1800hotels.ie - what's happening?

xraylady · 13-07-2010 9:57pm

dids6457 wrote: »

No problem. I couldn't get through to them as I was too late this evening. Were they able to tell you that they received the money and would be paying the hotel? If they have received the money e will be ok.

No. Without even looking my booking up, they suggested that because my booking was for before the end of month, that it would be ok. They fobbed me off a bit and said that I'd be ok unless I heard differently. I must have been a bit flustered to accept such a vague answer! Hope you have more luck tomorrow.. Thanks

noonespecial · 13-07-2010 9:57pm

meteor27 wrote: »

I booked part of our honeymoon last night, it took me nearly 2 days to get website to have prices on it, so when it seemed back to normal last night, we booked it straight away. I rang mbna my cc company and they advised me to ring back 2mro. I seem to be under Mark International Travel, has anyone else tried to contact them?

if i was you i would try and get the card company to give you the money back, or if you can get hold of 1800 get them to refund you but i bet they wont

noonespecial · 13-07-2010 9:59pm

Stepherunie wrote: »

OH I really think the joke is on us.

Sent an email to info@1800hotels.ie just there to ask for refund (need to attempt contact them for CC chargeback) - an auto reply email arrived 2 minutes later from 1800hotels. The subject line? 'Want to cancel? Now you can, online!'

Ironic or what?

This will cancel your booking but it doesn't automatically refund the money, this is a manual process

Eppie25 · 13-07-2010 10:00pm

noonespecial wrote: »

if i was you i would try and get the card company to give you the money back, or if you can get hold of 1800 get them to refund you but i bet they wont

hiya.. I contacted Mark Travel Corporation today in Wisconsin.. they had no reservation for me on their system, I booked in May for August...

gagiteebo · 13-07-2010 10:01pm

I'm sickened by this

Booked a hotel for August by Laser (damn it!) Rang the hotel, they said reservations desk is closed and to call back in the morning, the company line is also closed....

Bookings by LaserCard? No chance of seeing that money again eh?

noonespecial · 13-07-2010 10:01pm

xraylady wrote: »

No. Without even looking my booking up, they suggested that because my booking was for before the end of month, that it would be ok. They fobbed me off a bit and said that I'd be ok unless I heard differently. I must have been a bit flustered to accept such a vague answer! Hope you have more luck tomorrow.. Thanks

actually this is quite likely with some suppliers, the accounts have to be settled monthly so it depends on who you got booked with supplier wise and their policy's

noonespecial · 13-07-2010 10:04pm

Eppie25 wrote: »

hiya.. I contacted Mark Travel Corporation today in Wisconsin.. they had no reservation for me on their system, I booked in May for August...

that's interesting as it seems from peoples reports that they are currently using Mark International on their www.1800hotels.com site

Dougiehowlett · 13-07-2010 10:09pm

I spoke to my hotel (Booking made in April for December Booking). GTA has not cancelled. They were aware about 1800hotels but would let me know if the booking was cancelled.

Spoke to GTA in London. Extremely rude, told me that all 1800hotel booking would be cancelled as 1800hotels owe them millions. I asked whether my booking was paid for given it was April and the money should have transferred. Told we were going around in circles. I then questioned whether they were complicit in this matter by allowing bookings to be made up to 3 days ago, knowing consumers had paid up front and that their sanction against 1800hotels would be to cancel bookings. I asked for the individual's name at which point he hung up. I will be seeking charge back from my credit card company.

Perhaps, I will also be reporting GTA to the OFT in London and the EU Commission.

noonespecial · 13-07-2010 10:14pm

Dougiehowlett wrote: »

I spoke to my hotel (Booking made in April for December Booking). GTA has not cancelled. They were aware about 1800hotels but would let me know if the booking was cancelled.

Spoke to GTA in London. Extremely rude, told me that all 1800hotel booking would be cancelled as 1800hotels owe them millions. I asked whether my booking was paid for given it was April and the money should have transferred. Told we were going around in circles. I then questioned whether they were complicit in this matter by allowing bookings to be made up to 3 days ago, knowing consumers had paid up front and that their sanction against 1800hotels would be to cancel bookings. I asked for the individual's name at which point he hung up. I will be seeking charge back from my credit card company.

Perhaps, I will also be reporting GTA to the OFT in London and the EU Commission.

Wow! that's really rude, it may just have been that single person but its still unacceptable i would call back and get a manager and tell them the time of the call they may record their calls or log them then they can discipline the person, your having a hard enough time with 1800 with out them adding to it.

Stepherunie · 13-07-2010 10:15pm

noonespecial wrote: »

This will cancel your booking but it doesn't automatically refund the money, this is a manual process

I know, I just found it ironic. Don't expect to get my money back from them, was just ticking all the boxes to ensure I have done everything I can do to get a chargeback with the CC company.

Dougiehowlett · 13-07-2010 10:16pm

noonespecial wrote: »

Wow! that's really rude, it may just have been that single person but its still unacceptable i would call back and get a manager and tell them the time of the call they may record their calls or log them then they can discipline the person, your having a hard enough time with 1800 with out them adding to it.

He told me this was the instruction by management.

noonespecial · 13-07-2010 10:18pm

Dougiehowlett wrote: »

He told me this was the instruction by management.

that's all well and good but there's no need to put it rudely and then to hang up when you asked the persons name! that's the really rude bit there's no need for that.

i would put in a complaint, might get credit towards a future booking.

cson · 13-07-2010 10:19pm

homerdog wrote: »

The demise of 1800 Hotels is another example of the 'double standards' in the Irish Travel Trade.

Dozens of these hotel brokers sprung up during the boom years without any regulation, bonding or licencing. Many of them have gone the way of 1800 Hotels leaving many disgruntled customers many of whom have paid in full only to find the bookings were cancelled because that money never reached the hotel.

Whats the answer ?. Book through a travel agent. They have to be licenced and are bonded, so any money paid is protected, And because TA's are impartial, they source hotels from many different suppliers .

Don't always believe that internet bookings are always cheaper. Whats the good of that if your money is gone up the Swanee ?

You wouldn't be in the travel agent business yourself by any chance?

Dougiehowlett · 13-07-2010 10:22pm

noonespecial wrote: »

that's all well and good but there's no need to put it rudely and then to hang up when you asked the persons name! that's the really rude bit there's no need for that.

i would put in a complaint, might get credit towards a future booking.

I would just like my booking honoured or my money back.

woolly · 13-07-2010 10:24pm

I have booked for Dubai for the 29th August was due payment on Sunday heard Joe Duffy today(thankfully) so rang hotel and my booking is cancelled, Im one of the very lucky ones iv only lost €200, my deposit. I had been trying to contact them to make an amendment and pay remaining money owed, e-mailed and rang, left messages too. Rang a friend who works in another on line agency and he is sure visa will refund but they need proof of the booking and payment. I wonder will they be contacting people to tell them there booking is cancelled!!!! Naive me thinks!!

flamegrill · 13-07-2010 10:54pm

From what I've heard they'll probably make some kind of announcement tomorrow either way. I find it a little bad that they dropped the .ie site instead of putting up a holding page that explained the situation.

Paul

noonespecial · 13-07-2010 10:57pm

flamegrill wrote: »

From what I've heard they'll probably make some kind of announcement tomorrow either way. I find it a little bad that they dropped the .ie site instead of putting up a holding page that explained the situation.

Paul

there is now a holding page there, with an explaination

http://www.1800hotels.ie

aidanodr · 13-07-2010 11:02pm

Hi Guys,

Chatting to wife - a solicitor - as far as she can understand from contract law surely the hotels have no right to be canceling YOU at this stage. YOUR contract is with 1800hotels.ie - not the hotel, the hotel have no right to cancel because THEIR contract is with 1800hotels.ie not you.

In otherwise - you paid up - its none of your business where the hotel gets its money, as far as you are concerned YOU PAID THEM.

This make any sense?

Just like a restaurant saying OH, the steak was off, OK, well thats farmer joes fault. In your case YOU dont care, your contract is with the restaurant owner, not the farmer?

Aidan

chris85 · 13-07-2010 11:03pm

noonespecial wrote: »

there is now a holding page there, with an explaination

http://www.1800hotels.ie

1800Hotels has been forced by two suppliers into bankruptcy proceedings to restructure its debt. Some customers may experience room cancellations. All customers should contact their hotel directly to make sure that their reservation is not affected.

1800Hotels is pursuing a legal injunction to prevent any further disruption of customer travel. We will work diligently to resolve this matter as soon as possible and will provide more information as it becomes available.

- 1800Hotels

Doesnt really help much does it?. I just want my booking honoured or money back. i have booked another hotel now which allows all money back if i cancel so i am covering myself for it so either way should be ok. If they dont honour my booking will chargeback on CC and if they do will cancel the other hotel with no charge.

Dougiehowlett · 13-07-2010 11:05pm

Is chargeback that easy??

Surely, if company bust then no money there to take?

chris85 · 13-07-2010 11:05pm

aidanodr wrote: »

Hi Guys,

Chatting to wife - shes a solicitor - as far as she can understand from contract law surely the hotels have no right to be cancelling at this stage. Your contract is with 1800hotels.ie - not the hotel, the hotel have no right to cancel because THEIR contract is with 1800hotels.ie not you.

In otherwise - you paid up - its none of your business where the hotel gets its money, as far as you are concerned YOU PAID THEM.

This make any sense?

Aidan

yes but 1800hotels have broken their contract with the hotels by not paying them and as such the hotel doesnt have to provide the accomodation. They have no contract with the consumer and thus do not have to honour it.

aidanodr · 13-07-2010 11:09pm

Good point, I wouldnt take this out on my learned wife, I have had a few vino's so might have explained it or picked it up wrong

- note to self, never add serious comments where wine or drink is involved.

However - I thought it worth mentioning - even in a convoluted manner - as a point of possible debate ...

Aidan

chris85 · 13-07-2010 11:10pm

Dougiehowlett wrote: »

Is chargeback that easy??

Surely, if company bust then no money there to take?

Its the good things about credit cards. Covers for companies that have ceased trading. Can take some time to resolve though by looks of it.

cson · 13-07-2010 11:15pm

1800 is who you have the contract with so you'd have no recourse through the hotels themselves.

Just an fyi for the unlucky ones; you can likely assume it will be months before you get your money back. The company will have to enter liquidation appointed by the creditors/shareholders or liquidation petitioned in the High Court or a Receiver appointed by a judgement/charge holder. Even to get your letters from any of these to send to Visa/Mastercard will take a minimum of a month. Those who paid by laser would rank as unsecured claims and its unlikely you'll get anything as a company like 1800 would have shag all realisable assets.

aidanodr · 13-07-2010 11:32pm

Yes it would appear that your contract is with 1800hotels.ie:

Link to Cached terms page of 1800hotels.ie

They use you ( our client ) 3 times, for example:

"In the unlikely event that the hotel cannot provide the booked accommodation, you (our client) accept that .."

However, they also say:

"All Irish hotels offered are contracted via 0800hotels"

Who are 0800hotels??

Aidan

noonespecial · 13-07-2010 11:58pm

Dougiehowlett wrote: »

Is chargeback that easy??

Surely, if company bust then no money there to take?

the company goes in to the hands of receivers who strip the company of any assets and use the money to pay "Debtors" e.g 1800 hotels suppliers and its customers but you would need to wait until its officially declared bankrupt and then you have to register as a debtor with the receivers which will be publically announced in the national papers.

at least thats how it works in the UK so i would assume is very much the same in Ireland, unless some how they manage to do it using US law.

noonespecial · 14-07-2010 12:00am

aidanodr wrote: »

Yes it would appear that your contract is with 1800hotels.ie:

Link to Cached terms page of 1800hotels.ie

They use you ( our client ) 3 times, for example:

"In the unlikely event that the hotel cannot provide the booked accommodation, you (our client) accept that .."

However, they also say:

"All Irish hotels offered are contracted via 0800hotels"

Who are 0800hotels??

Aidan

0800hotels is an old company that 1800hotels used to own which was for the UK market this then got merged with the US site www.1800hotels.com

Not all Irish hotels offered are contracted by 1800hotels that's not true so you must have a really old version of the terms

aidanodr · 14-07-2010 12:11am

Hi noonespecial,

If you go to the cached link I popped up you will notice up top as per GOOGLE:

" It is a snapshot of the page as it appeared on 30 Jun 2010 08:37:11 GMT. "

So its the latest ish of the terms and conditions.

Just do a search in google for - http://www.1800hotels.ie/terms.aspx - then click on the CACHED link button alongside the google link.

It looks old because I elected to take the TEXT VERSION of the page, faster to download. This is the page I provided in the link above!

Aidan

noonespecial · 14-07-2010 12:21am

aidanodr wrote: »

Hi noonespecial,
It looks old because I elected to take the TEXT VERSION of the page, faster to download. This is the page I provided in the link above!

Aidan

i guess they just didn't update it properly which seems odd as the .com terms don't show that and they should be near enough the same

http://www.1800hotels.com/terms.aspx

aidanodr · 14-07-2010 12:27am

For the convenience of BLOCKED Irish surfers:

The 1800hotels.com terms page - recent google cached

It seems they are "a Florida limited liability company". So sounds like their terms are under Florida law?

Aidan

aidanodr · 14-07-2010 1:43am

And so it hits the NEWSPAPERS:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2010/0714/1224274659171.html

"A last-minute deal to find a buyer for the company fell through on Monday night, the source said.

It is understood the company suffered a significant loss of earnings from the disruption to travel in April caused by Iceland’s volcanic ash cloud. The company was understood to be taking up to 150 bookings a day from Irish customers in recent weeks.

Two of the company’s suppliers of hotel accommodation, known in the trade as bed banks – companies that purchase bed nights from hotels and sell them on to sites like 1800Hotels – are understood to have cancelled the agency’s bookings after it ran into financial difficulties."

"Simon Nugent of the Irish Travel Agents Association said the likely upshot of the company’s closure “is that a lot of people’s bookings are going to be cancelled and they’ll have to pay more to rebook them, especially as they get closer to the departure date”.

He said some consumers may be reimbursed for cancelled bookings via their credit card companies."

Aidan

ohanloj3 · 14-07-2010 3:33am

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me. I booked for Portugal with 1800 2 weeks ago over the phone and was supposed to receive a invoice by post to confirm booking and payment (by credit card) but I haven't received it. I emailed 1800 on Monday to query this and all the email said was 'your query will be dealt with in due course'. I can see from alot of the posts that in order for credit card company to deal with payment that I'll need proof of my booking, what should I do?

Victor McDade · 14-07-2010 7:59am

Call the hotel this morning

newtoboards · 14-07-2010 8:06am

gandalf wrote: »

Don't think you have any come back with Laser. Ring the bank anyway to check.

When habitat closed I had stuff on order paid with laser card. I was able to get the money back but it took a little time so if you have paid that why then contact your bank or consumer advice.

cyberspider · 14-07-2010 9:07am

I have just discovers that I have also been shafted bu this shower of A**holes.

I made a booking last SEPTEMBER, yes 10 months ago for a stay this October. All was paid in September of last year. When I contacted the hotel they have now told me that there is no reservation and they are totally booked out.

I was traveling to Portugal for a U2 concert and there is no accommodation to be found anywhere near by so I am totally in the **** :-(

Elaine08 · 14-07-2010 9:16am

Hi my booking with 1800 hotels is payable with Hotelbeds in Spain. I've tried to email them this morning but it doesn't seem to send. Has anyone else got a contact address for them?

lensman · 14-07-2010 9:29am

for those of you who can't access the 1800hotel sites due to being based in ireland try the proxy route in the link below, mid way down the page type 1800hotels.com & click browse now.
http://www.thetune.net

Blogschief · 14-07-2010 9:34am

For future reference, book with you bonded travel agent, believe me the prices are as good as the web and you can see and feel them! I understand accommodation only stuff may not be covered so book a package, after all you will be flying overseas anyway....I really can't understand why people can put their faith in UNREGULATED web based services, I feel really sorry for those that have lost out but think about it....a Florida based company taking bookings for hotels on the web that they book through someone else who in turn books 'distressed' rates with the hotels....and ypu can't get hold of them....no liquidator, no phones being answered, no regulatory body, no bond....

dids6457 · 14-07-2010 9:35am

Just called You Travel there.....the 3rd party...to be told by a foreign person that they have no official information from the company and are waiting and that we will be notified next week!
When I asked them could they ensure my hotel would not be cancelled I was out onto another foreign person who I could barely understand and who could barely understand me and thought I was saying I wanted to cancel the booking so kept telling me I had to contact 1800 hotels!
This is ridiculous at this stage I just want to be sure the hotel won't be cancelled on us! The funny thing is You Travel have the same hotel on their site for cheaper!!!

XxcloudxX · 14-07-2010 9:38am

Booked hotel last week with this crowd, rang hotel last night and they said they've no booking, rang mark international they said they have the reservation but cant confirm whether its paid for they can only discuss that with 1800hotels????? Have rang cc company and they say theres nothing they can do until its publicly announced/in the papers that they have gone into liquidation but when that happens they should be able to get the money back. fingers crossed.

hotelconnect · 14-07-2010 9:42am

1800hotels have, in many cases, bought accommodation from HotelConnect.

If your voucher shows "payable by HotelConnect" (or similar) we would urge you to contact us on +44 20 8731 7000.

Unfortunately it is likely you'll have to pay for your stay again as we probably have not been paid ourselves. We can however secure your booking for you.

You should then speak to your credit card company or travel insurer to see if you are covered for your original payment.

We'll make every effort to make this process as hassle-free for you as possible.

Thanks
HotelConnect

lensman · 14-07-2010 9:43am

Blogschief wrote: »

For future reference, book with you bonded travel agent, believe me the prices are as good as the web and you can see and feel them! I understand accommodation only stuff may not be covered so book a package, after all you will be flying overseas anyway....I really can't understand why people can put their faith in UNREGULATED web based services, I feel really sorry for those that have lost out but think about it....a Florida based company taking bookings for hotels on the web that they book through someone else who in turn books 'distressed' rates with the hotels....and ypu can't get hold of them....no liquidator, no phones being answered, no regulatory body, no bond....

another family member booked our hotel through 1800hotels not me, I always book direct with hotel & airlines,..never booked a package deal. however lots of hotels will tell you room NOT available on the dates you need because they have been pre booked by outfits like 1800hotels.

dids6457 · 14-07-2010 9:59am

dids6457 wrote: »

Just called You Travel there.....the 3rd party...to be told by a foreign person that they have no official information from the company and are waiting and that we will be notified next week!
When I asked them could they ensure my hotel would not be cancelled I was out onto another foreign person who I could barely understand and who could barely understand me and thought I was saying I wanted to cancel the booking so kept telling me I had to contact 1800 hotels!
This is ridiculous at this stage I just want to be sure the hotel won't be cancelled on us! The funny thing is You Travel have the same hotel on their site for cheaper!!!

I called them again there and didn't say anything about 1800 just gave the booking reference, he pulled up then that we had booked through 1800 hotels and that the hotel have not been paid by them.
I asked could we pay You Travel directly and he said yes but to hold out as he isn't sure what will happen with 1800 hotels, they are waiting to hear from them and that he's not sure about getting the money we have paid back.
I think he is being very optimistic and that we will be paying you travel before we go next week!
We are going to have to take the bank route to get the original money back

!

ruthmor · 14-07-2010 10:05am

Our booking voucher attachment doesn't mention any company like GTA or Youtravel....it doesn't say "payable by" anywhere. This is the only voucher we received, the one they sent as an attachment after we paid in full...? So i don't know who to ring.

I rang the hotel in Portugal yesterday and the girl kept saying our "reservation has been confirmed" on her computer. I kept asking her if they had received the money and she just kept repeating "reservation has been confirmed". In the end I asked if we would have to pay "no more money" when leaving and she said "no more money"...but I'm not convinced. We're travelling with twin toddlers and don't have much money so I'm afraid to go just in case...holiday is in mid August and we paid about 5 weeks ago. Anyone know who I should ring???

lensman · 14-07-2010 10:13am

I just tried to see if the dates we booked through 1800hotels in the hotel penn in new york would be available to book direct with the hotel,....they are but the sting is that it will cost €3000 as opposed to €1900 with 1800hotels,..we booked with CC (visa) so we are safe but lookes like we will be ripped off anyway.:mad: waiting on email reply from hotel & if booking has been cancled we will offer to pay the original €1900 quoted,....worth a try anyway.

xraylady · 14-07-2010 10:14am

Anyone who has supplier named as youtravel, if you go to youtravel.com today, there is a small link on lower lt hand side of page referencing 1800 which brings you to a form which you need to fill out in order to "confirm" your hotel!.

1800Hotels ceases trading.

14/07/2010 1800Hotels has unfortunately ceased trading. If you have made a booking with them using Youtravel.com as the supplier then it is essential that you contact our Customer Services department in order for your booking to be reconfirmed with the hotel.

Click here to fill in the required form

please note we are dealing with a high number of enquiries so your patience is appreciated

homerdog · 14-07-2010 10:14am

chris85 wrote: »

Its the good things about credit cards. Covers for companies that have ceased trading. Can take some time to resolve though by looks of it.

There was an incident last year when the airline Fly Globespan went bust.
One of the alleged causes was that the Credit Card Company was holding onto customers payments and hadn't passed them on to the airline. They very obviously concerned at the airlines viability.

Maybe 1800's CC company were equally diligent and still have some customer payments .

lensman · 14-07-2010 10:18am

might be more on jooooooooooe duffyyyyyyyyyyy today

RoadKillTs · 14-07-2010 10:22am

From their site

Link

1800Hotels has been forced by two suppliers into bankruptcy proceedings to restructure its debt. Some customers may experience room cancellations. All customers should contact their hotel directly to make sure that their reservation is not affected.

1800Hotels is pursuing a legal injunction to prevent any further disruption of customer travel. We will work diligently to resolve this matter as soon as possible and will provide more information as it becomes available.

- 1800Hotels

xraylady · 14-07-2010 10:27am

ruthmor wrote: »

Our booking voucher attachment doesn't mention any company like GTA or Youtravel....it doesn't say "payable by" anywhere. This is the only voucher we received, the one they sent as an attachment after we paid in full...? So i don't know who to ring.

I rang the hotel in Portugal yesterday and the girl kept saying our "reservation has been confirmed" on her computer. I kept asking her if they had received the money and she just kept repeating "reservation has been confirmed". In the end I asked if we would have to pay "no more money" when leaving and she said "no more money"...but I'm not convinced. We're travelling with twin toddlers and don't have much money so I'm afraid to go just in case...holiday is in mid August and we paid about 5 weeks ago. Anyone know who I should ring???

Are you sure no supplier mentioned. Its under payment details. This is what it looks like on mine:
Payment Details

Total price including handling fee if applicable
EUR XXX.00
For hotel use only: This booking is payable by You Travel

1800hotels.ie - what's happening?

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