Who to book with

CDC2011

I am looking to book a holiday to a specific hotel next year however the 'mainstream' operator - Thompsons - doesn't have any availability for when I want to go.

So, I'm looking at other options:

1) Book a private rental rather than a hotel or book with the hotel directly. Flights would then be booked with either Thompsons or Monarch.

2) Book an alternative combo deal (hotel + flight + baggage) with either:
a) Monarch
b) Travel Republic
c) Low Cost Holidays

However I've never used any of the three companies mentioned in option 2, nor have any of my family / friends.

Does anyone have any opinions on these companies?

needaholiday

Have you tried booking.com. I always book our Ibiza hotel with Thomsons but friends came with us this year and booked same hotel through booking.com and had no problem whatsoever.
I would check price direct with hotel too and see which is cheaper.
Can't help you with the flights though as I always use Thomson or Thomas Cook.

mick_vandick

Is it a 'Thomson exclusive' hotel? Which hotel is it?

CDC2011

Here's a pricing example: 7-14 July for a single traveller (hotel / villa + flight + baggage)

• Private Rental = £575
• Direct with hotel = Euro 640 + £209 for flight
• Monarch = £592
• Travel Republic = £686
• Low Cost = £659

The maths say Private Rental at first as its the cheapest, however the hotel is half board so factoring in self catering food costs, Monarch is then cheapest.

I am just probably being over cautious as I've always consider Monarch as a low budget airline rather than a holiday provider.

Is it a 'Thomson exclusive' hotel? Which hotel is it?

I don't think it is...its the Hotel S'Algar in Menorca.

Have you tried booking.com

I've had a look but its saying there is no rooms available for the dates I want. (There is according to the hotel but I'm guessing the allocations given out to travel companies have been used up?)

mick_vandick

I am just probably being over cautious as I've always consider Monarch as a low budget airline rather than a holiday provider.

Holidays with Monarch will be with Cosmos, part of the Monarch group. Cosmos have a good name and have been around for a long time now. At that price i would go with them. Thomas Cook are about £150 more!

CDC2011

Holidays with Monarch will be with Cosmos, part of the Monarch group. Cosmos have a good name and have been around for a long time now. At that price i would go with them. Thomas Cook are about £150 more!

Thanks for this, I shall have a look a little more into Cosmos.