Clearsky

We booked a three week rental for our 40th wedding anniversary for January next year. When the final payment was due I called up to pay and I spoke to Jill Diamond one of the owners, who informed me that the property had been badly damaged in the recent terrible hurricane and would not be repaired in time for our visit and therefore the booking would be cancelled. I fully understood and asked her about our 1100 deposit, she responded that she would return it but would prefer me to make an insurance claim to which I told her I would not wish to do that. I asked for the cancellation to be confirmed in writing and was shocked to see that Jill stated that as the cancellation was out of her control, our deposit was forfeit and would not be returned. Clearsky T&Cs state that if they cancel they will refund unless they can find a suitable alternative but accept no liability if the situation is not within their control. I was not asking for liability for the other holiday losses but didnt dream for one minute that Jill Diamond and Clearsky felt they could retain a sizeable deposit for a holiday over three months away without offering either a delayed booking or a refund. However she did state that the property was due to be sold but the new owner was due to honour our booking ! Frustratingly I had originally booked the villa through Holiday Lettings but after speaking to Jill, was convinced to cancel and rebook direct (Note to self for the future) as she stated all through covid she had moved clients dates and never let anyone down. I guess if the property was being sold she felt no obligation to us to do the same but if I had continued with my initial booking I would be fully protected. The damage in south west Florida is heartbreaking and a cancelled holiday is nothing compared to what some are going through but you really dont expect a long standing company such as Clearsky to behave this way. I was not going to post this but I was appalled to receive marketing direct from Jill Diamond after her cancelling in relation to future rentals and property sales, showing images of the villa, Dream View, that we had booked and when I checked it still appears on numerous booking platforms. According to companies house Clearsky are solvent and certainly based upon my experience still trading. I cannot overstate how upsetting this has been, I really had hoped for better. ** Just to follow up on the response from Jill, I never requested a letter to make an insurance claim for the lost deposit, I was trying to claim against the flights and an airport hotel, it was in fact me that said to her I felt it would be fraudulent to make a claim for a lost deposit of 1100 when it should be the responsibility of Clearsky. Infact being accused otherwise when I have all the emails between us to prove thats is false is potentially libel. I refute completely I sent an unpleasant email and would be happy to let anyone see/ publish on here the email chain between us. I have been nothing but sympathetic regarding the situation, I am just upset that I have not only lost the 1100 deposit but also heavy cancellation flight charges as we have no where to stay. I have now had to contact our insurer and we will not be covered so all in all, we will have lost around 2k. I still cannot accept that Jill feels no obligation to return out deposit. She certainly had made it very clear she would not be repaying our deposit prior to me posting the review, again happy to share the email trail. I am truly sorry and upset at the damage caused by the hurricane and this trip was to celebrate 40 years of marriage but I have been unfairly treated. If Jill had returned our deposit I would not posting in this way. I am still happy to remove this if she would send back the money she should be making no use of and we can schedule another holiday in January 2023 as we had hoped.She says she has never let anyone down but what does she call-retaining a large deposit when she had to cancel and not offering a future booking?
Oct 19th, 2022

Have just returned from 91 Long Meadow Court, Rotunda West Florida after spending 2 fabulous weeks with my family in this property. The house has everything you would want and more. Situated in a lovely quiet area with golf course and not too far from many restaurants. Would highly recommend this property.
Jul 18th, 2022

Jill and the team at Clearsky are amazing at creating the Florida dream. Whether it be building the perfect house or finding a great rental holiday home for the perfect vacation. Thoroughly recommended.
Aug 28th, 2019

Oct 7th, 2018