189 COMFY IN SÈTE - MAYBE...

Another night, another session sat around a computer looking for places to stay on the continent that is located in the right part of town, have at least three bedrooms - ideally with ensuite facilities, and parking for three cars, making a heroic trek across Europe. Phew.

It was noisy and disjointed, but we got it done. We are now booked into a charming place in Sète that fits the bill perfectly. It has three rooms, so we would effectively have the place to ourselves. It also has a pool and Spa facilities, so we could relax in our own company.

After booking, I received an email saying that the owners were putting in another bedroom, so it won't be completely private, oh, and the Spa facilities are €25 an hour - WTF. I shot back a hangover-infused email emphasising my disappointment that there was no mention of others being at the villa at the same time, and that there was no note of an extra cost for the on-site sauna/jacuzzi.

After sending the email, I scoured the listing. It does say 'Additional Charge' for the Spa facilities, so I replied apologising but lamenting that the actual price wasn't mentioned, as this may have impacted our decision to stay there. I received a curt reply saying the 'Additional Charge' is on the listing and that "it has never been an issue for guests before" - sorry for being the first to bring it up, madam.

They also informed us that they live on site, so we wouldn't have the place to ourselves anyway, and "If these elements do not suit you, you can, if you wish, cancel the reservation free of charge. I am sure that you will easily find another accommodation more suitable for your search."

I sent the update to the group chat, and I wasn't alone in thinking we had been misled, and so began a flurry of emails with alternative accommodation in Sète. We will go through what is available and weigh up our options. As I said in my reply to the owners, "We spent a long time looking for a destination which accommodated our party's various needs, and now we may need to start all over again, which is really frustrating."

Apparently, "Traveller satisfaction is our priority." Still, they haven't replied to my follow-up email asking for a price for the additional room, so it may be a standard phrase they add to the end of an email. Let's see what they come back with.