Never too old to be hoodwinked

[David]

Used booking.com for our recent holiday that included the Aurland Hotel, Norway.

Booked a double bedroom in December 2014 with a fjord view, arrived in August 2015 to find we had a room with a soiled and dirty sofa as a bed (see photo) and a view of the car park.

Tried to complain to the manager but she refused to come to the reception desk. Tried again next morning, again without success. Complained to booking.com upon my return and following a telephone conversation, sent them photos of the said bed, view and our booking confirmation. I emailed again for a reply. They have not responded to my emails.

So, thought I, I will claim against my credit card. When booking, our booking.com confirmation stated a 'double or twin room'. Apparently, according to the Nationwide, it did not state 'double or twin BED room' (I kid you not) which according to my credit card company, who uses VISA, means they will not dispute the bill. Apparently Mastercard protection is different.

So be warned if you ever use booking.com, used a credit card or by some gross misfortune have to stay at this hotel.





Rant over.

[enigmas]

Unfortunately the internet is full of 'smoke and mirrors' David especially when booking things such as rooms and accommodation sight unseen. It forces you into being quite blunt when confirming what you may be getting for your money. Perhaps forwarding an email (prior to payment) stating your requirements/expectations) would provide the necessary 'evidence' if you feel you've been conned.

Of course prior to leaving you could always place a fish or similar dead marine animal within the structure of the fold down couch when you leave.

[johnwp5bcoupe]

I am really sorry to read about your room being so cra""y David we all do these things on trust,but sadly there are some people out there who have no scruples!!!

A shame you used your Debit card instead of your Credit card but as I said we do these things on trust

[David]

That was what surprised me John,, as I used a credit card, not a debit card. Having done some investigation it looks like credit card protection does not apply if booking through a third party, in this case booking.com

"Where Section 75 doesn't apply
There are some transactions where there are arguments that Section 75 may not apply - these include where the payment has been made through an online payment service and where a third party is involved, such as where you buy goods or services through an agent, rather than directly from the seller or supplier."

Perhaps I should have checked out booking.com better:
www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/bookingcom-c238032.html

Ho hum, you live and learn.

Other than Anne and I getting stuck in a lift and having to be rescued, the rest of the holiday was wonderful. Never been to Norway, so its beauty (and number of tunnels) was overwhelming.


One of the routes we travelled


Stopping in one of the three laybys inside the worlds longest tunnel


Gerainger. We drove down one side and up the other - you can see the hairpin road to the right.

[Warwick]

Are you sure you read it properly David? Are you sure that it didn't say "a view of a Ford"?

Sept 9, 2015 23:08:47 GMT enigmas said:

... Of course prior to leaving you could always place a fish or similar dead marine animal within the structure of the fold down couch when you leave.

Wouldn't work in Norway Vince. Fermented fish is a delicacy.

[enigmas]

We're not talking about eating it Warwick!

[johnwp5bcoupe]

Sept 11, 2015 4:53:46 GMT enigmas said:

We're not talking about eating it Warwick!

Someone stuck a Herring on the manifold of the A55 I borrowed to go on my Honeymoon and no Warwick I didn't eat it

[Warwick]

Sept 11, 2015 4:53:46 GMT enigmas said:

We're not talking about eating it Warwick!

I know Vince, but the hotelier wouldn't be offended by the smell. They would think the David left them a treat.

Sept 11, 2015 5:35:30 GMT johnwp5bcoupe said:

Someone stuck a Herring on the manifold of the A55 I borrowed to go on my Honeymoon.

Was it red?

[johnwp5bcoupe]

David's post is all over the place sorry Bud

No it wasn't Red Warwick the amount of oil that old car used I could have deep fried it