Windsor Hills Townhouse problem

[Mickeypooh99]

I booked a townhouse in Windsor hills back in August of 2010 for our August 2011 vacation. I sent in the required deposit, and the check was cashed. The balance is supposed to be due 30 days before our vacation which is July 20th. I recieve notice today via email that my reservation had been cancelled due to nonpayment!

So I called to find out why my reservation was cancelled, and was told that I did not pay the deposit. I said that I did, and my bank statement showed the check as cashed. I asked if they had given the townhome to someone else, and they had for the first half of our vacation. I then asked why wasn't I given any warning before they cancelled, and they stated that they don't follow up on unpaid deposits, and that it had been a year. Again I stated that I had paid. I checked my statement, and the check had been cashed.

So she had to look in her records and call me back. Well she then said she did not have any record of my paying at all. So she asked for a copy of the check front and back. I was able to get a copy online, and email it to her. I did that at 4:00 pm, and I am waiting for her reply. I'm not sure how they intend to fix the problem since they already gave the townhome to someone else for 1/2 our vacation.

This is so upsetting to have to deal with this. I thought our vacation plans were all taken care of. I don't think there is anything I can do at this point, but wait to see what she says. I already started looking for another townhouse, but I would need my $500.00 back too.

If you book a townhouse, make sure you get some kind of confirmation. I thought a cancelled check was proof enough, but apparently not. I should have known better.

 

[Lou Holtz]

What an awful situation. I would be irate. Keep us updated on what happens. I'm very interested to know how this person handles their mistake. Luckily for you, you should still be able to find a townhouse this far ahead. You really don't need to book these a year in advance. Seems like that gave them too much time to forget about you.

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

hopefully you will get a resolution soon. maybe they applied the deposit to a different person's account?

Sarah

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

We had a lot of trouble renting one of those townhouses last year. I don't know if I can mention the name of the company here - Villa Direct - so if it has to be blanked out, sorry to all concerned!

They were great once we actually arrived, but what a hassle beforehand! They kept changing the townhouse we committed to, not once but 3 times. It wasn't their fault at one level because I guess the owners were selling, or being foreclosed on, or something, but we kept being put in townhouses we would not have chosen, and there was no way to get our money back. I would never sign a contract with them again that I couldn't get out of if the owners backed out. It seems to me if one side backs out, the other should also have that option.

Our stay turned out to be ok, but we had a lousy view and ugly furniture - not what we would have picked at all.

The only way I would rent from them again is at the last minute, not only to get a property I actually want, but also to get a better price than the one I signed up for in advance as a "special deal". Never again.

 

[Tinkmom75]

It doesn't make sense. They said they didn't follow up, but then they did prior to your full amount being due. If they don't fix it I would report them to the BBB.

 

[Mickeypooh99]

She just called, and they fixed it. They found the check, and we do get the townhouse since we reserved first. They are putting the other people in another unit.

Everyone makes mistakes. Its how that fix it that matters most. She was really nice and apologetic about it. She is going to email me a confirmation receipt.

The only concern I have is the cancelling without warning, but she did explain that the computer does that automatically. I wish there was a way they could change that.

So all is good, and our vacation is back on schedule as planned!

 

[Lou Holtz]

Fantastic. Glad it turned out okay. Not ideal for the family that got bumped through no fault of their own. I hope they are getting something for the owner's mistake.

 

[isla bonita]

So glad all worked out.

Its great that they followed through. We all make mistakes its how we deal with them that makes the difference.

Have fun!