I was planning a very special trip to Kailua Kona Hawaii for my 87yr old Mother. Our family had gone there for years back in the 70's and 80's and stayed at a property called The Kona Riviera Villa.l
My father pasted away a couple of years ago and Mom wanted to go back to Kailua and stay in the same place that we had so many wonderful memories of. There is a specific unit that we wanted to stay - unit #101. It took me awhile but finally I found that exact unit and contacted the owner immediately. It was being managed by Kathie West of goWest Travel. I emailed her and it took a few days for her to email back but when she did she said that the unit was available for the dates we would be there! I was beyond excited. We emailed back and forth a few times. Each time I would reiterate that I wanted that unit. A few times her return emails would say the same thing :
"Yes, our condo is currently available for the dates you requested! I wouldn't wait long as I am already starting to fill up! "
It was a bit annoying as I kept repeating that "Yes " I wanted that unit and asked her to please let me know how I could secure it.
By this time the airline tickets had been paid and a rental car secured.
After 6 days she still hadn't gotten back to me about securing the property. So I called. She answered but said she was going in to a ZOOM meeting and she would call me back later in the day.
Later in the day she emails me to say that she just went back and checked her calendar and she found out that the unit had already been booked A MONTH AGO for the same dates that we requested!
Not only was I shaking in anger but now I am wondering if this is a legit business at all? If it is, then she is THE MOST INCOMPETENT travel agency owner I have ever come across. Good thing I didn't give her any $. Now I have to break the news to my Mother. I'm sure Ms West doesn't care. BEWARE, DON'T GO WEST read more