Almeda Travel is absolutely TERRIBLE. I was recommended by a friend to check them out. The guy I worked with was very nice but professionaly, he was piss poor. Before my appointment, I sent him a list of all the places I was interested in. When I got there, he asked me what places I was interested in. Strike One.
The second red flag was that he kept suggesting all inclusive resorts. I mentioned I was not interested in all-inclusive. It was as if he was selling me on something based on where he thought would cut him the biggest check. Strike Two.
Next thing that happened was that I had asked him about a specific hotel. Told him I loved what I was seeing and wanted to know what the rates were. He e-mails me back and says "we don't have that hotel in our inventory at that time. You will need to select another date". Unbeknownst to him, I had already checked the hotel's website, which had plenty of availability. I know the goal is for them to make money, but his approach was entirely wrong. STRIKE THREE. Done with Almeda Travel.
Until...
My friend decides she wants to use Almeda Travel for her birthday trip. This time I got the pleasure (NOT!!!) of working with the owner (and mother of the guy I had already worked with). She might just be one of the rudest people I've had to work with.
The first time I called her, I explained what party I was with and why I was calling. Dead silence. She acted like she didn't even know what I was talking about. When she did decide to speak, she was flat out rude. She cut me off, was very short. No customer service skills whatsoever.
The only time she was somewhat decent towards me was when I went to pay my deposit. And I say "decent" but that might be an overstatement. Her office was cluttered and disorganized. And she nearly lost my debit card in the mess she called her desk.
Several other people on the trip voiced how rude she was to them as well. Had it not been for my friend, I would never have put money in her pockets.
So in a nutshell, if someone recommends you to use Almeda Travel, RUN don't walk the other direction. Book your own travel or FIND A REAL TRAVEL AGENCY. read more