Disappointed in our free upgraded villa

[Vicki1971]

Currently in Florida enjoying the rain

We flew out on Saturday just gone and booked through a company who will remain annon at the moment. I requested a 4 bedroomed villa with 2 master suits, games room etc - basically top of the range. I was told that's what we had.

So we land and pick up the keys and drive to the vliia only to find out it's not what we requested. It has 5 bedrooms, one master suit and no games room. There are only 2 small TVs, no pool toys, no useable towels, blanks which are akin to fire blankets.

I was very disappointed in the villa we have been asigned. Rather than going direct with a villa owner I booked through a company. I paid for the top of the range 4 bed villa - with games room etc.

So I called the management agency to be told they had been out of the 4 beds so they upgraded us free of charge. Though when they said we had an executive villa - I explained what I had paid for - turns out that was an executive plus. But we got a free upgrade. Which means we got more bedrooms and no extras.

Although we didn't come here to hang around the villa all day I did pay extra to make sure on wet days - or do nothing days - my DD had lots to do. As far as the management agency are concern they have upgraed us - meaning we got bigger. My point is we haven't been given the same quality.

Also, having serached on the internet what they have terms executive isn't comapred to what others do. I think we've been fobbed off.

I have learnt from this, I will always book directly with villa owners. We did this last year and it was fantastic. This year we can't even sit around the same table - there are 7 of us and only 6 seats. It's even worse for watching TV together. There are two 2-seater sofas and 7 bottoms!!!!

Nothing I can do about it now. I will be contacting our travel company once back.

We hit Sea World torrow with a saving the species tour - and we can't wait!
The weather is wet and raining and we'er waiting on a thunderstorm.

In case anyone is wondering.... why I'm on the internet... well there's nothing for the kids to do in the villa so I brought them over to the IT suit in the comunity centre.

Speak soon
Vicki

 

[Girlsontour]

I hope your holiday, and weather, gets better....still beats sitting at home! I can remember checking into our first Florida holiday in a hotel on I-Drive and just bursting into tears. Loved the holiday but hated the hotel.

Enjoy yourselves at Seaworld

 

[ely3857]

Such a shame but I hope it doesnt impact on your holiday too much

I doubt I would ever book a villa via a travel company. I like to look at it in detail before I go and wouldnt want it allocated on arrival.



Jodie

 

[mark&sue]

Hope your holiday improves.

Thanks for letting us know what is going on.


Susan

 

[BRobson]

I can remember checking into our first Florida holiday in a hotel on I-Drive and just bursting into tears. Loved the holiday but hated the hotel.

been there done that

It is a shame you did not get what you wanted. Hope you enjoy the rest of your hols

 

[UKDEB]

Vicki, I'm so sorry. My advice would be to kick up a fuss and make a real nuisance of yourself until they move you. The first time we stayed in a villa, we did so through a package operator and, like you, we had paid the top rate for an executive villa. It clearly had been at one time, but it was tired and dirty. The friend we were with was very tenacious and she wouldn't be fobbed off. The next day we were moved to a brand new villa - we were the first in it and even had to remove the cellophane from all the lampshades.

If you're not up to that (and I wouldn't blame you), at least take loads of photos and video footage to back up your case when you get home.

 

[Cyrano]

Hope you still have a great holiday and get your villa sorted out

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I think we have all at some time had a bad holiday experience, our first villa rental was a nightmare (booked direct through the owner) - website was years out of date and the villa was a disgrace.

Now I only book newly built homes through a well known and well maintained website such as www.vr360homes.co.uk

Hope you get it sorted Vicki.

 

[castanea1985]

Vicki,
Like Deb says don't give up.. keep complaining, they might be able to move you mid holiday?!
Can you squash some more activities into your itinery? It will keep you away from the villa? What about a day out to St. Augustine, or a beach, or going kayaking, or something similar.
Try not to let it spoil your holiday too much.
Good Luck
Tracy

 

[squitty]

Vicki - we also would do what Deb said, keep on at them till you are moved to a villa that you are happy with.

Hope this doesn't spoil your trip too much.

 

[Neoshoegal]

Don't let it spoil your vacation! But also, don't let them get away with it!

How was your flight? I hope you coped alright, was thinking about you.

 

[spencem]

I love the way they think adding a bedroom is an upgrade. It's like you had paid for first class on an airline but got given two economy seats at check-in, not a lot of use to you.

Keep moaning at them and tell them you'll sue when you get home for breach of contract.

 

[Goofysmate]

Let us all know which company you have booked the villa with when you return so we can all beware.
The weather here is sunny & hot but i'd much rather be in Florida at this moment in time.
Hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday

 

[Donaldduck66]

Sorry to hear your news. Try not to let it spoil the rest of your vacation. Wish I was there.

 

[angel659]

Hi

Sorry to hear your news. Try not to let it ruin your holiday. Just think I am in FL. You have two options.

1) Keep phoning and requesting to change your villa. Potentially they will change or refuse and this will then leave your feeling livid. This could ruin your holiday, because you will be concentrating on the negatives.

2) Phone them up and make another formal complaint mentioning that you are not happy with them and that you will take this further when you return back to the UK. Make sure you take the persons name you were speaking to. Otherwise they will deny all knowledge. This has happened to us, but in a different scenario.

Whatever route you take good luck and hope you enjoy your holiday!

 

[Vicki1971]

Hi all,

Thanks for the advice.

I did complain - even stayed in a day and had two of the management agency staff come around. We had a lengthy discussion over what we had paid for and what we had been given. In their opinion we had been given an upgrade - to a 5 bedroomed house! But we didn't need an extra bedroom - it was never used. They wouldn't move us - I don't think they could.

Anyway, we were all disappointed. But we were out most of the time - doing all the cool theme park activities we could fit in .

It was a fantastic holiday - I even love the rain over there

I'll be making a travelled/activity reoprt sometime soon.

The flight back was horrible - nothing happened though I reacted badly to it. I'll be popping over the see the doctor and having a chat. The tablets he gave me did nothing. My DH dosen't think we'll be able to fly again - he doesn't want to see me in that much terror/distress.

At the moment I can't even think of going back on a plane but I am determined not to let this stop me. I'll have a few months to chill and then start thinking about going back. 2 weeks was too short though - gotta make it much longer next time.

I will be sending in a formal complaint to tour operator - Ocean Florida - this week. Next time I will be booking a new and fully equiped villa through a recommended site/owner.

It's sad to be back but we all had a fantastic time.

Highlight of the holiday was meeting Captian Jack Sparrow - 2 of my DDs are under his protection now- how cool is that!!!

Big hugs to all
Vicki

 

[natalielongstaff]

welcome back im sorry the flight back was bad, you are right not to let it put you off

 

[spencem]

Welcome back, I look forward to the trip report.

 

[angel659]

Hiya

I am sorry they didnt sort out your villa. Glad your trip wetnt well. Dont let the flight put you off, otherwise you will be missing so much. Easy for me to say as planes dont bother me. What meds did he prescribe? I think we prescribe diazapam for anxiety it basically calmns you down. I dont know if you can have these flying. Worth speaking to your GP about. My husband hates flying as well. He normally takes calms or something to help him sleep to NYC. With the kids to Orlando he wont take anything and suffers. Its horrible seeing him like that. If the flight is smooth he is ok.

Definately complain to the company there excuses were not valide in my opinion. Definately book through a owner next time. That way you know where you are and what your getting Johnny sharp will be able to point you in the right direction. He has helped me many times, but we just cant keep away from onsite hotels though.