Thomson strikes again. They should not be allowed to book people in to hotels that are getting refurbished. They did exactly the same to us and we ended up changing holidays as they denied all knowledge of any building work, even though I e-mailed them pics

Thomson should be aware and should notify clients of any building or refurbishment works that have the potential to impact on their holidays.

However, in a case where the property is completely closed for refurbishment, Thomson call centre staff may not be aware that any works are in progress if there is no current contract in place, or if the building schedule suggests that it is of no direct concern to them or to any clients due to visit at a later date.

It is not uncommon for major refurbishments to take place in Benidorm during the quieter winter months. Easter is usually the target date for completion and re-opening. But things can sometimes fall behind schedule and Thomson may only become aware if and when the hotel group or developer notifies them. For that reason, it may be best in this case to speak to the hotel group and then depending on their answer, take the matter up with Thomson if necessary.

David

Many thanks for all the replies, have passed on the email address to my friend and she's contacted Thomson who are still insistent that the apartments are open (ironically the massive Thomson sign over the apartments doesn't seem to be there anymore! ) and that unless its proven otherwise they can't offer alternative accomodation!

The Thomson sign on the top of the Flamingo Playa was removed some time ago.

Last time we went past it was being refurbished, and there was a huge hole in the ground where the indoor pool had been. Haven't been past for over a week, but I would say that they will not have completed the work before April.

A breakthrough at last!

Friend has recieved what appears to be a standard email from the travel agent that the holiday was booked through, I'll give the gist of it

We are writing to advise you of some potential problems to your holiday in Benidorm. Customers who are booked to stay at the following locations -

Hotel Monaco
Apartments Picasso
Hotel Venus
Flamingo Playa Complex
Bristol Park

Are advised that due to a system and communication error with online booking that the above accomodations are NOT available due to closure for building works. We anticipate a prolonged closure.

We would ask you to contact us and we will ring you straight back to arrange alternative arrangements. We once again apologise for any incovnience this may cause.

I hadn't had the full story! The holiday was booked through the travel agent who then said any issues were now upon Thomson, so some blame of onus may have been misplaced, though again, surely they shouldn't have been on the travel agents screen to book!

Only suitable cost effective accomodations that are available are the Bermudas Apts and the Dynastic Hotel, so will forward the reviews to her

Thanks again for all the replies

Hope she finds somewhere suitable.

Hi all

Just had this email from the the Flamingo Benidorm

Dear Mr Xxxxx,

The building work near to us is across the road, on the Flamingo Playa,
and we hope it will be reopened in May.

Regards,

Hi, I have been looking on all the usual sites to for accomodation for some friends for next year and found a good A/I deal at the Flamingo Playa with W.S.H.
I wasn't aware that you had the option of A/I at these apartments. I was wondering if meals and drinks must be taken at the Flamingo Benidorm across the road. Does anyone have any info?

Thanks in advance

Sue

yes sue,meals and drinks are taken at the flamingo benidorm

Thanks Kevin, do you know the times of the free bar.

Sue

Hi Sue,

If i remember right, the poolside bar is open from 9-10 am to 4pm and the inside bar from 4pm to 12am.

Im not 100% on the exact times but the free bar does close at midnight.

Ok, thanks Dwafer, I will pass the information on.

Sue

Hi there i have just booked a holiday at the flamingo playa apartments in benidorm for next week. I have read loads of reviews which were very helpfull our all inclusive package is at the flamingo benidorm which out of lots of reveiws it has been given the thumbs up.
While i have been searching through websites looking for holiday info i came across this one site who told me that i will have to pay £40 upon arrival per apartment. Wondered if anybody could shed any light on this fact as i have looked on lots of other websites but cant seem to find any mention of it. I would just like to know as i dont really take many euros out with me i just use the bank whilest there.
So i would be very very greatful if anybody could tell me if this is true or not and also if anybody knows how much the safety deposit box is thank you
Donna x

we went for three nights in jan I also read that but they never asked us for any money sorry cant remember how much safety deposit box was but no it wasn't much

Hi David,

Flamingo Playa is not closed , is opened all the year and ready to rock as usuall

Best Regards,
Oscar

Thanks Oscar, those posts referring to closure for building works are from 2007.

David

Oops , my bad, just received it on Google Alerts

Regards