France hotel standards - complaint

[ricky]

Just experienced a stay in a very sub - standard hotel in France - I know standards vary but this was a joke - and they knew how to charge ! I booked through an agent online who say there are only a reservation agent and are not responsible for the hotel standards - at the hotel they didnt care if we stayed or not as we were told that they would get paid regardless from the agent.Where does the consumer stand in this case ? I was in a catch22 at the time as my credit card was debited for full amount immediately on booking ~2 weeks before we arrived - otherwise we would have walked out.

Anyone know to whom we can complain to about the standard hotel/agent? I want to also report the hotel as it is a hazardous - fire escapes were locked !!

Anyone any previous knowledge on the subject would appreciate some guidance.

Thanks.

 

[DrMoriarty]

Sorry to hear it, they shouldn't be allowed away with that. You could start with the [broken link removed] and/or a few of the other organisations listed [broken link removed]...? (and copy everything to the HQ of the online agent, too). Don't know how much joy you'll get, but the kind of illegal, self-created fire hazards you mention should certainly be brought to someone's attention!

 

[bond-007]

Charge back the credit card, services not as described.

 

[RainyDay]

The European Consumer Information Centre might be able to help.