One of Airtours many guises is "Aspro Holidays For Less."
Just the ticket for a low-budget family holiday.
We had no illusions as to what my self-catering accomodation in Cambrils would be like.
We weren't paying much - just over £800 for a family of 4 for 2 weeks.
Actually, we were pleasantly surprised.
Although the Pins MarinaPark apartments had little to offer other than a pool and a british pub ajoining it (yeukk!! why go to Spain and go brit??)they were both clean and comfortable.
There was some major building work nextdoor but we knew about it in advance and had decided it wouldn't be a problem except for their sense of timing, but more on that later.
To be honest all we were looking for was a base and intended spending very little time there so we got what we wanted.
Our outgoing flight was delayed by 4 hours and although it was tolerable.
I joked that I wanted the quarter bottle of champagne - and got it!
Anyway back to the holiday.
It was superb!
But that was down to us and our plans and not Airtours.
And so to the reps.
Well I am sorry but a bigger bunch of airheads (thats male and female) you could never hope to meet.
I can't stomach the way way they greet you.
With the assumption that you are a green as you are cabbage looking and totally alcholic.
They insist on giving you the rundown on the best bars and clubs.
Ask them about local bus services and they either don't know or give the wrong info.
Unfortunately we had to go to the welcome meeting as we had some free tickets for Port Adventura thrown in with the holiday and needed to pick them up.
And again lies.
The cheapest, easiest and safest way of going to Barcelona is to go with us at £20 a time.
Funnily enough we spoke to quite a few people who had gone on organised trips and each had at least 2 pickpocketing incidents amongst their particular party.
Think about it.
Coach loads of unsuspecting sheep (sorry,tourists)being herded on and off buses without a clue where they are, are a magnet for thieves in cities like Barcelona.
Back to the building work.
As I already said it wasn't a problem but a letter from Airtours prior to our departure informed us about it and it specified that work would not begin before 10 am.
That appeared to translate to 8 am in Spanish.
Even with time differences that one just doesn't add up.
It was not a problem really but I do like to be told the truth as I said before.
So when I mentioned it to the rep on the way back to the airport she told me that some reps lived at the apartments and it didn't bother them and went into defensive mode.
It seems I should have made any complaints in the resort.
I politely explained that I wasn't looking for compensation.
She clearly thought I was.
I just wanted to point out the error and could she pass my comments on to Airtours.
She was very reluctant to so.
So I did!
I am still awaiting a reply however.
We got what we paid for and we're satisfied.
I just wish Airtours were a more careful about the attitudes of their employees.
At the end of the day I guess you have to accept that they are not really there to make your holiday.
They are really there to make money for Airtours and earn commission on their overpriced and patronising excursions.
Such a pity really because without them Airtours are OK.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Good op and shame about the bloody holiday reps (always the same)!
TallTone 12.10.2001 12:07
Sorry to hear about your bad experiences. It would be interesting to get comment from a holiday rep (not necessarily, but ideally an Airtours one) on this. Keep us all posted with replies or not from the parent group! BTW, technical note, I think you break for paragraphs a little *too* often - but at least that's better than not often enough! It's always worth reading your work back to yourself to see if it "flows" right. There's also a spot where you're missing an "s" (you've got "a green as"). Anyway, these are really minor points, I don't want to detract from a well-written piece! Well done, TT.
flossy 12.10.2001 11:47
Blimey.....we cant even afford a cheap holiday!!! Good op though.
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Splendia, a unique selection of luxury and design hotels with character in the most beautiful locations: Marrakesh, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Dubai.... Book directly online or contact our customer service available any day of the week.
Record Rent a Car is present in the main spanish airports and has a very wide fleet. We offer: exceptional discounts, free additional drivers,
unlimited mileage... subscribe to our Club Record and take advantage of special offers.
Advantages: Staff try their best in a bad situation, its just a shame about the company they work for, and the flights are cheap (you get what you pay for) Disadvantages: Too many to list!
very helpful by (100%):
