False Advertising?

[medsecslave]

I'm hopping mad. Just over two hours ago I booked a holiday (which I had been watching over the last two weeks) as it flagged up that there was only one room remaining.

I've just logged back on to the site only to find my holiday has been reduced by half price so there clearly are rooms still available.

Tomorrow I'm going to ring customer services to complain, I realise that prices do drop closer to the date but my argument is that I booked it on the understanding that I was booking the last room - hopefully I will get the room at the current price or they will upgrade me to a better hotel.

What do other ABers think - do I have a valid case or not?

[Count-A-Strong]

Don't rake this the wrong way but you're living proof that there's one born every minute. Caveat emptor.

[sara3]

it was probably the last room.. at that price!

[bushbaby_de]

Hmm... it could have meant only one room at that price... in which case it wasn't false advertising as they are selling rooms at a different price now. However if you booked online you have a 7 day cooling off period in which you are entitled to cancel and receive a full refund - so exercise that right and rebook at the cheaper price!

[ubasses]

I am afraid holidays, flights and hotels are exempt from the seven day part of the distant selling rules

[bushbaby_de]

ubasses - that's not what is says on this website http://www.onlineshop...s-and-complaints.html

[ubasses]

http://www.thisismone...427308&in_page_id=513

I got it from this site, and I have been refused a few years ago.

[bushbaby_de]

interesting...from reading the actual regs is seems to depend on if it is a 'package' or a 'contract for accomodation'

[medsecslave]

Just an update - when I logged onto the site yesterday before contacting them the prices had reverted to what I had paid the night before so whether the 50% reduction was a temporary blip, I don't know. However I still rang because I was miffed at being 'tricked' into booking what I thought was the last room.

I was told it was the last room with an inland view. There were sea view rooms available but I would need to pay the supplement of £56. I told them they should have made that clear instead of advertising it as last room remaining as I would have waited another week or so (for the prices to come down!) before booking. They wouldn't be swayed so I emailed a letter FAO the Chief Executive of the company and got a phone call back giving me a sea view room at no extra cost. Pleased with that although still feel a bit tricking into booking - lesson learnt.

[bushbaby_de]

Job well done!