| Complaint |
I paid $550.00 towards a stay in a gated comunity called Pawleys Plantation, in South Carolina, to a condo owner named Ron Bartlett, 9 Country Wood Landing, Rochester NY 14626.
Planned for the last two weeks in March, 2011.
I asked for, but did nat receive, a rental agreement.
Due to a serious health situation in February, I advised Bartlett that I perhaps should cancel our stay. This was 3 1/2 weeks before our arrival date. No response. When I enquired as to a refund, I was told curtly "No way".
I then decided, at my doctor's urging, to go anyway (since I wouldn't receive any refund) and was prepared to pay the remaining $350 due. No response. When I enquired, it was clearthat our visit was cancelled...and by HIM. Money back? "GET LOST".
No trip, no money back, airline reservation changed (another $150 spent). I came to the conclusion that Ron Bartlett is somewhat of a con artist, and had no intention of actually letting us stay. LESON: ALWAYS INSIST ON SIGNED RENTAL AGREEMENT. Do not accept "your signed cheque is your receipt".
I filed a detailed complaint with HomeAway after several emails, only to discover that Ron Bartlett was no longer an advertiser. They have yet to reply; I am sure they never will.
Lesson: HomeAway, VRBO will do nothing. I will not be using them in future. |
