麻豆社

On 21st November 2025, Rip Off Britain investigated the holidays that fell short of what was advertised, with one family booking a hotel that was advertised as ‘conveniently situated close to the area’s artistic and cultural sights’ – but was actually next to a motorway, with a broken air conditioning system and a four hour walk away from where they thought they’d booked.
In HQ, travel expert Rob Staines gave advice on what to do if you feel your holiday is different to what was described:

• Complain right away and give the accommodation provider the opportunity to put things right. If they can't do that, escalate to the tour operator or holiday provider.
• Be really specific about what you want and what your expectations are.
• Take photos and videos, and note down the names of any staff that you speak to and what time you had those conversations.
• Keep receipts of any extra costs that you have incurred.
• If not resolved whilst away, write a complaint following the holiday provider’s complaints procedure within 28 days of returning.
• Escalate to ABTA if your tour operator is registered.

Before you book
Rob also gave his top tips on booking a holiday:

• Book a package holiday for the best protection under the package travel regulations.
• Check the location of your hotel or your apartment or wherever you're staying on a map and on Google Street View or equivalent.
• Check online reviews
• Examine brochures or photos of the accommodation and look for clues as to the age of that advert – look at the age of TVs or computers or outfits in any photos of the accommodation.