What would you do?

[batleyboy26]

As we are saving up for our Florida trip next year, we have booked a week in an apartment in Bournemouth in August for this year.

The brochure shows a picture from the lounge area on to the balcony, overlooking the sea. The words in the script accompanying the picture states 'pleasant views of Boscombe Pier and Bournemouth Bay'.

I had a phone call from the company on Thursday saying that they were sorry but the photo in the brochure is not actually the apartment we will be staying in - it does not have a balcony.

It may sound a bit sad, but I was hoping for beautiful weather for that week in August and was already picturing myself sat on that balcony eating my breakfast, and in an evening sat there eating a steak and a salad with a glass of wine (remember I want glorious weather that week). To say that I am disappointed is a bit of an understatement.

Basically they have told me that it is in their terms and conditions that they do not guarantee that the brochure is error free and that so long as they tell you as soon as it is brought to their attention, they have covered themselves.

They have said that one of three things can happen. (1) Just keep the booking and go anyway (2) They can arrange to move us to another property, but looking on their website, there is hardly anything available in the week we want, or (3) cancel the holiday and they will refund us in full.

If we cancel, we don't seem to be able to find another (decent) apartment for the week we have already booked.

I don't know what to do. DH says that we might as well keep the apartment because it is in a good location, but the edge has been taken off the holiday now for me. DH has asked me to ring the booking agent and ask for some compensation, but I do not think it will be worth the hassle as I am under the impression that they would have no problem re-letting the apartment and would be happy to refund us in full if we are not happy.

What would you do?

[happytraveller]

Hi, i can well imagine how you feel and no it dosen't seem sad!Would it not be worth looking for another property in that area and then get a refund from this place.I hope you still manage to get a balcony-good luck!

[Mazzy]

To be honest, if it's not going to live up to your expectations, and the balcony sounds like it was the 'highlight' of the apartment for you, I would suggest getting a refund and saving the money towards your disney holiday, maybe upgrading your hotel with it, or booking Discovery Cove or something special.

Of course, it has to be your decision, and only you know whether you would enjoy the holiday without the balcony you were expecting.

HTH

[TinkTatoo]

Originally posted by Mazzy
To be honest, if it's not going to live up to your expectations, and the balcony sounds like it was the 'highlight' of the apartment for you, I would suggest getting a refund and saving the money towards your disney holiday, maybe upgrading your hotel with it, or booking Discovery Cove or something special.

Of course, it has to be your decision, and only you know whether you would enjoy the holiday without the balcony you were expecting.

HTH

See more...

I agree with mazzy - the balcony seems to be an important part of the holiday for you and it might feel second best of you take the holiday without it.

[batleyboy26]

I must admit that I agree with you Tinktatoo and Mazzy, but DH is willing to still go and the boys are really looking forward to going to Monkey World, Longleat and cycling through the New Forrest and they all want me to leave things as they are, it is just me who seems to be very disappointed. besides which, there aren't really any other decent apartments left for that week now.

Thanks for 'listening'.

[Guest]

Again... another holiday story going pear shaped. How much longer do we the paying public have to put up with this "Take it or leave it" attitude? Hasn't it been going on far too long now?

[batleyboy26]

Hi Petalsoftly.

I think that is what has annoyed me more than anything. The woman on the phone wasn't particularly nice - not nasty, but not sympathetic either - and it was like it or lump it!

[TinkTatoo]

Could you come up with some other fun things to do locally on day trips for the time you were supposed to be away and tell them you will spend the money on something extra special in Florida - like Discovery Cove or a limo trip or something?

[JudyC]

I do sympathise, know what it's like to have a picture in you mind of what you'll be doing on holiday and then to be disappointed. Bournemouth is a lovely place and if the sun is shining you'll still have a great time. And if the sun doesn't shine well who needs a balcony!

[JudyC]

Another thought. Don't know how much your apartment was costing but if you cancel why don't you try Centre Parcs at Longleaf for a last minute deal. If you went the very end of the summer hols into Sept it might not be as expensive as earlier in Aug.