As Ric Attard touched down in the Indonesian resort village of Canggu, he was excited to de-stress at his luxury accommodation, complete with an infinity pool, ocean views and gorgeous outdoor deck.
At least, that was what he was sold.
The Gold Coast man soon discovered a very different reality.
Arriving at Bali’s PNB Beach Resort on December 28, more than two months after booking four nights there on Expedia for $200AUD, he thought he was at the wrong accomodation.
Standing in the reception area, he looked outside to see a large construction site where there should be a pool, deck and bar.
“The lady behind the counter informed me that there was construction going on and the pool was closed,” he said.
“I was shocked and asked her to repeat. She did and added that I should have received an email informing me of the inconvenience”.
That email was sent 24 hours earlier, she explained. Mr Attard was mid-air at the time.
A frustrated Mr Attard sat down to start searching for alternative accomodation, with the sound of jack hammers banging all around him. In a matter of minutes, another couple was seen complaining they couldn’t relax because the construction was so loud and informing the receptionist they’d like to leave.
“It was a nightmare,” Mr Attard said.
“But then the real pain came.”
“Sitting in that wooden chair, searching on my phone for accommodation which now of course would cost 5-7 times more that what was available back in September.”
“I sat there for about three hours I think, frantically looking for anywhere that was at least 3-4 star accommodation from Canggu to Uluwatu. At one point I set the parameter in Booking.com for a four-night stay for up to $2400, way out of my price range, and it returned zero places available”.
Thankfully, the receptionist called a friend at a nearby property, who took Mr Attard in for one night. But there was no water and the room was filthy.
Sitting on the bed, he contacted Expedia to ask for compensation for what appeared to be misleading advertising on their site. He said all they offered was a $50AUD credit.
Despite hours on the phone, this was “the best they could do,” he said.
The next morning, Mr Attard was saved by a friend who knew someone with a lovely resort he could stay in on the island of Nusa Lembongan, where he could finally relax.
Asked if he’d ever book through Expedia again, Mr Attard said he imagines he will, because there is little choice in certain areas.
But he said he would try to speak with the hosts directly in future to ensure the description and photos on Expedia were updated and accurate.
“I certainly have a reluctance to use Expedia again though,” he said.
“I’ll be going to Song Lambung villas or similar on the first (of January) over here at Nusa Lembongan. Let’s see if booking.com do any better.”
Expedia and PNB Beach Resort were contacted for comment.