Teletext Holiday refunds?

freelancesam

3 days ago, I booked and paid for a teletext holiday to florence but immediately regretted it once reading some online reviews. It's advertised (and priced) as a luxury 4-star hotel but all the latest reviews state that it's a dirty, run down, mosquito infested 2-star hotel, over 1 hour away from florence on a busy main road tucked behind a petrol station.. there is no way we are going to enjoy it.

Where do I stand with this? The flights are fine but can I request a refund for the accommodation? The booking is for July 20th.

Moto2

I doubt you can do much but check the TCs

I'd go and see what it's like, if it really is too bad for you, just leave and find somewhere else

Caz3121

are there factually incorrect details advertised?
You mention 4* and 2*..* rating tends to be based on facilities offered...some information on the European ratings here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_rating
was it advertised as in the centre but it now appears to be further out?
Did you not check any reviews before booking?

freelancesam

Moto2 wrote: »

I doubt you can do much but check the TCs

I'd go and see what it's like, if it really is too bad for you, just leave and find somewhere else

I thought about this but it's going to cost another £400-500 to find somewhere else and we really can't afford it (young couple). I thought that it may be easier to try and change it before we go as we only booked it this week, rather than going, wasting all our money on an unenjoyable holiday and then trying to do something about it.

And no, I (stupidly) didn't check the reviews of the hotel as I trusted teletext holidays as a brand and paid more for the better 4-star hotel that looks really nice in the pictures. Funnily, enough, they don't mention their mosquito infestation. :sad:

Alan_Bowen

Everyone will tell you to read the reviews before booking, some might add that you should have looked here at the dreadful reviews of Teletext Holidays as well but none of that will help you.

Firstly check to see what the official rating is, not what people on Trip Advisor consider it to be. If it really is officially rated two star and you can prove they advertised it as 4 star, hopefully you kept copies what you saw on line, then it is a breach of the law and most operators would fall over themselves to apologise and put it right. Having legal rights against Teletext may not be that useful as they seem to ignore basic facts but at least you know the law is on your side. Did they tell you exactly where the hotel was and can you show that was misleading as well?

If so, then play hardball, send the evidence and demand they put it right. Unfortunately they do seem to keep an eye on most websites where they may be being criticised and may shortly post a generic 'we love you all, please contact us and we will put it right' here, if they do, take them up on the offer. You have only 4 weeks before travelling so time is of the essence, if they do not respond contact Citizens Advice who now seem to do the work of Trading Standards and ask for them to intervene

hollydays

freelancesam wrote: »

I thought about this but it's going to cost another £400-500 to find somewhere else and we really can't afford it (young couple). I thought that it may be easier to try and change it before we go as we only booked it this week, rather than going, wasting all our money on an unenjoyable holiday and then trying to do something about it.

And no, I (stupidly) didn't check the reviews of the hotel as I trusted teletext holidays as a brand and paid more for the better 4-star hotel that looks really nice in the pictures. Funnily, enough, they don't mention their mosquito infestation. :sad:

I've found the hotel you describe, not every review describes a mosquito problem!
Which site were you looking at?
I wonder how they sold you this hotel and what did you pay? The hotel does have a pool , and you can eat outside, which you won't easily get at a good price in the centre of Florence .
1 hour away? It's only a few miles away but the traffic may well slow down your bus ride, it's a major tourist destination in July.
Some of the complaints, poor wifi, , non too good air con are very typical of any Italian budget hotel. I never eat breakfast in Italian hotels,even if I've paid, -I go to a cafe where the locals go.if you want to avoid mosquitos just take sensible precautions.