written by LacandJac on 15/01/2020
Now I booked freedom to take myself and 9 mates for a weekend stag do, initially the organisation was fine, first day went ok, bar crawl could had been a bit more refined & sophisticated but it was alright, the issues arrived on our last night, simply no communication from their rep, was meant to go to a strip joint, be met there by Freedoms rep and then go onto a nightclub, again I rang 3 times trying to get hold of someone who would look after us and ensure the money we paid got us into the club etc. No answer, no communication. The strip joint was bad, total shambolic, now we are all adults but this was too pressured, almost being forced to part with 40 euros per girl and for a drink it cost 10 euros, and that was for a small beer!! Most of the lads after 30 minutes simply had enough, that’s when I tried to ring Freedoms rep to meet us at Pacha, but as stated I rang 3 separate times and got NIL response, we turned up at the club only to be told we were not on the VIP guest list!! This was ludicrous as we had paid, in the end the lads went back into Barca centre but it left a really bad taste, I refunded each lad 30 euros because I was that embarrassed, I’ve took this up with the MD at Freedom and after playing e-mail tennis I asked him for a 90 euro refund that represented the entry fees we had already paid to the nightclub, I was practically accused of not making the calls to their rep! I don’t like to be made out to be a liar, I’m still waiting for a response, no reply since before Christmas now and my stag do was November! So for a gesture and small refund requested of 90 euros here is their review, be very careful with your money, if anything goes wrong then like be you won’t get anything back which is wrong and freedom need to accept responsibility.
written by Dannyd38 on 09/10/2017
When booking a weekend for my 30th, we all thought the price tag of a spa afternoon 2-5pm, hotel meal, nightclub entry and a overnight stay for £122pp was amazing. However; the spa was a glorified leisure centre - I actually think it was a leisure centre as it was full of children, it included a steam room and sauna, if you could manage to squeeze in amongst everyone else. At reception on arrival the man asked if we were going pool side, while we await treatments, not really sure why he said this because the only other option was to sit in reception. The 25 minute treatments, a choice of either: Facial, Manicure, Pedicure or Back massage, were undertaken in groups of two (there were 6 of us) in a poky little room. My manicure was rubbish and the selection of polishes were shown to me in a basket, nail polish on about half of each nail, then we were told to dry them under the hair dryer in the changing room. Hotel dining was interesting to say the least, only 2 courses including (despite the original deal stating 3 course hotel dining). We had to pre order from a set menu prior to the weekend, but nobody seemed to have a clue what was happening. One of our group got her meal 10 minutes late, when the waitress realised she wasn't eating, she attended and asked if she had ordered, I quickly responded That her choice was on the list, for her to try and cover up the mistake by agreeing to my statement and saying her food would be out shortly, It arrived moments later, looking like it had been hastily zapped in the microwave. The food itself was ok, by all accounts, despite the rather vacant staff and the ridiculous drinks pricing. We returned to our rooms and got ready to go to the free nightclub entry, where we actually weren't on the list, but the girl on the desk was a reasonable person and fortunately allowed us in. The nightclub itself was more appropriate for students, as the entirety of the people in the rooms were, all wearing trainers, so I actually felt rather overdressed for the venue, and it didn't quite feel suitable for a 30th birthday, not that anywhere we went they knew this, as most of the places we had bookings assumed it was a hen party. Overall my party was saved by the people who went, the organisation and explanations supplied by this company left little to be desired and the had we not been able to make light of the situation I would have had a pretty miserable weekend.
Written on: 10/10/2017
Hi,
Thank you for reviewing your Birthday weekend in Nottingham.
I am sorry to hear your event did not meet your expectations.
The package booked and detailed on your itinerary included a Health Club, unfortunately it is not described as a Spa Afternoon.
Saturday’s are particularly popular days, so I do apologise that the pool area was busy. However, it is a surprise that the beauty treatments were unacceptable as we have been dealing with the 4 star hotel treatment rooms for over 10 years without complaints. We shall investigate what happened on this occasion.
My Customer Relations team would like to talk with you about the meal, it appears at the quoting stage the full package was based at the Hilton hotel, however on booking due to availability it was placed at the Crowne Plaza. Unfortunately because the pre-order was received from your group for two courses, the Customer Relations team were unaware of the issue. We have standardised the meal to two course across hotels to avoid this issue in the future.
Pryzm Nightclub was updated with your final numbers by email on 23/08/2017 at 10:02. Their head office confirmed your booking in writing with a reference number 2039971
It is disappointing that the door staff had not been informed of your arrival, this is unusual as they take hundreds of our groups a year. Pryzm Nightclub has a capacity of 2500 with multiple music rooms, but I can understand that as a free nightclub, at the start of the University year, it does not suit all parties.
We will speak with the suppliers to ensure this does not happen again, and really appreciate your constructive feedback.
I am glad you made light of the situation in the end and did enjoy your time away with friends.
Kind regards
Mike Wood
Freedom MD
ref: 34875
written by kaiden08 on 25/07/2016
We were meant to get a "boogie bus" we got a clapped out old double Decker bus - went to 3 bars and it left us!!! Because another group on the bus was feeling sick so took them home and left us on our own. It was a bus with balloons hung up and radio playing!!! Would not refer to that as a "boogie bus". Mis-selling!!!! Also - hotel was fine except the breakfast - sat us at a filthy table - only had bacon and beans, sausages were raw!!! I asked for cutlery to be told to wait a minute and then none came!!! Diabolical!! Would of been better and cheaper to pay for premier inn and pay taxis round Liverpool!!! Feel riped off and would never recommend
Written on: 29/07/2016
I’m sorry to read the issues you encountered and thank you for bringing this to our attention. My Customer Relations Manager has contacted your group leader and sent a feedback email so that we can fully investigate the situation.
At the same time we have been in contact with the suppliers of your event.:
Party Bus have spoken to their staff in Liverpool, but they were not aware of any complaints on the night. They have mentioned that the bus went to Flares instead of Mojito's as requested by the passengers and we are awaiting their response in full.
I apologise that the breakfast did not meet your expectations. The chef has confirmed that the sausages were cooked, they are made using a very pink meat but the temperatures are checked before serving. Unfortunately this concern was not raised on the day so it could have been explained. however, the Head of Reservations at the hotel is more than happy to speak with you directly.
Thank you for your constructive feedback and have a great time at your sister's wedding.
Kind regards
Mike Wood
Freedom MD
ref: 32537
Written on: 29/07/2016
So the other group instructed the bus to leave us? And that is acceptable? The main issue here is the state of the bus!! In total my group of 6 paid £180 to go on a clapped out bus! Not a boogie bus! This is the issue!! I was complaining all night!! My sister is the group leader and we will be filling that in this weekend! Also at the hotel i asked for cutlery! Was waiting 20 minites at a mucky table and still did not get any! I also complained to the receptionist that morning! We were that disgusted when we saw the sausages we just left as complaints were being ignored by staff! We have paid a lot of money to be ripped off here so stop trying to fob me off please!!!!
Written on: 29/07/2016
So the other group instructed the bus to leave us? And that is acceptable? The main issue here is the state of the bus!! In total my group of 6 paid £180 to go on a clapped out bus! Not a boogie bus! This is the issue!! I was complaining all night!! My sister is the group leader and we will be filling that in this weekend! Also at the hotel i asked for cutlery! Was waiting 20 minites at a mucky table and still did not get any! I also complained to the receptionist that morning! We were that disgusted when we saw the sausages we just left as complaints were being ignored by staff! We have paid a lot of money to be ripped off here so stop trying to fob me off please!!!!
Written on: 29/07/2016
Ive just spoken to the three girls that tasted the raw saisages and they have confirmed that they tasted like blood/tinny, they just were not right, there was not even enough chairs for us all to sit at the table for breakfast! We also have photographic evidence of the bus and the rep that we complained to! I would post on here for others to see the state of but it wont let me.. We paid £1300 for this event and arent trying to make a mountain out of a molehill complaining for the sale of it here we are genuinely appaled at what we got for our money!! As soon as the bus came they appologised saying the actual boogie bus was out of action! So why were we not compensated for the downgrade? Because they think that your drunk so it is acceptable? Well it is not acceptable when we have paid so much money! For it then to leave us too! Absolute joke!
Written on: 29/07/2016
I have pictures of the "boogie bus" forward slash 15-20 year old double decker bus that came for us and took is to two vars for £180 too! And the rep that begged me to not make a complaint!!
written by on 27/04/2016
Attended a hen weekend arranged by Freedom at the Madjeski Hotel Reading, a Pamper session, Spa, meal, overnight stay and entry to a retro club. The hotel itself was good and standard rooms a good size, breakfast was lovely however that's it the rest was rubbish. The pamper session included either a manicure, pedicure or massage this was not done in a spa room, just a couple of ladies arrived and used one of the bedrooms in the hotel, we were called two at a time to attend our session. All the hens that had a manicure said that the nail varnish started chipping off within 2 hours of having it done. The menu choice was poor, starters salmon, soup or tortellini, main chicken, mash and green bean, fish new potatoes and veg or salad no pudding. Most people left the soup as they did not like it. We all got glammed up in our retro gear ready for the retro club off in the taxi got the the club and the guy on the door looked at us and said we are not doing retro we have a DJ and you cannot come in !! After a lot of complaining, demanding to see managers etc etc they arranged entrance into another club a 5 minute walk away, where we arrived got put in a booth only to be told 10 minutes later to get out of the booth. Anyone reading this to be honest don't use this company, arrange things yourself I have seen more reviews saying that they have been let down by this company.
written by Rosie...13 on 28/09/2015
We arrived at our hotel before check in as we were meeting everyone to go to the races before returning to the hotel to get ready for the meal booked by the website deal- however when we returned from the races to check into our rooms the hotel told us they had no record of our booking and had no rooms booked under our name - it took nearly an hour for them to sort us out with the only 8 rooms left in the hotel before a very stressed out hen could get ready for the meal. They are enquiring about what the problem was but I am very disappointed with the organisation of the accommodation due to this - we had rung the hotel prior to the hen do and they had a record of booking so I don't know what went wrong. It spoilt the day for the bride to be even though the meal out and punt on Sunday ran very smoothly.
Written on: 30/09/2015
Thank you for reviewing your Hen weekend in Cambridge.
I am very sorry that the hotel receptionist had problems on the weekend finding your booking in their hotel reservation system.
The Freedom booking system log shows the following:
Telephone confirmation at the hotel 19/01/2015 15:39:52
Confirmation email log:
1. 19/01/2015 16:04:57
2. 02/02/2015 17:52:29
3. 13/08/2015 08:32:26
4. 22/09/2015 10:47:30
Plus the hotel was paid in advance and you rang the hotel yourself prior to your visit.
The hotel apologised on the weekend for the delay in getting you to your rooms and gave you Prosecco whilst you waited.
Cath at the hotel has been in contact with your group and advised that she is dealing direct to come to a happy conclusion for you.
I am pleased the punt and picnic and your meal out went smoothly.
Thank you again for your feedback and have a great time at the wedding.
Kind regards
Mike Wood
Freedom MD
ref: 23445
written by on 04/02/2015
Initially I thought customer service was good. However when I asked a question freedom didn't know the answer too I got ignored and then after chasing a delayed response. After getting the itinerary after payment, realised not actually getting as much for money than I thought. So ended up doing work myself which I thought I was paying freedom for, in order to pad out the day with activities. Accommodation was good however had some family rooms which resulted everyone consolidating to be together and rooms empty. Waste of money. Not necessarily freedoms fault. But felt bit cheated. Main activity can't really fault that. Didn't expect to have to double check bookings with all suppliers. Thought was paying freedom for that. Extremely disappointed with club service and value for money. If others have made complaints, freedom to reconsider who they work in connection with?
Written on: 05/02/2015
Thank you for your response, Freedom value constructive feedback and always address any issues with our suppliers.
It’s a shame to hear you didn’t find our service value for money and we would like to look into this for you.
If you could email the Freedom Customer Relations team with your booking details than that would be great.
Kind regards
Mike Wood
Freedom MD
written by Mogwali on 28/01/2015
Having used freedom to plan a hen party before, they were my natural choice when I was asked to do another one. I particularly like that each hen can make their own payments through the website so I wouldn't be left out of pocket. The website is great and I received a call back within hours of making my enquiry. The staff were helpful and friendly and I booked a cocktail making masterclass and Dreamboys show in Leeds with a package price that couldn't be beaten. When I received the booking documents I called the suppliers to confirm details, luckily I did as the show was no longer at the venue stated. I called Freedom to clarify and was given the new details. The cocktail class at the Revolution was brilliant, highly recommend this. Jay was our host and was very attentive to us and made it great fun. Loads of alcohol and a great platter of food at the end of it. When we arrived at the Dreamboys show at the time stated, the venue was all locked up. It actually opened an hour later which was frustrating and sent me into a panic wondering if we'd been ripped off. The buffet at the show was terrible, definitely eat beforehand! The show itself was ok but apparently Leeds council do not allow full nudity which we were expecting so overall disappointing. The venue also hiked the prices of drinks up during the show. Overall we had a great weekend but didn't get all we had paid for or were expecting, mainly down to poor communication between Freedom and the suppliers. I would use again for convenience but be sure to clarify ALL details.
Written on: 29/01/2015
Thank you for accepting my apology when I called you earlier today.
Normally when a supplier changes venues or timings they send Freedom an update email highlighting the change. In this case after your booking confirmation was sent by Freedom we received a general email about all Dreamboys locations.
I apologise that because the change of venue from Tiger Tiger to Pryzm nightclub and the change in time from 6.30pm to 7pm was not highlighted we didn't notice it.
I accept responsibility and appreciate as a past customer you are willing to use Freedom again for your next event. I will personally ensure you get the very best deal. Freedom does like to provide value, the total cost of your booking was £50pp for Cocktail Masterclass and Dreamboys.
The response from Dreamboys about the buffet and the full nudity is as follows:
"The food in Leeds is made by a Company called Stonegate who are a big catering firm, this is the first complaint Dreamboys have ever had about the food in Leeds. So we will investigate.
As for full nudity, full frontal nudity is not advertised? We have to stick to the laws as does other similar shows, so all shows have very strict laws which can not be broken without the risk of been closed down. We hope she understands the situation better now."
Thank you for your hen party booking in Leeds and have a fantastic time at the wedding.
Kind regards
Mike Wood
Freedom MD
ref: 23048
written by on 07/07/2010
this company uses slovakia green tours as their rep in bratislava. overall the booking process was quite reasonable and they complied quite well with our requests even when we changed activities. however 2 days before i received emails from our rep kristina in bratislava that we couldn't complete clay pigeon shooting due to the local police force booking it. so we swapped days and did it on saturday instead of friday. upon arriving in bratislava we were then phoned up by the company head, dean, telling us the supplier of the clay pigeon has cancelled our friday session due to "technical difficuluties". so we again had to change to white water rafting. plus bratislava is actually racist so if you are not english (white) do not bother going. our radisson hotel was nice though and location in city centre was also. would not go again though.
Written on: 22/06/2012
Hi,
Thank you for booking Bratislava on 1-4th July 2010.
I am sorry to hear about the changes that were required by our Rep service in Bratislava. On 4th February 2010 you originally booked the Quad Bikes and Military Guns for 3pm start times.
When possible Freedom will accommodate changes by customers, on 15th April 2010 you requested the activities to be changed to Go Karting and Clay Pigeon Shooting. This was arranged and a new itinerary sent on 19th April 2010.
Then on 27 June 2010 you requested a change of start time to 12.30 for the Go Karting to ensure the activity did not clash with the world cup football matches. Again this was accommodated.
Then unfortunately our rep needed to request some changes from their side and these were agreed directly with you. The Freedom policy is that if we need to make a change then an alternative is offered and if this is not acceptable then a full and prompt refund is made for that part of the event.
I apologise for the changes required by our Bratislava rep and really hope the rest of our service accommodating your changes and providing a group payment system so all your friends could pay individually met with your expectations.
In response to the "racist" comment in the review. The Review Centre has written to Freedom as follows:
"I am sorry but I just do not accept that any reasonable person would hold your company accountable for racism in another country. The reviewer is clear that he is referring to people in the country.
With regard being unaware of the problem that exists in Eastern Europe, as recently as a couple of weeks ago when the England football team played their away fixture in Bulgaria racism in Eastern Europe made headlines (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14771910.stm). In any case it is not for us to provide evidence of racism across the other side the continent. The reviewer experienced it and has included it in their post. I reiterate, we do not feel that this has any bearing on your company."
Thank you for you for your comments about the hotel and should you decide on a different location for your next stag weekend then Freedom will provide whatever help and advice we can.
Kind rergards
Mike Wood
Freedom Director
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We will email your when your answer is on the site
Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.
We will email your when your answer is on the site
As rated by our community of reviewers
Freedomltd's Response to LacandJac's Review
Written on: 16/01/2020
Dear Liam,
I am sorry that the second night did not meet your expectations, our MD has been in contact, both with you and with the Supplier in Barcelona, and as discussed with you, we are waiting for you to provide the additional information they have requested. On receipt of this they will process a refund.
The entry requirements to the club were detailed on your itinerary with our guide waiting in front of Pacha between 00.30 and 01.00am. (Guest list closes at 01.00am sharp). If for any reason our guide cannot be reached, you were provided with three additional phone numbers including the reps and management. They have sent us print screens of their call logs from 23:00 to 01:00 and there was no calls or texts received from your number.
We really want to clear up this issue for you, and since your return in November we have been waiting for a copy of your call logs on the night to help us show the supplier your attempts at making contact.
Please be assured that the club entry was booked and confirmed by Freedom:
1. 25/06/2019 10:44:46 by Kate
2. 01/10/2019 15:37:37 by Angela
Occasionally things do go wrong between customers and our suppliers on weekends, however we do work proactively to sort any issues. So please forward screenshots of your attempted calls or texts to the numbers provided on the itinerary and we will ensure a refund for club entry is processed.
Kind regards
Mike Wood
Freedom Director
Ref: 41950
Lacandjac's reply to Freedomltd's Comment
Written on: 17/01/2020
Thank you for your reply, as I’ve stated many many times I do not have call logs, I’m on a PAYG billing so it’s not recorded, I’ve made hundreds of calls since the 16.11.19 so the 3 calls I’ve made were overwritten obviously.
I just think it’s really poor as an organisation that prides itself on customer service and ensuring clients have a good time that you will not and refuse to refund me such a small amount, As a gesture of goodwill seeing as we placed 10 lads with you- £90 is nothing but it means something to me as a principle, I’m being made out here to be a liar by the Barcelona team and that’s simply not on to be honest. I await your reply, thanks.