Disgusted at the level of disregard

<p>Having recently moved back from the UK, I was lucky enough to find employment quite quickly in Johannesburg. In order to find permanent accommodation, I needed to be in JHB to be available for viewings etc so I decided to book a BnB through booking.com, as my partner in the UK had used them before.</p> <p>I had a browse through potential places and found Craighall Gardens Guesthouse, which seemed like good value for money so I booked a room through Booking.com on 22nd May to stay at the establishment from 24th May - 27th May. Even though the website said that NO payment would be made until I had arrived at the establishment, a few minutes after making the booking I got an email from Craighall Gardens saying that the FULL R2,100 had been deducted from my card. Shortly after receiving this email, I got a call from a woman called Angie who said she was calling from Craighall Gardens, stating that she had had a very busy Sunday and had not had time to update the website, and the room I had booked had already been booked therefore, I could not have the room that I had booked (and already paid for in FULL). I said that I would find alternative accommodation, however, I would need a refund of the money already deducted from my account. To which Angie responded that Booking.com keep all monies until after the stay.</p> <p>The following morning (23rd May), I received a call from Angie giving me the same story she had already given me the night before, when I said that she had already called me the evening previous, she seemed to have no recollection of the call - although she was calling form the same number she had the night before. She reiterated that Booking.com had my money and that she would be in touch with them to provide me with a refund.</p> <p>Following that I received a call from an agent called Starn from Booking.com who claimed that they had not deducted the money but would get in touch with the Angie at Craighall Gardens Guesthouse for a refund. When this was not done, I called Angie, who denied all knowledge of the payment and refused responsibility of the refund, to which I rep**** that this was now getting ridiculous as I had NOT stayed there and I needed my money back as now I am R2,100 out of pocket. I have not received any further correspondence from Angie or Craighall Gardens AT ALL.</p> <p>Subsequently, I have heard from Booking.com asking for proof of payment, I have forwarded them a highlighted screenshot of the transaction history from my Post Office Travel Money Account as well as the confirmation email I received from Craighall Gardens Guesthouse, clearly showing that the money has in fact been deducted and not just a ‘pre-authorised’ transaction as suggested by Booking.com.</p> <p>I am now at my wits end, it has been almost two weeks since making the booking and I have not received my money back, in the interim I have had to borrow money from my parents to cover my accommodation and this ordeal seems far from being resolved. I have forwarded proof of the deduction to both Booking.com and to Angie and no one seems to want to take responsibility for refunding my money.</p> <p>I am absolutely appalled at the lack of interest from both parties in getting this matter resolved and would not suggest anyone use either Booking.com or Craighall Gardens Guest House lest they wish to give their money away.</p> <p> </p>