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Tuesday

Planning Holidays

I always get the job of planning holidays, most of the time this is easy and I enjoy the whole experience. However, this time I have found it one hell of a headache . . . if anyone is planning to use Stayz to book their accommodation I suggest you read these reviews before you begin!! I wish I had!

While Stayz was Australian owned, we never had a problem. Then Homeaway acquired them in 2011 and subsequently they were acquired by Expedia in November 2015. It's been a gradual downhill run ever since . . . customer's and owners alike, are fuming.

The Stayz customer service centre is run out of the Philippines and frankly my dears they just don't give a damn for the customers, nor the owners. If you check thoroughly on the internet you will find complaints from both sides.

Many of the holiday homes are family owned and operated. Some are caring, others not so, but at least while you are dealing directly with people on Aussie soil, one stands a reasonable chance of getting things sorted to everyone's satisfaction.

I am not an advocate of using Credit Cards online, other than through PayPal. I know there are fees involved on the business end, but as a personal shopper I have always found PayPal safe to use, while keeping one's financial information secure.

Once Stayz has your details, you have NO CONTROL over how your CC is used, and with their system you have to supply that to Stayz BEFORE you can even have a booking confirmed.

If you are thinking of using Stayz or any of it's associated companies, do so at your own peril.

 Well my dear readers, that's my huff and puff for today. :) Ah, I feel so much better now . . . time for a cuppa.
Cheers,
X

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9 comments:

  1. Sharon18 January

    I am sorry to hear the trouble you've been having doing something which should be a really fun experience. I have heard of other travel companies that want your credit card details BEFORE you actually even know what the cost is....now that I don't like at all. In fact, I'm like you, I don't really like giving out my credit card details online either, I prefer to use paypal too.
    I wish you well in booking, I hope you get something that you love!
    xx

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    Replies
    1. Xanadu18 January

      Thanks Sharon, it's taught me not to take well known company names at first value any more. We used to use them all the time way back when the kids were at home, without a problem, but their system was much different then.

      We have found somewhere now and will keep you all informed with photos once we're there. :)
      Hugs,
      X

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  2. DollsDolour18 January

    Oh my, I think that I will need a cuppa to after this! I can understand your frustration!
    Love the new colors on your blog and the header is so adorable!
    Hugs!

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    Replies
    1. Xanadu18 January

      Not to worry Niina, it's all sorted now. :)

      Thank you, I really needed a change for my own sanity, looking at the same blog every day was getting a bit old hat . . . and you inspired me. :)
      Hugs,
      X

      Delete
  3. Anonymous18 January

    Well that sucks! It seems like there are a lot of horror stories coming out of the holidays and trying to give gifts, plan trips, or just have a relaxing time! xD; I think it's always good to share experiences though. I try to do some research before I use any new services.

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    1. Xanadu19 January

      Hi Crystal,
      I think we all need to look carefully at all services, not just the new ones. It's like going to a restaurant you've been before and enjoyed, then on the next occasion the old chef has left, a new chef has been employed and the food is not what you expected at all. Companies change hands so frequently these days, it's good to be cautious.

      Thanks for stopping by.
      Hugs,
      X

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  4. AlasseCarnesir26 January

    Thanks for the warning! I don't think we have ever used them but then again, we haven't gone on a proper holiday since 2009 (Japan and Canada). Hubby is usually the one who plans everything out for us so not sure who he uses. I know we did that mystery hotel thing for our upcoming 3 day trip to Brisbane next week. But not sure who that is through!

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    Replies
    1. Xanadu27 January

      We ended up dealing with the owners of the holiday house directly, so all is fine now. Have you done the mystery hotel thing before? I'd be too scared not knowing before hand. EEK!
      Hugs,
      X

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    2. AlasseCarnesir29 January

      Yes we did it last time we were in Brisbane and it's the same hotel this time too. It's a 4 or 4.5 star hotel and it was really nice. Our room was nice and big. You can kind of tell because they give a location radius and normally there's only one hotel in that area.

      Glad to hear things worked out for the holiday house!

      Delete

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