Bookings.com--- Beware

[scaniaman]

I recently had problems with a B&B booked through Bookings.com. The accommodation was paid up front to Bookings.com.

Once back home I complained to the company, who initially were most apologetic but informed me they had nothing to do with my complaint as they only act as intermediaries. They advised I take the matter up with the accommodation owners. The internet advert on Bookings site was misleading and just plain wrong.

It is my understanding that once money changes hands that a contract is said to exist. This is between buyer and person /s who originally receives the money.

Although bookings.com are HQ in Netherlands, they have an office in England, so I maintain that they are subject to SOGA & Consumer Protection Rules. They don't even think I am allowed to try & sue them in a Small Claims Court. In other words, like a well known major cut price retailer, they think they are not subject to UK law.

They have now stopped corresponding and say the matter is now closed. Even although I said we are waiting for medical evidence.

[AndyOrch]

Thread moved to the appropriate forum.

 

What exactly was the complaint scaniaman...medical evidence ?

 

Regards

 

Andy

[scaniaman]

Wife has heart condition which restricts movement. We needed overnight accommodation and browsed the net. Booking .com were advertising a bungalow which did B&B in the area we wanted to facilitate attending the funeral of a dear friend the next day.

 

Arrived at bungalow approx. 5pm only to find this "Bungalow" had been converted and our room was up a very steep stair. Each time wife climbed this stair she had to rest for a while to recover. She had to ascend and descend this stair side ways. Next morning she complained of a pain in her hip and as the day went on it worsened to the point where by night she could hardly walk. We came home after the funeral.

 

Next morning things were worse and she had to hold onto furniture to reach the bathroom etc so we went to see the GP. She referred us to the local hospital for x-ray. as there was considerable swelling in the hip.

It was the GP's opinion that climbing this steep stair had caused this condition. She also said this could take several weeks to clear up even if x-ray showed no further damage.

 

Bookings.com offered a paltry €25 in compensation which I refused pending the results of the x-ray. Because I would not accept this offer immediately they have since withdrawn it, and as far as they are concerned the matter is now closed.

 

They tried to make me take the matter up with the bungalow's proprietor but I said my contract was with them as they had taken my money.

 

Because of their attitude I would like to take them to the small claims court but don't know how to go about it.

Edited October 1, 2016 by honeybee13
Paras.

[Ganymede]

I'm not sure there is much of a case here and based on the information to date.

 

What exactly did the bungalow advertisement say? Did it specifically state that there were no stairs?

[scaniaman]

What is a BUNGALOW???????

[trebormoinet]

I have seen bungalows that are accessed by a flight of stairs.

[Ganymede]

bungalow

 

noun

 

a low house having only one storey or, in some cases, upper rooms set in the roof, typically with dormer windows.

 

Well according to the dictionary...

[scaniaman]

A proper bungalow has all rooms at ground level. Some, as in this case, have been converted to have rooms at a higher level, which involves stairs of some kind.

Some designs of bungalow have loft space and there is usually a small window incorporated as part the roof .

In this instance, the stair was very steep.

The majority opinion of a bungalow is a house all on ground level.

[Ganymede]

Back to my original question of why was the advert misleading and what did it say about stairs?

[scaniaman]

Sorry to learn you have a problem comprehending the English language.

[Ganymede]

Feel free to show me where you provided the information asked for...

[Guest]

Sorry to learn you have a problem comprehending the English language.

why the jip!

things cant be considered without knowing the fuller facts (in this case what specifically did the ad say, as that may form part of the basis for any claim). just like if someone went to a lawyer, the lawyer wld want to know everything.

nothing particular to you scaniaman. it just seems that posters are after advice without helping those trying to help.

just answer the question(s), post up full details, and then see.

[Hammy1962]

'Because of their attitude I would like to take them to the small claims court but don't know how to go about it'.

 

A perfect reason for court action.

 

1. Scope of our Service

 

Through the Platform, we (Booking.com B.V. and its affiliate (distribution) partners) provide an online platform through which Suppliers can advertise their products and service for reservation, and through which visitors of the Platform can make such reservations (i.e. the reservation service). By making a reservation through Booking.com, you enter into a direct (legally binding) contractual relationship with the Supplier with which you make a reservation or purchase a product or service (as applicable). From the point at which you make your reservation, we act solely as an intermediary between you and the Supplier, transmitting the details of your reservation to the relevant Supplier(s) and sending you a confirmation email for and on behalf of the Supplier.

 

When rendering our Service, the information that we disclose is based on the information provided to us by Suppliers. As such, the Suppliers are given access to an extranet through which they are fully responsible for updating all rates, availability and other information which is displayed on our Platform. Although we will use reasonable skill and care in performing our Service, we will not verify if, and cannot guarantee that, all information is accurate, complete or correct, nor can we be held responsible for any errors (including manifest and typographical errors), any interruptions (whether due to any (temporary and/or partial) breakdown, repair, upgrade or maintenance of our Platform or otherwise), inaccurate, misleading or untrue information or non-delivery of information. Each Supplier remains responsible at all times for the accuracy, completeness and correctness of the (descriptive) information (including the rates and availability) displayed on our Platform. Our Platform does not constitute and should not be regarded as a recommendation or endorsement of the quality, service level, qualification or (star) rating of any Supplier (or its facilities, venue, products or services) made available.

 

Our Service is made available for personal and non-commercial use only. Therefore, you are not allowed to re-sell, deep-link, use, copy, monitor (e.g. spider, scrape), display, download or reproduce any content or information, software, reservations, tickets, products or services available on our Platform for any commercial or competitive activity or purpose.

 

Seems clear to me, in English.

 

I've used them for years, never a hitch.

 

H

[AndyOrch]

Please lets keep to topic and civil chaps..after all our advice is free...anyway should you decide to litigate scania.......most probably the first question asked by most judges would be " did you ask if it was suitable for your wife " irrespective of it being advertised as a " Bungalow "

 

If you can get around that question with a suitable acceptable response there may be merit in any claim considered

 

Regards

 

Andy

[Fuzzgin]

Do you have a copy of the original advert? That should show the type of accommodation. Keep a screenshot or print as they may amend it.

 

 

I've had trouble with them before as a hotel I booked with them in the Netherlands a few years had no record of my booking. Luckily the hotel still had rooms but after their "so what?" response I will never use them again.