My friend and I eagerly bounded into the travel agency, excited about the prospect of booking our annual holiday. To ensure that we had a good selection to choose from we were actually booking 6 months in advance, and had a good idea about what sort of accommodation we desired.
Six brochures and several hours later we found what seemed an ideal apartment in a resort that sounded exactly we were looking for. Our main requirement was that we were near to a beach and had a pool within our complex, (for those days when you are feeling ultra-lazy!) The travel agent pointed out that we were a 5 minute walk from the beach and a pool was currently in the stage of being built, with a completion date of 4 months prior to our departure. Slightly concerned about the building work we stressed the importance of the pool being completed. We were informed that it was 100% guarantee that it would be done.
Five months later and one month prior to our holiday we were sent a letter informing us that there had been an error in the brochure and infact the beach was a 15 minute walk away. Based on this we enquired about moving to alternative accommodation, but were told that due to being fully booked this was not possible. Compensation was also not offered as an option.
Arrival at our apartment was the biggest shock and disappintment of all. Our images of sunbathing peacefully around our glistening, inviting pool were soon shattered when we were greeted with a huge muddy hole in the ground, and no builders or construction in sight. As a result everyday we had a long trek to the beach, (more like 25 minutes!), in temperatures of nearly 100.
During the months following our holiday we exchanged several letters and phone calls with Going Places regarding suitable offers of compensation. For a holiday that cost £450 each we were offered £50 in total. The process of complaining became so tiresome that we did not end up even accepting that.
Overall I was shocked and disappointed with the appalling customer service of such a well known and established company. I have refused to book through them since.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Like Dave commented, Going Places usually book you Airtours holidays. The first Airtours holiday I went on wasn't the best. They have improved dramitically since then and have another one booked for next September. I ALWAYS shop around as my last hol was almost £1000 cheaper than other couples we met. Good op but maybe a little more detail on the destination would be good.
olli 11.09.2001 16:31
Getma is that you, its Litcha, you never told me about that awfull experience, I am not sure if its you or not because you havent entered any details about yourself, WHY? not a bad opinion - only joking!!!!!!
Dave39 31.08.2001 21:30
I bet it was an Airtours holiday. usually Going places use Airtours firstly as they are owned by them, or the other way round.
I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole.
I now book with my local travel agent or book accomodation off the internet.
We have always had good accomodation, and it's a better standard.
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: Good value for money, excellent deals, very helpful staff. Disadvantages: Have to buy own food. Might have go tit cheaper if booked at last minute.
carolinesite 07.04.2001 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Going Places
Advantages: Good value for money, excellent deals, very helpful staff. Disadvantages: Have to buy own food. Might have go tit cheaper if booked at last minute.
carolinesite 07.04.2001 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Going Places
Aug 31st, 2001
very helpful by (95%):
helpful by (5%):
