What is ARES Hotels and Tickets Charge on Credit Card?
Have you ever glanced at your bank statement and spotted a mysterious ARES HOTELS AND TICKET charge on credit card in San Diego, CA? It can be alarming at first.
Many people panic, thinking it’s fraud. But in most cases, it’s tied to a legitimate travel booking.
What Exactly is ARES Hotels and Tickets?
ARES Hotels and Tickets refers to charges from a company called aRes Travel. This firm, short for Advanced Reservation Systems, Inc., operates out of San Diego, California.
They provide online booking services for hotels, attractions, and tickets across the United States. Think of them as the behind-the-scenes engine that powers reservations for various travel sites.
You might not have booked directly through aRes Travel. Often, they handle transactions for partner websites, like those for theme parks or event tickets.
That’s why the charge appears under their name, even if you reserved a hotel in Florida or tickets to a show in New York.
Their system processes the payment, so your card statement reflects “ARES HOTELS AND TICKETS” as the merchant.
This setup is common in the travel industry. Companies like aRes help smaller sites or attractions manage bookings without building their own tech.
They’ve been around since the early 2000s and are accredited by the Better Business Bureau, which adds some credibility.
Why Does the ARES Charge Appear on My Credit Card?
Seeing an unexpected charge can spark worry, but there’s usually a simple explanation.
aRes Travel charges your card when you make a reservation through their system. This could happen in a few ways.
First, for hotel bookings, they might charge a small fee or the full amount upfront. If it’s a special rate, you pay everything at booking to lock it in.
That covers room costs and taxes. At the hotel, you only handle extras like room service.
Second, for tickets to attractions, events, or tours, the charge covers the full price. These are often non-refundable, so the payment hits right away.
The amount varies. It could be as low as $5.99 for a booking fee or hundreds for a multi-night stay. The charge always lists San Diego as the location because that’s their headquarters.
Sometimes, the charge surprises people because they booked months ago. Or maybe a family member used your card for a trip. Checking your recent activities can often clear things up.
Is the ARES Hotels and Tickets Charge Legitimate or a Scam?
Most of the time, yes, it’s legitimate.
aRes Travel is a real company with a solid track record in travel bookings. They partner with well-known attractions and hotels, so their charges are tied to actual services.
However, some folks flag it as suspicious. Online forums and review sites show complaints about unrecognized charges.
For example, users on sites like vCharges report seeing debits they don’t remember authorizing. In many cases, it turns out to be a forgotten booking or a charge from a third-party site.
That said, fraud can happen anywhere. If you’ve never traveled or booked through a partner site, it might be unauthorized. Thieves sometimes test cards with small travel charges.
But aRes itself isn’t a scam operation. Their BBB profile shows they’ve resolved many issues over the years.
To spot the difference, look for confirmation emails. aRes sends them from confirmations@areshotelsandtickets.com. If you find one matching the charge date, it’s likely legit.
How to Verify an ARES Charge on Your Statement
Don’t just assume it’s fine. Take a few quick steps to confirm.
Start by reviewing your emails and bank alerts around the charge date. Search for “aRes” or “hotels and tickets.”
Next, log into your booking account if you used a partner site. Check for reservations under your name.
If nothing clicks, contact aRes directly. Their support email is support@areshotelsandtickets.com. Provide the charge date, amount, and last four digits of your card. They can look it up and explain.
You can also call them at 800-434-7894. Be ready with details to speed things up.
Finally, reach out to your credit card company. They can provide more transaction info and flag it if needed.
Following these steps usually resolves the mystery in minutes.
Common Issues with ARES Charges and How to Handle Them
Like any booking service, aRes has its share of hiccups. Users report a few recurring problems.
One big issue is double billing. Sometimes a hotel charges you again at check-in, even if you prepaid through aRes. In these cases, aRes works with the hotel to reverse the extra charge.
Another complaint involves cancellations. Prepaid bookings come with a $25 fee if you cancel. Tickets are often non-refundable, but you can use them until they expire.
Refunds can take time too. Expect up to 30 days or your next billing cycle for credits to show.
Poor communication pops up in reviews. Some say they called multiple times without a response. If that happens, escalate to your bank for a dispute.
Here’s a quick table summarizing common charges:
| Charge Type | Amount Example | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Fee | $5.99 | Non-refundable processing fee |
| Prepaid Hotel | $200+ | Full room and tax payment |
| Attraction Tickets | $50-$100 | Entry to parks or events |
| Cancellation Fee | $25 | For changing prepaid plans |
This table can help you match what you see on your statement.
Tips for Safe Booking and Avoiding Surprise Charges
To steer clear of confusion in the future, follow these pointers.
- Always use trusted sites. Stick to official hotel or attraction pages, or well-reviewed partners.
- Save confirmation emails. They prove the charge and detail what’s paid.
- Monitor your statements monthly. Catch oddities early.
- Use credit cards over debit for bookings. They offer better fraud protection.
- Read terms before confirming. Know about fees and refund policies.
- Consider virtual cards for online buys. Some banks let you generate one-time numbers.
These habits make travel smoother and keep your finances secure.
FAQs on ARES Hotels and Tickets Charge on Credit Card
Q: What does ARES stand for in ARES Hotels and Tickets?
A: ARES stands for Advanced Reservation Systems, the full name of aRes Travel, the company behind the charges.
Q: How can I contact aRes Travel about a charge?
A: Email support@areshotelsandtickets.com with your charge details, or call 800-434-7894 for help.
Q: Is the $5.99 booking fee refundable?
A: No, it’s non-refundable as it covers transaction processing costs.
Conclusion
Spotting an ARES Hotels and Tickets charge on credit card doesn’t have to stress you out. It’s often just a sign of a travel booking you made or someone else did on your behalf.
By understanding how aRes works and verifying quickly, you can sort things out fast. Remember to keep an eye on your statements and book wisely to avoid future surprises.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on public sources. It’s not financial or legal advice. Always consult your bank or a professional for specific concerns about charges.
