Iwan2go

You're right, I am sure it's an honest mistake, but what really, really bad timing for a mistake. (You know, I was wondering about it being open, because when I looked at the availability calendar on the website, it looked like the days from Dec. 19 - 26 were gone, and you had said you needed the 23rd - Jan 2nd).

IF it turns out that you are totally stuck, here are two other three bedroom places that I bookmarked, for around the same price.

1. www.haveninparis.com, the Carnot apartment (in the 8th I think) looks like it's open for those dates. Wow, just gorgeous. (actually, they have several 3 bedrooms, but this one was the least expensive, around 2500-3000 euros).

2. www.francefor rent.com. I can't tell what the availability is, but there are several 2 and 3 bedroom apartments that are quite beautiful.

Please let all of us know how this turns out. You seem so calm...you must have learned to roll with the punches in life. You must be a good mom

MomDDTravel

Iwan2go - I am very calm over this - I trust it will work out the way it is suppose to. In the whole big scheme of things - no worries.

Could be a karma thing - me canceling my apartment to get another - Although I was paying a fee to do so!

The universe is indeed abundant and I am sure it will work out how it is suppose to.

I told Alex not to release it yet from the 27. Who know..maybe Bugge here we come! LOL

MomDDTravel

all is well that ends well. My orginal apartment was never canceled. I still have it.

I assume that ParisVacation will refund the charge to my cc stat and we will be in Paris as planned in our not as lovely but far less expensive apartment.

MomDDTravel

Unfortunately they are saying they cannot credit my charge card but have to wire the money into my bank account due to French banking law? Does this make any sense?

MomDDTravel

Just another update. I have yet to receive the funds/wire from Parisvacation. I am not a happy camper.

cw

Have you emailed them or phoned them?

Our dealings with them last year were perfect and we had to pay for a lost key and they were more than fair about it.

francophile03

How come the agency can't refund your credit card but they can process the payment? I don't understand what that has to do with French law. Other French apartment agencies refund via credit card.

MomDDTravel

You got me. Last year I canceled an apartment and was refunded the amount due no issues right back on my card.

The entire things has been more then strange. Yes, I have been in constant contact with them via email.

They said the wire would go through Monday - never did. I emaailed and they said tomorrow (Tuesday). I got an email saying that it was done (Tuesday in Paris) I asked for a wire confirmation. When I have wired money in USA you can give a wire confirmation. Alex said he did not have it. I have yet to see it hit my account.

I am waiting to dispute it on my cc but am not a happy camper with the entire process. Not 20 minutes after I got an email saying they charged my card - they said there was a "mistake" and the apartment was not available. Void the transaction...

MomDDTravel

For their email to me:
Dear Dawn,
I need you to email me your full bank information (Account number, swift code, name and address of your bank and name of the account holder) so that I can wire you back the money immediately (The French bank system doesn't allow us to recredit a foreign credit card).
I hope to see you next time with us in Paris and thank you for your kindness & patience.
Best regards,
Alex

francophile03

Usually the refund would be processed the same way as the sale. I don't get what they're telling you. It is peculiar that their rental terms mention different forms of payment, but concerning refunds it's not specific.

MomDDTravel

It is all very odd. Very.

dina4

gee, more than odd, VERY upsetting. i really hope this works out for you!! i am so sorry this happened to you. please keep us posted!

francophile03

MomDDTravel, maybe you should call the agency.They seem to have an excellent reputation from the comments posted by others so it is surprising they have not gotten back to you.

MomDDTravel

They are definately getting back to me via email very promptly. It takes a few days for a wire to go through so hopefully by today. I will let you all know.

They have a great reputation and that is the only thing that has given me hope that it was not a total scam.

cw

MDDT,

Did everything get resolved to your satisfaction? I may have missed your update if it was on another thread.

cw

Christina

I remember this post, as I was going to add something about the CC refund -- not that you can force an apt. agency to do anything.

I've had a French company give me a refund by CC, so it isn't true that French banking law won't allow that, in general. It wasn't even a "mistake" exactly, but sort of -- SNCF had sold me a train ticket that were not exactly the right kind. After some questioning and a manager being called over, the clerk admitted they had sold me the wrong kind of ticket, and they just ran a refund through on my CC about 10 minutes after the original charge. It came through fine on my Mastercard and looks like any normal kind of company refund.

lincasanova

i think there is a difference when you can run the card through a machine and when it is over the phone.

MomDDTravel

sorry for not updating. The wire did turn up so all is well. Do not want to "taint" the company and not follow up.

It was a strange experience.

gracejoan3

Their refund process is very slow..I have done it......

MomDDTravel

I think the strange part for me was obviously I was not asking for a refund - they were telling me the apartment was not available as promised. Therefore I did expect to be refunded in a fast manner based on the circumstances if that makes sense.