5-star accommodation misrepresented by broker

powerful_Rogue

techguy81 wrote: »

I booked the room 3 months ago, stayed there last weekend. And surely advertising a room 70% off when it has never been that price is false advertising?

Then you need to file a complaint with the ASA for them to look into.

As for a refund, you may get a goodwill gesture, but I doubt it. You got the room you booked.

As for compensation, what do you believe you should be compensated for?

IAmWales

I've not stayed at the London properties, but have at other Taj hotels. I wouldn't be surprised if the rack rate is £850! That's what the reduced price is based on, it's very rarely anybody ever pays that price.

You really should have raised this at the time, with the hotel and the agent. Given that you didn't, and that rates for the next few weekends are £300++, what are you looking for from the broker?

techguy81

It is worth pointing out that Taj 51 Buckingham Gate and St. James' Court are separate entities with different websites and addresses. When I made the booking, I was on the Taj 51 page of TripAdvisor. My booking confirmation states Taj 51 Buckingham Gate and I believed I was booking a luxury suite at this address. I didn't even know St. James' Court existed until I was given the paperwork at the hotel. Up until that point, there was no reference to it whatsoever. In an ideal world we would have said something, but it was late in the day on a Saturday and we had a show to get to across town. To be perfectly honest, I still hadn't quite figured out what was going on until I thought about it more on the train home.

hollydays

I'm not sure if it makes a difference but did you have access to the 5 star hotels facilities ?

powerful_Rogue

techguy81 wrote: »

It is worth pointing out that Taj 51 Buckingham Gate and St. James' Court are separate entities with different websites and addresses. When I made the booking, I was on the Taj 51 page of TripAdvisor. My booking confirmation states Taj 51 Buckingham Gate and I believed I was booking a luxury suite at this address. I didn't even know St. James' Court existed until I was given the paperwork at the hotel. Up until that point, there was no reference to it whatsoever. In an ideal world we would have said something, but it was late in the day on a Saturday and we had a show to get to across town. To be perfectly honest, I still hadn't quite figured out what was going on until I thought about it more on the train home.

You paid £250 and stayed in a room that was selling for £250.

You won't get a refund as you didn't raise the issue at the time and allow it to be sorted.

However I imagine they probably will be willing to refund you the difference between the price you paid and the cost of the room you stayed in.

powerful_Rogue

daytona0 wrote: »

You can pursue this by asking them for compensation. If they decline then send a letter before action and then go to small claims court and present your case.

I'm sorry, but I think that is terrible advice.

Compensation for what exactly?

peachyprice

techguy81 wrote: »

It is worth pointing out that Taj 51 Buckingham Gate and St. James' Court are separate entities with different websites and addresses. When I made the booking, I was on the Taj 51 page of TripAdvisor. My booking confirmation states Taj 51 Buckingham Gate and I believed I was booking a luxury suite at this address. I didn't even know St. James' Court existed until I was given the paperwork at the hotel. Up until that point, there was no reference to it whatsoever. In an ideal world we would have said something, but it was late in the day on a Saturday and we had a show to get to across town. To be perfectly honest, I still hadn't quite figured out what was going on until I thought about it more on the train home.

So what happened when you rolled up at 51 to check in? Did they send you over to 54? Didn't you think then that there must be a mix up?

Caz3121

which broker? what have they said about the situation?

techguy81

peachyprice wrote: »

So what happened when you rolled up at 51 to check in? Did they send you over to 54? Didn't you think then that there must be a mix up?

They use the same check in desk as far as I could gather

techguy81

Caz3121 wrote: »

which broker? what have they said about the situation?

TravelUp, not approached them yet, wanted to see where I stand first.