French Country Cottages....

RufusA

Phoned them a couple of weeks ago to find a suitable property in Dordogne for 4 adults and 4 children (1 a baby, and 2 under 3).

They suggested a nice place available in June, "sleeps 6", but extra cot for baby, and the 3rd bedroom described as "twin room with additional double bed". Making 8 beds and a cot in total.

Booked online, got confirmation email. Booked flights, car hire etc.

Then 1 week after making the booking later get an email saying they've cancelled the booking due to over occupancy that is against their T&Cs.

Phone CS, and explained the situation, she suggested it was an automated message, not a problem and I should rebook by phone with their sales team, who may need to contact the owners to check they are happy with the arrangement (for "insurance purposes"). After all with half the party under 5, and unlikely to sleep in their own beds it wasn't going to be a problem.

Phoned sales (all 0870 numbers), to be told that they'd been forewarned by CS, and I couldn't book the property. They refused to contact the owner (they're "not allowed to"), and explained that what CS told me was wrong, there is no way you could have 8 people in a 6 person property!

So I've now had to dash around to find a not so nice property, that's more expensive, that "sleeps 8", because the original property they recommended I'm not allowed to book! At short notice, and fixed dates the choice of properties is restricted to say the least!

Wouldn't mind so much if they'd cancelled/refused the booking at the outset before I'd booked flights - Grrrrrrr!

Rufus.