GoanmadTony,
I understand what you are saying but there was nothing to check out at all as regards the booking. As I have mentioned before- they contacted me by phone at home and then it took off from there.
But, in future, I will know exactly what to do and, hopefully, my experience will help others on this site.

I thought it was a tad strong of them to write on their email 'without prejudice' and not point out what that actually means. Personally, I doubt it will hold up in any court of law but I am definitely NOT going to test that out! I will not contest anything at all as I have managed to get it settled to my likeing. I actually did suggest they keep 10% as a measure of goodwill on my part.

As well as me and others learning from this I do hope that the owners of the place have learned lessons as well.!!

Thank-you Glynis.

We all learn from mistakes we make. And as you said, the good thing is that you have highlighted something that others will learn from.

So pleased you managed to get a response pedro and even better hopefully resolved to your satisfaction