A word to the wise re: Santa Maria Tours
Nov 13th, 2012, 06:08 AM
#41
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That's great news! I have faith, as well, that SM can resolve it for you. As you can see, just a little bit of patience (even though nerve-racking in this situation) may pay off in the end.
I've been emailing SM all week (although do note that they were closed yesterday for a religious holiday) so they should be getting emails.
It sure sounds like they're aware of the issue and probably scrambling to fix it.
If my end result is any barometer, they should be fixing this for you fairly quickly.
Give them a few more days to sort it out -- and, just to make sure there aren't any email issues, keep resending the email until you get a response.
I've been emailing SM all week (although do note that they were closed yesterday for a religious holiday) so they should be getting emails.
It sure sounds like they're aware of the issue and probably scrambling to fix it.
If my end result is any barometer, they should be fixing this for you fairly quickly.
Give them a few more days to sort it out -- and, just to make sure there aren't any email issues, keep resending the email until you get a response.
Nov 13th, 2012, 06:12 AM
#42
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It sounds like things are getting sorted out. I'm so glad to hear it. The people at Santa Maria were wonderful to us, fixing problems caused by flight time changes and such. They have close relationships with many higher-end hotels which helps in making adjustments to reservations.
520, when we were at the Rupar Mandalar last year, it was full the whole time. First with independent travelers, and at the end of our stay with a whole Russian tour group! I expect every place will be full this year.
520, when we were at the Rupar Mandalar last year, it was full the whole time. First with independent travelers, and at the end of our stay with a whole Russian tour group! I expect every place will be full this year.
Nov 13th, 2012, 07:03 AM
#44
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Hi Kathie. We must have been writing at the same time because I just noticed your response. It's helpful to know that SM has close relationships with the hotels. I know they are very well established and their reputation has always been held in high regard. I'm sure it makes a difference when problems occur. My fingers are crossed that everything will work out well!
Nov 13th, 2012, 01:43 PM
#46
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emdee, if I recall, you weren't planning on going until 2014, correct?
If that's the case, I would encourage you to be patient and wait until the holiday rush is over. I'm sure they're just prioritizing email responses based on travel dates.
With well over a year and some change to go, I think you've got plenty of time.
If that's the case, I would encourage you to be patient and wait until the holiday rush is over. I'm sure they're just prioritizing email responses based on travel dates.
With well over a year and some change to go, I think you've got plenty of time.
Nov 15th, 2012, 07:37 AM
#47
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Good news! Kathie ... you were right. Santa Maria was working on the problem even though I hadn't heard from them with an update.
This morning, when I still hadn't received a response from SM, I decided to check with the Inle hotel to see if they had been in contact. They answered almost immediately (surprising considering the 10 hour time difference) saying that they had been working with SM and were able to offer us a possible solution. We had booked a junior suite and although they were now only able to offer 2 days in a Deluxe and 2 in a JS they would let us know if something in either category opened up for our dates. I am so relieved! I had visions of choosing between sleeping on a monastery floor for 4 nights or postponing the trip and losing a bundle. And I'm really looking forward to this part of our vacation and staying at this particular hotel. Now on to the next step ... applying for a visa. Thanks again to everyone for your suggestions and support!
This morning, when I still hadn't received a response from SM, I decided to check with the Inle hotel to see if they had been in contact. They answered almost immediately (surprising considering the 10 hour time difference) saying that they had been working with SM and were able to offer us a possible solution. We had booked a junior suite and although they were now only able to offer 2 days in a Deluxe and 2 in a JS they would let us know if something in either category opened up for our dates. I am so relieved! I had visions of choosing between sleeping on a monastery floor for 4 nights or postponing the trip and losing a bundle. And I'm really looking forward to this part of our vacation and staying at this particular hotel. Now on to the next step ... applying for a visa. Thanks again to everyone for your suggestions and support!
