*********** system/bad service

We booked through Booking.com for a long weekend trip to Amanzimtoti for the 21st - 24th of March. Booking was made, paid up and we were excited to go for this short break.... Well not so fast - the owner phoned us on Sunday, the 17th of March and informed us that due to a double booking on booking.com, she has to cancel our reservation. Very disappointed, we sat down and began our search again for another place, under the impression that Booking.com will use our already paid amount towards the new booking, nope. When we phoned them, it was eventually confirmed that they will refund us the monies paid and we need to pay another amount towards the new booking should we find anything available. So we did get another place that was available for the same period. Booked and paid same day. On Monday the 18th, the owner sends a whatsapp to inform us that due to a double booking from Booking.com side, our reservation was cancelled. AGAIN!!!!!! After spending more than 45min on the phone with an agent, she promised to get back to us within 2 hours. Nothing received, just the email from Booking.com com informing is that our refund has been put in process and we will receive our money within 7-12days.

My frustration is that due to *********** people we are now not able to go away anymore as there are no places available anymore in our price range as it is very short notice. I am very disappointed and will never ever make use of Booking.com for anything and will also not recommend anyone to make a reservation through them.