N October, I booked a 4 night stay with this Inn, Oia White or Oia Blue, I communicated directly with the owner Mr Johan Lantz of Stockholm. We had a pleasant communication and agreed upon the terms with one exception, the cancellation policy. I asked Mr Lantz to provide me this information because of potential cancellation due to work obligations. My request was ignored but in good faith I provided a very expensive deposit $250 Eu $352 (more than 1/3 of total cost). This was to be our 25th anniversary celebration. Due to unforeseen issues, I had to cancel this complete Greece trip. The notice I provided to Mr. Lantz was greater than 90 days from the reservation date When I requested the refund I was refused and Mr Lantz indicated that his policy was clearly stated on VRBO (Vacation resale by owner, rentals). I went to VRBO which I had not returned to since finding his apartment. It indicated that deposit refund was 6weeks a 30% penalty, 4-6 weeks, a 50% penalty and < policy 4 weeks a 100% penalty. I challenged Mr. Lantz who then indicated that I actually owed him money as that penalty was for the FULL amount, not the deposit. The whole thing was ludicrous. I booked 8 months early and provided him 3 months notice on cancellation, plenty of time to rent the property and he refuses to refund any of the deposit. A very poor and questionable business practice.
A greek specialist on trip advisor indicated that perhaps Mr. Lantz had violated rules indicated by the Department of Tourism. I have maintained all documentation relating to this incident. Also a visit to the Greek department of tourism board revealed that he by greek law is not allowed to collect more than 25% of the total fees as a deposit and all cancellations greater than 4 weeks must be refunded in full. An attempt o collect through pay pal indicated that it was greater than 90 days and ineligible for buyer protection.
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