Do the CMA regulations apply to Booking.com (registered in the Netherlands)?

Upsidedownandaround

I’m always amazed by the amount of people who choose the cheaper non-refundable rate but still think they have the same rights as the refundable rate when it suits them.

Savvy_Sue

Look, I get your points: I've used both cancellable and non-cancellable rates in the past. However, my INSURER is saying that I should pursue this with booking.com, so that is what I am having to do. The CMA says that companies should refund, and it seems that booking.com is included in this. Travelodge and Premier Inns both immediately refunded non-cancellable bookings - without even having to ask in some cases.  

Thrugelmir

Savvy_Sue said:

Look, I get your points: I've used both cancellable and non-cancellable rates in the past. However, my INSURER is saying that I should pursue this with booking.com, so that is what I am having to do. The CMA says that companies should refund, and it seems that booking.com is included in this. Travelodge and Premier Inns both immediately refunded non-cancellable bookings - without even having to ask in some cases.  

That's like comparing apples with pears. Major chains are more PR orientated. 

bagand96

Savvy_Sue said:

Look, I get your points: I've used both cancellable and non-cancellable rates in the past. However, my INSURER is saying that I should pursue this with booking.com, so that is what I am having to do. The CMA says that companies should refund, and it seems that booking.com is included in this. Travelodge and Premier Inns both immediately refunded non-cancellable bookings - without even having to ask in some cases.  

In most cases Travelodge and Premier Inn hotels were closed though. Or only open to key workers for essential reasons. Therefore they had to refund you because they couldn't provide what was payed for. 

I'm not entirely sure why you seem so keen to take your insurers side over booking.com.  I'd be pushing back against my insurer - they are just trying to dodge paying out!  

The CMA statement is just an opinion. It is backed by no legislation. They have very much muddied the waters and given insurance companies something to hide behind. 

JamoLew

Agree - YOU cancelled a none-refundable booking
Insurance all the way  (I suspect the £50 a head excess is clouding your "judgement" here)
You say "insurance as a last resort due to the excess -- nope insurance as a first and only resort

Savvy_Sue

Well, as the insurance won't pay unless I pursue this - if not all the way then at least a reasonable distance - I don't, at the moment, have much choice about it. 

They were my first resort: they first referred me to my credit card provider, then to booking.com. 

Savvy_Sue

Thank you all for your comments. Despite your doubts, and my own, I'm pleased to say my persistence has paid off and I should be getting a full refund to my credit card.