Wired Destinations 'belly Up'

[terrytoo]

I have been booking accommodation with Wired Destinations online for years. Two days ago, I received an email from them advising that they were closing down immediately "due to financial difficulties". The email advised that my current (paid) booking had been cancelled and "consideration was being given to a refund". I made the booking in early Januarty and apparently Wired Destinations followed the practice of holding the funds until just before the booked date. Obviously, this is an unsatisfactory business practice particular is such an unregulated mareket as Thailand. I immediately telephoned their office in Silom (WD Travel) and of course, no one answered the telephone. Their website is srtill up but some of the funcionality is gone including how to contact them.

Anyone else "burned". Seems in these times of economic turmoil, it is very dangerous to book accommodation online

[apetley]

If you paid by credit card I would give your company a call.

[onethailand]

I have been booking accommodation with Wired Destinations online for years. Two days ago, I received an email from them advising that they were closing down immediately "due to financial difficulties". The email advised that my current (paid) booking had been cancelled and "consideration was being given to a refund". I made the booking in early Januarty and apparently Wired Destinations followed the practice of holding the funds until just before the booked date. Obviously, this is an unsatisfactory business practice particular is such an unregulated mareket as Thailand. I immediately telephoned their office in Silom (WD Travel) and of course, no one answered the telephone. Their website is srtill up but some of the funcionality is gone including how to contact them.

Anyone else "burned". Seems in these times of economic turmoil, it is very dangerous to book accommodation online

Actually, the practice varies between agents - for prepaid bookings, in most cases the funds are remitted to the hotel within a few days to guarantee the booking, or else depends on the agreement with the hotel.

For instant bookings, many agents have their own allotments - and actually trade on credit terms. Unfortunately, WD is one of those - and funds would most likely not have been remitted until some time after the guest had stayed at the hotel.

As apetley suggests, you should contact your credit card company that you wish to charge back the payment, and send them a copy of the email you received from WD Travel as evidence.

[torrenova]

Actually, the practice varies between agents - for prepaid bookings, in most cases the funds are remitted to the hotel within a few days to guarantee the booking, or else depends on the agreement with the hotel.

Err, not really. To improve cashflow, earn interest and simplify payments, agents credit the hotel perhaps once or twice a month. Ratestogo only takes their commission with the balance paid direct but I know some of the more popular other ones, including some Thai ones, do operate on this basis.

If the hotel has not been paid then they will not honour the rooms and as they are only going to be paid in arrears, after the check in date for sure, then you are stuffed. As stated some CC companies will refund. Not sure if Thai ones would though !

[TheWalkingMan]

Hmmmm...

Their website is still up...

TheWalkingMan

[londonthai]

if no luck with CC, than pop in to their bangkok office in silom - there is possibility they are still there, the same owner under a different business name and with new phone numbers. If they don't react, go to the nearest police station or report to the tourist police - visiting office together with a police officer (a few thousand backhand is a must), you might get your money on the spot.

[onethailand]

Actually, the practice varies between agents - for prepaid bookings, in most cases the funds are remitted to the hotel within a few days to guarantee the booking, or else depends on the agreement with the hotel.

Err, not really. To improve cashflow, earn interest and simplify payments, agents credit the hotel perhaps once or twice a month. Ratestogo only takes their commission with the balance paid direct but I know some of the more popular other ones, including some Thai ones, do operate on this basis.

There are various methods, of which yours is one and not uncommon - but you might have noticed the "most" in my statement - and furthermore a "few" days does not mean one or two days.

[beth809]

i went to the wired destinations office in the united center on silom road on the 29th floor. so everyone before you book any hotel rooms with them. beware. website is still accepting booking though company is not there anymore. i booked with them and when i got to the hotel in hong kong . the hotle said my reservation was cancelled. i called their office no one was answering phone. i called my credit card company . I hope the credit card company will refund my payment. BEWARE>>>>> BEWARE EVERYONE>>>

[khaosaming]

I wrot this Problem to Visa so I got my money yesterday.I thing their account is closed by thai authority otherwise couldnt to visa the money back get26.03.09 STORNO WD TRAVEL CO.,,BANGKOK,TH 39.530, 00

[khaosaming]

[ThaiHotels]

I have been booking accommodation with Wired Destinations online for years. Two days ago, I received an email from them advising that they were closing down immediately "due to financial difficulties". The email advised that my current (paid) booking had been cancelled and "consideration was being given to a refund". I made the booking in early Januarty and apparently Wired Destinations followed the practice of holding the funds until just before the booked date. Obviously, this is an unsatisfactory business practice particular is such an unregulated mareket as Thailand. I immediately telephoned their office in Silom (WD Travel) and of course, no one answered the telephone. Their website is srtill up but some of the funcionality is gone including how to contact them.

Anyone else "burned". Seems in these times of economic turmoil, it is very dangerous to book accommodation online

Speaking to hotels and other wholesalers that Wd used, many were stiched up as well for quite a lot of money.

Saw them advertising their hotels before selling at their cost. Not a good sign. Speaking to a few people who worked with Heiko in Phuket at the beginning when we was is in It business. He had a bad reputation then. Get in contact in with cc company asap, as sure the list of of people who got burnt is a long one.