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French campsite want money for no show - help!

6 replies

bigbutsrus1 · 15/08/2014 07:32

We have just got back from France with friends. Lovely time even if the weather a bit unsettled. However the last place which we had booked was not we expected at all. It was a Kawan place and the website looked lovely. However the reception weren't really interested in us snd just pointed to a field with a broken old barn in, which the kids had to cross a road to go to the site etc. there was a massive stone works right next door which was very noisy . So....we went and found another one. Thought we would just lose the deposit but now they want it in full. My fault because it's on the cancellation policy but feel bit cross as the campsite is nothing like they say online. Was thinking of emailing them the story and say that we won't be paying . What would you do? Also as they had my card details for the deposit can they just take the money? Such a shame as we have never had a problem before Hmm

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WeAreEternal · 15/08/2014 07:50

First thing I would do is cancel my bank card.

They could take the payment and you would struggle to argue it was an unauthorised transaction as you gave them the card details so they could take a deposit payment for the campsite, they could easily say that the agreement was to take a deposit before the stay and the rest after.

I would then email them and politely explain exactly why you felt unable to stay there, how you felt it was significantly not as advertised and how you are not playing for those reasons.
I would tell them that as a good will gesture I would let them keep the deposit to cover any admin charges, but the rest of the balance would not be paid.

In the unlikely event that they come to the uk and try and take you to the small claims court I think you have a good case for false advertising and refusing to stay.

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millimat · 15/08/2014 09:12

I agree with the above post. Which site was it? I went to a kawan site and was v disappointed too.

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CampingClaire · 15/08/2014 10:29

Yes...which one was it because the one that we went to we loved and I'd book others of theirs due to our delight at the first one!!

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bigbutsrus1 · 15/08/2014 21:58

It was Le Riddin near Le Crotoy. We went to one in Troyes last year which was great.....

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CampingClaire · 16/08/2014 13:08

Ah...it was the Troyes one we'd been at...At Lac d'Orient? The loo block was like something from camping heaven! Noted about Le Ridden...will avoid in future.

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bigbutsrus1 · 16/08/2014 18:12

Haha yes the Troyes one, I felt bad washing dirty pots and pans in the sparkling space-age posh loo/wash area!

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