'Buy a Gift' issue buyers beware.

happyandcontented

We were given one of the deluxe vouchers for a 2-night stay in any one of 65 locations. I read the blackout dates some hotels put on their terms and conditions and chose 3 suitable options, all of whom said they had no blackout dates at all.

I tried to book every one of those hotels only to be told there is no availability. On checking their own websites all of them have 15/20 rooms available for our dates but apparently, they have an allocation of rooms for voucher customers and they are exhausted.

I cannot find a reference to that on the Buy a Gift website but their customer services say that is the case. I don't think that is acceptable.

I will now have to ask the buyer to request a refund or exchange it for another type of voucher.

I just wanted others to be aware of the issue.

sheramber

It is normal for special rates to be limited in availability.

They are often used to fill rooms at less popular times when they would otherwise be empty.

If you are prepared to go at these times then you benefit.

Why would a hotel sell a room at a cheap rate t when it could sell it at full rate?.

happyandcontented

I have no issue at all with that if that is what it says in the small print. However, what it actually says is 'subject to availability' not 'subject to the discretion of the hotel', also some hotels advertise a supplement for popular dates. Which again, is fine.