Our accommodation has been cancelled - suggestion please for Fort Myers area

[Hilary]

Had a phone message lunch time from our travel agent to say the resort we'd booked in Fort Myers (Sanibel Harbor Resort) isn't available due to building works! Bearing in mind we booked this in October and travel in three week's time, it's a bit late in the day to be deciding they can't accommodate us after all. However, in philosophical mode, I know there's no point in getting cross, but I do need to get on and find the best alternative.

The hotel have offered us two adjoining hotel rooms as an alternative, but we've declined that as we want kitchen facilites, etc.

Funway (the travel agent) have offered an alternative resort with similar facilities at a reduced rate, as well as the option to cancel with no penalty for a full refund.

Do any of you have suggestions for anywhere in the area? We want a 2 bed condo with full kitchen and preferably washer/drier (can't do without my laundy facilities ). Would prefer NOT to be on the beach, but would like to be on/near water for fishing, boating, etc. Want to be near to shopping, restaurants, etc.

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Hilary - that's just downright ridiculous. I guess the only good thing is that they are offering reduced rates elsewhere or full refund . . . not that that actually does much good when I know you ahd your heart set on the Sanibel Harbour.

Whilst we're off to Ft Myers this summer, it's in a friend's apartment so I don't know any other places, but there are a number of the larger chain hotels - on the beach.

Have you done a search on the Ft Myers tourist info boards - they often have realtors on their offering properties.

Other than that, look on some of the villa boards for that area - there are bound to be some for that area since it's very popular.

I'm so sorry this has happened for you and good luck with finding alternative accommodation.

I often think these things are meant to happen for a reason; you'll probably find a peach of a property in the end

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Just done a quick search and the Diamondhead Resort seems to come recommended, as does the Outrigger (beach hotels again).

I'm sure you've already looked into accommodation on Sanibel and Captiva?

 

[KayleeUK]

Hilary

I have no suggestions I'm afraid. But

I hope you get something sorted.

 

[Miffy2003]

Hilary, that stinks.

I have no advice I'm afraid, but I hope you get hold of something even better.

 

[Scotfan]

No advice I'm afraid but Funway did this to us too in 1998 - twice.
Good luck arranging alternative accommodation, there will be something out there.

 

[Hilary]

Thanks for the tea and sympathy (and advice )!

Annie - Diamond Head and Outrigger seem to have only one-bedroom suites and we need two bedrooms, but thanks for looking

I've been trawling the websites and think the alternative suggested by Funway (Pink Shell) seems as good as any for combination of facilities and location. My plan of campaign now is to secure it for the best price - the supposed discount they offered me this afternoon doesn't seem to tally with their website quote, but I may be looking at a different category of accommodation, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now...

I'll keep you informed

(How I think I'll have the time to be negotiating with Funway tomorrow when I'm helping mum move out of her house, I dont' know - the removal van is coming after lunch! - but I'm sure I'll find a way!)

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Hilary - good luck . . . with Funway and your mum's move

 

[Hilary]

Just called Funway again and did get 'a bit cross'

According to them the discount referred to last night was, in fact, the difference between the brochure price we paid for the Sanibel Harbour and the brochure price we'd pay for the Pink Shell. Er, hello, isn't that just a refund of what we'd be entitled to, actually?

Funway says we're not entitled to any compensation because the Sanibel Harbour offered us alternative accommodation at a better grade than our original booking. Yes, they did make that offer, but it was to substitute our 2-bed, 2-bath, living room, full kitchen, laundry facilities, etc. condo for 2 hotel rooms. Even if those hotel rooms are graded better than the condos I don't agree it's a comparable substitute.

The supervisor was 'in a meeting' (oh yeah?) but she will be asked to call me back.

 

[angel659]

Oh dear I hope you get it sorted. Try looking at www.tripadvisor.com they give all the hotels in the area plus feedback from prior guests. I have used this several times when booking abroad and even managed to find a great hotel in London by all the recommendations. Good luck.

 

[KayleeUK]

Did the supervisor call you back Hilary??

 

[Hilary]

Yes, I did get a call back, so I suppose that's one thing in Funway's favour! I also have to admit that both people I have dealt with have been extremely pleasant and helpful - the only snarling has come from my side of the conversation

However, the bottom line is that we are now booked in to the alternative resort (Pink Shell) suggested by Funway, but will receive the difference between the amount we've already paid and the new brochure cost - no concession, compensation, goodwill gesture, nothing

The phone line went quite a deep shade of blue when the supervisor suggested I was getting some concession because they'd waived the fee for amending the booking!!!!!!!

I have told them I will be writing to complain about the situation, but I know it's not going to achieve a bean, but might just make me feel a bit better.

Want to know a little 'secret'? I didn't threaten the "I'll cancel the booking for a complete refund unless you throw in some goodwill" route because I couldn't get anywhere close to Funway's brochure price with any other TAs or direct with the hotel - so maybe I shouldn't really compain too much!

Hey ho, onwards and upwards... I'm sure the Pink Shell will be fine once we get there and can forget the hassle with the booking fiasco.

 

[Miffy2003]

What a pain Hilary. They've got you over a barrel haven't they?

I think you are right to take an onwards and upwards approach, though a letter of complaint cannot hurt.

I have to say this astounded me though:

when the supervisor suggested I was getting some concession because they'd waived the fee for amending the booking!!!!!!!

The blooming cheek!!!

 

[Mumof2]

I've been reading this thread with interest and Like Miffy I could not believe the "waiving the amendment fee" comment. HELLO - do they realise this your holiday