Last minute hotel switch- is this the norm??

littlebug_2

We booked a holiday through Media travel due to start Monday 2nd March. At the time of original booking (11days ago) I requested a particular hotel, IFA Catrina, it had lots of positive reviews, was told was available and paid for in full immediately.

I got a phonecall at work today , abouth 3 hours ago, where they informed ne that the hotel is now closed (!?) ; I couldn't really talk at the time so asked they emailed me instead; this is what they send:

"It is with regret we must advise you that we have received notification of a hotel closure at the IFA Catrina and unfortunately they cannot accommodate you as originally booked and we are forced to reallocate you to the IFA Dinamar (4 Stars, same room type and board). You will also receive as compensation 1 x Spa (4 hours) + taxi inclusive (go and return) in Costa Meloneras. "

Now, we are really not bothered about being compensated; what I wanted was a nice hotel since this is my first time there and heard lots of mixed reviews. I cannot help but get a feeling that we are somehow being taken advantage of; although they assure that this hotel is just as good, or "of similar class and room type", I'd go with actual travellers' reviews - perhaps they are putting us in a worse hotel due to overbooking or something??

I don't want to cancel, and anyway the agent i spoke to left me with the impression that if I did, they would still bill us for the flights ( they booked us on Easyjet flights), which again makes no sense whatsoever!!

This is the first holiday I ever booked throught travel agent and I already regretting it- what are your thoughts on this- is this standard practice; is there something I can /should do under the circumstances? They are expecting our responce tonight in order to secure the alternative booking

Thank you for all your help xx

llindsey

I'm afraid this is pretty common, we have been moved hotels twice due to overbooking.
I would first call the hotel to see if they are actually closed! If it is open, this would put you on the upper foot.
If not, I would suggest you look on the travel agents website for a hotel that you do want to go to and phone them and ask for that. This is what we have done both times, and never had to pay any more money for it, and ended up with a better hotel both times, once going from self catering to all inclusive.
Although its not a great situation to be put in, sometimes it can work out better, and just try and make the most of any hotel you end up in.
Oh and a point of note, people always put more negative reviews on a 4 star hotel than a 3 star as they expect more, if you go expecting the same, you shouldn't be too disappointed.

littlebug_2

Thanks llindsey- thats an excellent shout- I jsut rang the hotel group and they confirmed they were fully booked those days, as oposed to closed - can't believe the cheek!

littlebug_2

Thanks for the kind words CSB, definitely helped put my mind at a rest!

Thing is, I'd understand if they said the hotel's overbooked or whatever, I'm just shocked they would blatantly lie about it, it’s not like we wouldn't find out once we get there- the second hotel is 400 metres away from our original choice. I rang them again, and told them I spoke to the hotel staff direct who weren't aware they are closed next week!!, especially after they were fully booked! I also made clear that I was appalled they would threat customers like that. It seems like the agent's help line is somewhere abroad again, and the staff couldn't provide any further information. Neither did they have a Manager on tonight , but I'll make sure I get a sensible answer tomorrow.

saffiedale_2

littlebug wrote: »

Thanks for the kind words CSB, definitely helped put my mind at a rest!

Thing is, I'd understand if they said the hotel's overbooked or whatever, I'm just shocked they would blatantly lie about it, it’s not like we wouldn't find out once we get there- the second hotel is 400 metres away from our original choice. I rang them again, and told them I spoke to the hotel staff direct who weren't aware they are closed next week!!, especially after they were fully booked! I also made clear that I was appalled they would threat customers like that. It seems like the agent's help line is somewhere abroad again, and the staff couldn't provide any further information. Neither did they have a Manager on tonight , but I'll make sure I get a sensible answer tomorrow.

BA.....S THEY ARE.:eek: DONT LET THEM GET AWAY WITH IT.