Ripped off by guesthouse - advice please?

essjaybee

Hello all,

Here is my pickle: Back in Nov 09 My friends and I stayed at a guesthouse in Edinburgh. I booked it through Laterooms.com and their policy is that they take no money from you as a deposit, the guesthouse does that.
Before our trip I spoke to the guesthouse owner, told him how I'd reserved our rooms and he asked how we would pay. I asked if cash on arrival for the total was ok, he said yes. We went to Edinburgh, paid in full in cash, stayed a night, came home. The next week I noticed the owner had taken my deposit of £112 2 nights before our stay. I emailed him, was told it was a mistake and would be refunded. The refund never came. Since I emailed (23rd Nov) I have spoken and emailed him numerous times. On the phone he has said he will refund the next day but never has, and he does not reply to my email. I called again last night and left a message on his answerphone.
I get the feeling I'm being fobbed off and wonder if I should take him to court even though this may be costly?
Has anyone got any advice for me please?

Thanks

nomoneytoday

I would look into a money claim online

blue_monkey_2

I would send a letter giving him 14 days to pay, send it by recorded delivery. Tell him that 'if you have not received a clear refund in this time you will have no choice but to get your refund via the small claims court, which would incur additional costs for him'.

Make sure you send it recorded delivery so he cannot say it has not arrived.

It costs £30 to file in the small claims court, which you will get back. The details are here. it is very easy so get the letter in the mail today. https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/csmco2/index.jsp

blue_monkey_2

nomoneytoday wrote: »

I would look into a money claim online

You need to give more details, a letter has to be sent before you file at MCO giving debtor a chance to pay. You should always recommend 14 days and then to file a claim.

essjaybee

Thanks alot guys, I'll knock a letter out today and get it in the post to him giving him 14 days to refund, and then go through the MCO if he still does not respond.

Thanks for your advice :T

eslick

how did he take the deposit was it through laterooms, sorry dont get that part. If he has taken it through laterooms try talking to them.

essjaybee

He took it through laterooms yeah. I had to leave my CC details with them as a guarantee and the guesthouse would take the deposit (half the total). However, we agreed over the phone beforehand that we would pay in cash in full on arrival. He has since told me it was a mistake and would refund me.....but 6 weeks later, he still hasn't.

lisyloo

Did you get a receipt for your cash?

If you did then why don't you ask the credit card company to do a chargeback?
Are they not jointly liable?

This might be cheaper and quicker than a civil court?

essjaybee

unfortunately we didn't get a receipt, we were rushing about to get to a meal on time and just trusted him! Whoopsy!

Basil1234

oh btw could you please name and shame for everyones benefit!

Smiley_Mum

We visit Edinburgh reasonably regularly and would hate to end up stopping at this rip off merchant. If you could post up the place you stayed at that would benefit others. Thanks.