Complaint Review: Key West Sailing Adventures

The owner of the company (Key West Sailing Adventures) got our reservation wrong, then tried to charge us more (after the fact). Never pay off what's owed until you complete your stay. He is quite rude in his responses (now that he has my money) and still owes me money (which he admits as well) - he just won't pay me back and its been > 3 months ("at the companies convenience") - WTF!!! There were electrical issues and really the trip was not worth it. You'd be better off renting from one of the houses near by - same price if not cheaper and you dont have to deal with this shady character.

Basically, I got two vacations with this company. We cancelled the second one (they had us in the wrong dates anyway). So, as agreed, they would pay me my second payment back - he sent me 2 checks for 2/3 of what was due to me. And then the rip off begins. Before we arrived I asked where the last check was, he said he'd give that to me when we arrived - so based upon emails, etc I assume we are done with the finance side - HA!. First, he was supposed to pick us up at the airport - HA! as we waited, we called him up and he said take a taxi. OKAY ... then we arrive, despite the "airconditioning/electrical/bathroom issues", the air conditioning stops functioning (this boat is now 95 degrees!) and the owner is not answering his phone.

Anyway, despite this, we deal. As the trip goes on the owner is calling me while I'm on this vacation saying that I still owe him money (even though he still owes me refund money). Needless to say I was not prepared to show him all our documentation - I have ALL the emails and agreements. But since he lives in Florida and I live in the Southwest, this makes for a potentially costly court fight. Not worth the time or the money.

What I want to make sure of, is that the consumers (since you can't file a complaint with VRBO.com) know about this company and its shady practices. And to not do what I did, I paid up front. Put a deposit down, get everything in writing and payoff balance when you arrive/leave. But I would NEVER recommend anyone to this company. We even did the 2 day sail - definitely NOT worth the money or the inconvenience.

Worldtraveler
Corrales, New Mexico
U.S.A.