OMG no Villa

[shellees]

I am at the end of my tether, I have just reeived an phone call from ABTA atating that the people I have booked my villa with for This coming Monday (28th July) has gone into liquidation and no money has been paid.
I didn't book a villa with an owner as I could get one for the time I needed whn booked in May, so i thought I would go with reputible comapany, how arong can you be.

After two hours of crying I have had a phone call from someone at Florida homes (anyone heard of them)stating theare dealing with all the people that have been let down and can get me a villa tomorrow, now I'm worried in case they run off with my money too, has anyone got any advise, this holiday was myy first to Florida and a urprise for my children, they think we are going to spain

[canarypam]

Oh my what a shock! I don't think I have heard of this company but why don't you put a search on the links above somebody may have availability or had a cancellation. Good luck I'm sure it will all work out ok.

[dawn]

How awful for you. Put out an enquiry on the following sites - you will be booking directly with the owners and have the added security that all homes have been verified

www.orlandovillas.com
www.villasflorida.com
www.onlinefloridavillas.com

Good luck and I hope it works out for you.

[shellees]

Thank you both so much for replying, I will put out an enquiry but I do realise this is a very busy time. I am so stressed that I can't think straight this evening but will get on to it tomorrow, I have had an email fom the lady hat telephoned me confirming our conversation so maybe things will work out ok, if so I'll be in Orlando Monday evening.

[orchidvilla]

Hi... i know the company you mean and have been speaking to a staff member that told me what happend. Just be carefull on any callers contacting you as there have been many with suspect intentions trawling sites to try and get pickings.
There are good persons on this site that i am sure will offer assistance and you will get sound advice. Contact the sponsors on here as they may be able to give guidance.

Pray you get thins sorted and your stay is less stressfull....

[mfairhurst]

Hope you get it sorted and finish up having a lovely holiday .
As said before go on these sites and you may get a late booking or split your dates to 2 villas just for this holiday as once you have been you will go again .GOOD LUCK I feel for you
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx

[sammibabe]

If it is ABTA do you not have a certain amount of protection from them? Are the company that are 'helping you out' with a villa asking for more money? Is it worth talking to ABTA again to find out where you stand as far as they go, this company that may have villa etc. I am sure with the shock of that initial phone call you would not have asked all that you wanted or needed to. I really feel for you and hope it all works out.

[jpusa66]

I know of the company which you are talking about. I know someone who booked flights through them and it has now been sorted out by ABTA. The phone no. to ring is 01243 621 500 explain your situation and they hopefully can help you. Good luck!

[steph_goodrum]

Unfortunately this is the downside of dealing with a tour operator for accommodation. since they typically will not pay the supplier (usually a management company (sometimes the owner) until after the guest has stayed it does not afford the same protection as if the accommodation is paid in advance. As you ave discovered if it had been then ABTA would likely hav assisted in finding alternative accommodations or at the least helped to get your money back which youo have no doubt had to pay up front.
I'm guessing from your post that you had flights and car hire booked and these are ok as they had to pay the suppliers already so you have paperwork for them? At least that is one consolation as it would have been VERY difficult to get flights now at such short notice.

Although peak season between yourselves and the sites I am sure you will find something suitable even if it means splitting the time to get what you want.

Did you pay by credit card? If so then I would get in touch with the CC company as well and try and get them to refund the money as they are jointly liable, at least if they do then you wont be financially disadvantaged.

I am sure the first look on your childrens faces when they realise how lucky they are and where they are going and you will forget the stress even if only "momentarily" -

Good luck with your search and dont forget to let us see some pics.

[shellees]

Thank you to you all for your kind wishes and advise, yes I am still in a panic. I did pay by credit card but when ABTA called me they were of little help, I am going to call them again now as I have re-booked with a company called lifestyle magic but after reading what people have to say on here I am again worried even though they have assuered me that all will be well? they said they have been in contact with hotelbeds and hey still have my villa? I am in such a state at the moment I simply cannot think straight.

If anyone has heard of lifestyle magic please let me know as any information will help me clam down.

Shelley