers, as did the two Howard Johnsons in Flagstaff. The Days Inn located closer to the Grand Canyon was filled for the week of May 20-27, though I called more than six weeks ahead of time. By this time I had decided that the “Deal of the Week” wasn’t such a great deal after all. My friend and I made arrangements to travel to Arizona on our own.

HARRIET EZEKIEL

Encino