An0n0m0us

Never heard of them so i've just been on their website. Did a search and the hotel isn't listed as one they do. I suspect Thomsons have exclusive bookings to the hotel from the UK which I think is the case for a lot of hotels, the big travel companies get exclusive rights to hotels they select and agree a deal with.

That's not to say you can't still get great hotels by booking yourself but it does still limit your choice.

47 NAT

Why not contact them directly and see if they have any rooms?

This is why I refuse to rely on some of the bigger names for package deals ....

We booked a holiday to Tobago a few years ago through Monarch and that was a package deal. Just before Christmas and on the day of take off, it snowed. We sat in one of the bars watching the snow fall and wondered why there were no gritters or anything attending to the runway. Our flight was due out about 9'ish or so. The snow started coming down about 7'ish.

No flights had landed nor taken off. We listened to all of the announcements, asked what was happening, etc. About 3pm they told us the flight was been delayed 24hours and to return to the airport the next day or we would lose out seats. Other delayed and cancelled flights were been offered transport, hotels and B&B's for the night. There was no debate or discussion and the rep just walked away leaving us there. The hotel shop at Gatwick had nothing available for under £350 for one night. My Sister found us a B&B and we then waited 2 hours for a taxi. During this time, I'm wearing shorts, flip flops and a t shirt

The next day we took off on time. In fact it was 45 minutes early so not quite 24 hours.

When we returned (it was 24hrs late again) my wife got the ball rolling to complain to Monarch how we'd been treated. Yes we know there not responsible for the weather but they did owe us a duty of care. After 6 months they were still playing hard ball and told her to claim of our Insurance. Insurance would only pay out for a 12 hour delay and with the excess they gave us £43.50 I took over the complaint and after 3 weeks of emailing every day the CEO, Ops Director in fact anyone that was a Director, I finally got an answer. A further 3 days later, I got refunded the price of the taxi and B&B, flight fares (premium) but not even an apology anywhere along the line.

That's why nowadays, I'll book the flight, hotel, transfers, etc and not participate in any package deal. They both carry the same risk IMO but when it comes to problems, no one wants to know and they hope that you'll just disappear and forget about it. It's fine doing something about it afterwards but you want it dealt with at the time.

lovinmescoob

Spot on, most of the "major" travel firms block book hotel rooms every year based on feedback from visits/past customers etc.

I didn't realise you were after a particular hotel mate and TR have certain hotels listed, some that even Thomsons don't have listed

Anyway have a great hoilday, don't forget the suntan cream

An0n0m0us

Monarch are shocking and so are Thomas Cook in comparison to Thomsons. I only go with Thomsons Platinum now and have not yet had one issue (tempting fate I know!). Thomas Cook we used a few years ago and spent nearly 2 hours on the transfer coach going round god knows how many hotels dropping off which was a big issue with very young children needing the toilet/a drink/something to eat. In comparison with Thomsons not been on the coach longer than 20 minutes and are first drop off as part of the Platinum deal.

One thing none of them do better though are the seats on the plane, no good for anyone over 6'

Cheers lovinmescoob, I can't wait to be honest as had a busy start to the year with work and raising a litter of puppies at the same time so need the rest!

lovinmescoob

Your welcome......enjoy