Agoda Cuillin Hotel Booking Failed Despite Payment – Compensation Still Unpaid

I made a fully paid booking with Agoda online for a stay at the Cuillin Hotel in Portree from 31 July to 3 August, totalling over 5,700 USD. Agoda confirmed my booking, but when I arrived at the property the hotel informed me that there was actually no valid reservation in their system. As a result, at 82 years of age, I was effectively kicked out of the hotel and had to leave Portree with nowhere suitable to stay. This stressful situation triggered an emergency medical issue related to heart attack complications, turning what was meant to be a special trip into a serious health risk and a very distressing experience. I had also purchased a business class air fare from Australia to Scotland on what is considered the world’s No. 1 airline specifically for this trip, which makes the consequences of Agoda’s failure even more significant. The hotel manager explained that Agoda had been taking bookings for the hotel even though the hotel has no direct contract with them, and that they had instead used Expedia to make the booking in a way the hotel considers improper. The manager is prepared to confirm that these facts are accurate. In other words, Agoda took my money, confirmed my booking, but did not secure a legitimate reservation for me at the property. Following this incident, Agoda acknowledged the problem and, during a phone conference with the hotel manager and myself, clearly promised prompt compensation. In that call, Agoda agreed to pay USD 1,432 directly into my bank account without delay. Despite this clear commitment, they have still not paid the agreed amount or resolved my financial and personal losses arising from this trip. I request that Agoda immediately transfer the full amount of USD 1,432 into my bank account as promised, without any further delay, and that they fully cover the losses and disruption caused by their mishandling of my booking, including the costs of the unused trip and the severe inconvenience and health impact I suffered. If this payment is not made now as agreed, I will commence a realistic legal claim against Agoda for the damages and hardship caused, which destroyed the enjoyment of our travels.