About a month ago I launched the ‘Ask Mr Rants’ feature and what a response from consumers. I am starting to notice a few common issues and I want to highlight one of them. For many consumers choosing the right accommodation is important, no matter if it’s a hotel, ski chalet or apartment.

Website error so holiday cancelled

Most of us spend a lot of time reading reviews and researching the location before booking so it must be incredibly frustrating when after you have booked, the tour operator or travel agency move you in to another hotel, one that you are not happy with, or the option of a refund is thrown at you.

Consumer compensation

The company thinks that all is fine because they have refund the price of the holiday. This is simply not good enough. Not when all concerned are excited about the holiday and you have booked the time off work. From a quick search on Google this appears to be a problem for many consumers.

Ski holiday hotels

I am sure it is just coincidence but two of the emails that I have received are relating to skiing holidays, different companies and destinations. Both consumers booked ski holidays online to be told that the accommodation should not have been available for booking.

Another consumer had booked a hotel online to be told that it was not available for the period she had booked it, and it should not have been available online. The alternative was inadequate and they received a full refund. The kids weren’t happy that their Christmas trip was cancelled.

As usual the booking terms and conditions were referred to when all of the consumers complained.

Lost customer service

When you are forced to change your plans then in my mind the company concerned should surely, offer some form of compensation. It is alright saying you’re getting a refund, so what you moaning about, that’s not the point, you are inconvienced, and it’s not their fault the website was out of date.

If travel companies cannot publish available accommodation online, something simple, then that’s worrying. Please feel free to add your thoughts, questions, and if you have had a similar issue with hotel changes or cancelling your well researched holiday accommodation.

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