Long Q: Vacation Rental downgraded, I want a discount

[Sarah8Jane]

Didn't get a discount, but it's fixed, update #10.
I want a discount but I'm not sure how to ask for it or if I even should.

Here's the story: Dh and I are taking MIL on a 3 day/2 night trip next week. We opted for a 1-bed room apartment style (600 sq foot) rental 'cause mil, snores and she's expressed concern about sleeping in the same room with us. I made the arrangements months ago. Today I got an email from the B&B/vacation rental people saying they needed to downgrade us to an effeciency style (450 sq foot). The difference in cost is $10 per night. I'm pretty disappointed as this will be our only vacation this year, and we've been planning this trip since 2006.

The B&B ended the email with: "The biggest difference in the two apartments is that there is not a separate bedroom and I am hoping that this won't be an insurmountable problem. I don't have it noted as to who is in your party and the requirements thereof. I am sorry to have to make the change. Please let me know if this is acceptable to you."

So is she offering to negotiate price with me? Or am I screwed? (Alaska's busy this time of year and I know that I won't be able to find a comparable place to stay this late in the game.) Any advice would be great.

[Norasmomma]

So is your MIL going to have to sleep in the same room now because they have overbooked or something? I personally would be pretty peeved, it's only $10, but if you booked months ago, and they are just letting you know this now, I'd be upset.

I'd be letting them know that this is pretty unacceptable(if you do have the 3 adults) in one room, and that it won't work. I'd be trying to get freebies out of it, but that just me. Have you paid any $$ toward the rooms or are they just held with a CC? IDK, I'd be pretty mad, you have certain criteria that need to be met to make this an enjoyable trip. I totally get the tourism area worries, I live in one, but I know that they should make every effort to accomidate your needs. I've gone to different tourism areas and have gotten things because I just asked, so maybe it's worth a try. HTH.

[Sarah8Jane]

Yes, the three of us would be in the same room now (queen and twin beds right next to each other). I've already paid for half of the stay. They required that as a deposit. Their policy also requires 30 days notice for cancellations - you don't think they'll hold me to that (if I can even find another place), do you?

So, you've asked for things? How?, "I'm disappointed by this, I want x, y, z"? Usually when I express disappointment all I get is an apology. What do you say to get freebies, discounts, special treatment?

[earthmama369]

She asked you to let her know if this is acceptable. I'd have no problem letting her know that it isn't acceptable. Be polite but firm, and explain that the reason you chose the larger option was exactly because it had a separate bedroom, and you have a guest with you who snores. This is integral to your enjoyment of the trip. I suspect she'll work with you, and either keep you in the 650 sq. ft. suite or upgrade you for free.

If she really does have to downgrade you, OF COURSE she should refund the difference. You shouldn't even have to ask, if she's got any business sense, but if she doesn't offer, don't hesitate to request the refund.

[Norasmomma]

Pretty much I just say that I am an unhappy and if there is anything that can be done to make my stay more enjoyable. She *did* ask if it was acceptable, but it's obvious it isn't. I'd send an e-mail stating that it will not work and that it is necessary to have the larger apt. or if that is not available an upgrade free of charge. It's not your fault they messed up and overbooked(or whatever the deal is), and if that's not possible they should have to find you accommodations that will meet you specific needs(oh also for the same price that you are to pay there).

I've gotten upgraded free of charge by just asking if a larger room is available like a king vs. a queen which is similar difference in price that you are talking about. Just recently I booked a room for our friends wedding and asked if we could have a "quieter" room, not near the road etc...They were great with it. I guess maybe I just act a little assertive.

[Logan's Mom]

Wow, I would be really upset. Right now you don't know the reason why she can't provide you that room. I'd kind of want to know, like did the pipes brake or did her friends want to stay and they require that room. I suppose in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn't make a difference why. But if its because something better came along, I don't know if I'd want to spend my only vacation for the year at that kind of place. KWIM?

I would definately tell her that it really isn't acceptable to you and describe your situation. See if she can provide a solution. I can't see how she could hold you to your reservation and not provide a refund if you found someplace else. You reserved one type of room and she did not honor that request. Pretty cut and dry in my book.

Let us know how things work out.

[MaddieMay]

Another suggestion-maybe she can give you 2 studio/efficiencies? Of course, you shouldn't have to pay for the second one. It's their mistake and one efficiency will not work for you, so they need to find some way to make it work.

[Irishmommy]

Tell her you either stay where you are booked and paid for or you get two of the small rooms for the cost of the bigger room.

It sounds like they overbooked, and are looking for softies who will not object to being bumped. Don't be.

[D_McG]

Originally Posted by Irishmommy

Tell her you either stay where you are booked and paid for or you get two of the small rooms for the cost of the bigger room.

It sounds like they overbooked, and are looking for softies who will not object to being bumped. Don't be.

exactly. Unacceptable! I wouldn't even consider taking it. But maybe I'm just thinking of my MIL

[Sarah8Jane]

Thanks for all your comments. I am a softy and will just about take whatever I'm offered, so thanks for helping me stick up for myself.

We ended up emailing all the B&B's in the town and found an availability for a (less nice) 1-bed room suite. This morning I sent an email to the original B&B owner saying that the change was unacceptable to us and told her to please send us the money back. She's sending the money today.

Thanks Logan's Mom - I really was upset so I definitely didn't want to stay with the same place. And best thing: we're saving $100.

Very funny DMcG :