We had problems on our trip to Costa Rica with Grand Circle Travel, who should we complain to GCT doesn't care

Question

We were scheduled to stay in a great Hotel on the beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Last minute change we stayed in a hotel across the street from the beach. Hotel on the beach cost $138-175, our new hotel cost $75-85. Ants, fans that did not work, shower drains that did not work are only some of the problems. This was to be the highlight of the trip, 3 nights on the beach in a beautiful hotel, instead, a disaster, a hotel that really should not have been accepted by GCT. They offered my wife and I $400 toward our next trip. I told them to keep it. We have traveled with GCT 9 times, this has been the 3rd time they changed hotels at the last minute, all for the worst. This bait and switch operation has got to stop.

Answer 1

Write to ICT

That's the Dept. of Tourism

Answer 2

Check out the website "ripoff report.com"  I have never been to the site before myself, but my husband clued me in to it.  We had problems with our satelitte provider; fraudulent charges on our account, services and programs we never signed on for, etc.  Through contact w/ the sat. provider, we were unable to obtain a high enough level supervisor to help us.  From rip off report, we were able to obtain the CEO's direct phone number.  We were also able to post our unhappiness for EVERYONE to read.  Sometimes that's all you can do.  Good luck!!!

Answer 3

I would like to make a suggestion. Instead of using a travel service do your homework and book everything yourself. Online Also if you are staying for a week or more only book for 2 days and when you get there. If you dont like it. Look around and find 1 you like. http://www.kasbah.com/resort_hotels/guan...

http://www.costaricapages.com/listings/c...

Answer 4

Thats unfortunate - I would try one more time to contact them and request a refund - not a credit. You are a repeat customer and they should treat you that way. Include in the letter that if the situation of the refund is not resolved, you will file a complaint with the better business bureau. Obviously, they make commission off of your trip- the least they could do is refund you that.

Answer 5

I'm sorry that you had this problem in Costa Rica.  Unfortunately, it is nobody's fault but Grand Circle Travel's (I suppose they are a travel agency).  

You can only fix this problem talking to them or to a Better Business Bureau in the United States, if this travel agency is from the United States.  If it is from Costa Rica, then you should go to the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo.

Good luck!