I recently booked a stay at Abbey House through Group Retreats, and I must express my disappointment with the entire experience, particularly concerning their communication and handling of the damage deposit.Upon booking, I was required to pay a hefty £1500 deposit for a mere two-day stay at Abbey House, which was twice the amount of the booking itself. This exorbitant deposit immediately raised red flags, but I proceeded, expecting a smooth process for its return after my stay.However, the communication from Group Retreats post-booking was nothing short of frustrating. Despite expecting an email regarding the return of my deposit immediately after checking out, I heard nothing. I took the initiative to email them the day after checkout, then again the following day, but received no response. This lack of communication continued even after placing multiple calls to their support line, where promises of callbacks and information were consistently unfulfilled.When I finally managed to speak with someone, they claimed there was damage—a 'wine stain on a table'—though they couldn't specify the cost and promised to follow up. This process of back-and-forth, with me initiating most of the contact, dragged on for days. It took them three days to confirm a meager £100 charge for removing the said stain.The entire ordeal lasted for two weeks post-checkout before I finally received my deposit back, minus the deduction for the alleged damage. Such a prolonged and arduous process for a simple matter like a deposit return is utterly unacceptable. It's worth noting that many other holiday rentals do not require such exorbitant deposits for short-term stays and it seems more like a tactic to compensate for their supposedly discounted rates compared to other platforms like Airbnb.I strongly advise against booking through Group Retreats directly. The lack of communication and transparency, coupled with the excessive deposit requirements, make the experience more of a hassle than a relaxing holiday. If you're set on one of their properties, opt to book through a third-party website that offers better customer support and assistance. Don't subject yourself to the frustration of chasing after Group Retreats just to receive a confirmation of your deposit return.
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Group Retreats provides large-group high-end accommodation in unique and beautiful country houses.
Recognising that large groups often struggle to find appropriate accommodation and that luxury housing for such groups was in short supply, we set out to find the perfect country homes for our customers to enjoy.
Our vision is not only to provide your group with a comfortable stay, but to give you an unforgettable experience of staying in a quintessential English country home. You will discover unique settings for a family break, corporate function or a milestone celebration; which you can enjoy in your own way.
Typically, our properties are large historic listed buildings with extensive grounds and beautiful gardens. Swimming pools and spas are features in most of our places, along with games rooms packed with snooker, pool and other games. Our properties are generally in quiet, isolated locations, surrounded by countryside – perfect for exploring.
At Group Retreats we can help you plan an unforgettable trip.See more
