Booking.com a terrible booking engine

I recently booked a hotel via booking.com. I was traveling from Athens to Dubai and staying at the Holiday Inn at Dubai international. I received an email stating the booking is cancelled whilst in transit and without signal. When I arrived in Dubai I called the hotel, but no one answered. I also tried booking.com and no answer. Now booking.com have charged for the booking. When I complained, they advised to go to the hotel as they do not want to take responsibility. Truly disappointing.