Excited at the last minute opportunity to go skiing we all (Myself, Sonia & two friends Jonathan & Andrew) all set out to Yorks First Choice in Wellingborough town center.
Having outlined our expectations we soon had a shortlist of two holidays. Norway & France. The travel agent produced a Neilson brochure and pointed at the Geilolia Apartments, having read through the description we were all very excitied at the prospect of an open fire as suggested by the promise of a welcome pack containing a 'bag of wood'. The accomodations also met another of our requirements which was separate rooms (one double, one twin singles).
Upon arrival we found we were booked into a different accomodation (Geilo Apartments and not Geilolia Apartments) and immediately discovered the double bed was the sofabed in the main living area. This did not meet our privacy requirements as stated when booking the holiday. After pointing this out to our Neilson Rep. Steve and the apartment complex desk staff a second room was made available at the opposite end of the complex.
After a few days we were presented with a bill for £300 for the room which we assumed First Choice would refund on our return.
First Choice refused to refund saying we got what we signed for
This is true, we got Geilo and signed paperwork for Geilo however the travel agent didn't point at Geilo, she pointed at Geilolia and considering the similar names it is unsuprising we didn't notice the error. An easy mistake to make but the mistake was theirs yet we are left with the bill. Under no circumstances would we have booked Geilo, the rooms did not meet our privacy requirements
The moral of this story:- Double check your details,
- Choose a travel agency that admits & rectifies it's mistakes
- Take your own firewood, we were reduced to tiny electric radiators