Booked and Unable to Use Accommodation in Gold Coast. Check in Is 1 Week Away So Looking to Sell Last Minute - Advice Please

TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 10:26
Last edited 12/01/2023 - 10:28

I booked accommodation for 7 nights for a family of 4 at a 2-bedroom dual key serviced apartment (self-rated 4.5 stars) in Coolangatta in the Gold Coast but unfortunately due to personal circumstances we're no longer able to go.
Check in date is 20th January so only just over a week away.
The resort won't refund me if I cancel so close to check in, so I'm hoping to sell it to someone else so I can at least recover some of the money I have already paid in advance.

I'm hoping to get some advice from the experts here where is best to advertise the accommodation especially because it is such short notice.
Also, if someone is interested, what is the best way to manage payment so I don't get scammed, and that the buyer doesn't feel like they are getting scammed either. I will obviously need to get their details as I have to change the accommodation into their name, and some might feel nervous about giving their full name and contact details.

Anything else I need to be aware of?

All advice greatly appreciated.

Travel Gold Coast Queensland

Comments

  • Hybroid on 12/01/2023 - 10:31
    +2

    Double & triple check the T&Cs (not just what they say), most accommodation bookings can be cancelled within 24-48 hours of arrival. Or was this some special package booking?

    • TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 10:34

      Yes - unfortunately so. Checked the T&C's and had to cancel minimum 35 days from check-in for refund.

      • Hybroid on 12/01/2023 - 10:35
        +2

        That's a shame. You might want to post in classifieds section and advise ballpark figure. Unclear if this is $500 or $3,000 and may change interest.

        • TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 10:43

          Good idea - will do. Regarding ballpark figure, cost to book it now would be $4k but I'm happy to get just half of that back. It's a really nice place across the road from the beach with an awesome resort pool.

          • JimmyF on 12/01/2023 - 10:50
            +8

            @TheRealDeal1:

            cost to book it now would be $4k but I'm happy to get just half of that back

            Ok it is $4k to book it now, but what did you pay?

            • CodeXD on 12/01/2023 - 10:57
              +9

              @JimmyF:

              cost to book it now would be $4k

              This is how every scam starts off…

              • TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 11:01

                @CodeXD: Agreed - and that's why I can understand their apprehension.

                • CodeXD on 12/01/2023 - 11:03
                  +2

                  @TheRealDeal1:

                  cost to book it now would be $4k

                  but I can let it go for $3k! That is 25% off!

                  okay, i just spoke to the manager, and we are losing money here, but I can do it for $2k.

                  this is the real deal!

                  • TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 11:09
                    +1

                    @CodeXD: Guys - please understand this has nothing to do with the real deal. I work there - yes - but this is a personal booking I'm looking to sell. I acknowledge I'm an idiot for not taking insurance. I'm coming here cap in hand asking for advice, not to be slammed.

              • JimmyF on 12/01/2023 - 11:01

                @CodeXD:

                This is how every scam starts off…

                Yeah the wording is very suss….. I

                • TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 11:06

                  @JimmyF: Thanks guys. Appreciate it seems suss - that's why I've come here to ask your advice. I am open to suggestions how to alleviate risk both from my side and the buyers side.

            • TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 11:00

              @JimmyF: I booked a while ago, so only paid just over $3k.

              • CodeXD on 12/01/2023 - 11:22
                +5

                @TheRealDeal1:

                I booked a while ago, so only paid just over $3k.

                If you had this in your classified post, people may be more interested.

                There is also no guarantee that you actually did book it unless you give some sort of confirmation too. But not saying how much you paid for in the first place is a red flag.

                • TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 11:30

                  @CodeXD: Thanks - that's the kind of advice I'm after. I have updated the classified ad accordingly.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 12/01/2023 - 10:37
    +2

    Tried your local Facebook community group? A lady was in similar situation last week booked a straddie trip but can’t make it. She got a few bites but I think the fear of being scammed goes both ways…

  • holdenmg on 12/01/2023 - 10:44
    +1

    Are you covered under unforeseen circumstances under Travel Insurance?

    • TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 10:45

      I wasn't smart enough to take out travel insurance for a domestic trip - lesson learned I guess…

  • TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 10:44
    +1

    Thanks - yes - posted on a few Facebook community groups but no interest yet. I can completely understand about the fear of being scammed - I would be nervous if the shoe was on the other foot too.

    • Mokr on 12/01/2023 - 10:48
      +1

      How does it work if you transfer.

      Do you tell the hotel a new person is coming.

      • TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 10:58

        Yes - that's correct. I have to tell the hotel a new / different person is coming, and the hotel then changes the accommodation booking into their name.

        • Love a bargain on 12/01/2023 - 13:46
          +1

          If you can find a local buyer, offer to meet up and change the booking name online/ over the phone together.

  • MS Paint on 12/01/2023 - 11:14

    My offer is $250

  • Barca123 on 12/01/2023 - 11:14
    +2

    Is it possible to change the date of stay to something later on in the year? That way, it gives you time to sell it off (or even use it yourself if your circumstances change).

    • try2bhelpful on 12/01/2023 - 11:21
      +1

      I agree. I would be going back to the resort and asking if there is a possibility to move the trip to later in the year. They might be happy to get back a room, in peak time, so they can upsell food etc to whoever comes in. Better than an empty room for that time.

    • TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 11:33
      +1

      No - unfortunately not. Hotel won't budge. They keep referring me back to their T&C's.

      • montorola on 12/01/2023 - 12:57
        +1

        Have you spoken to a real person, the manager?

        I find that phone calls are better than emails at getting these things sorted

        • TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 16:57

          Spoke with someone this morning in the bookings dept. Not only did they refuse, but they were very unfriendly about the whole thing - along the lines of "too bad, we sent you the T&C's when you booked and it says no so too bad for you!" Even when I tried what others suggested, I.E. to shift to a later date in the year - the answer was a flat NO - can't be done.

          • montorola on 12/01/2023 - 17:00
            +1

            @TheRealDeal1: Maybe try again tomorrow in the hopes you get someone else

            • TheRealDeal1 on 12/01/2023 - 17:04

              @montorola: Good thinking. I'm willing to try anything at this point.

              • montorola on 12/01/2023 - 17:07
                +1

                @TheRealDeal1: Failing that, maybe you could write a sob story to their parent company/ hq, or even put it on their Facebook page. I'm inclined to think they'd be less willing to look "mean" infront of everyone in public lol

  • Lunarboogie on 12/01/2023 - 17:55
    +1

    Can you gift it to a close friend or family member? I know it's not an immediate saving but it might be a nice touch if there's a milestone coming up and may save you buying future presents for that person.

    Alternatively, can the mrs and kids go without you? Can't see you selling this and if your sales pitch so far is anything to go buy, I'd be steering well wide of this.

    • TheRealDeal1 on 13/01/2023 - 08:15

      Yes - will probably gift it to my sister. Her daughter goes back to school a few days in, so she might at least get a good weekend out of it.

  • TheRealDeal1 on 13/01/2023 - 08:17
    +3

    Thanks everyone for your help and advice. Looks like my sister and her family will be receiving a free week in the Gold Coast.

  • redforever on 13/01/2023 - 12:28
    +2

    Make sure you add her name to the booking. Otherwise she might run into issues checking in.

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