Beautiful Rottnest, pity about the bad booking system
Camera IconBeautiful Rottnest, pity about the bad booking system Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Opinion: New booking system on Rottnest deters visitors

Daryl Binning, WinthropMelville Gazette

DURING a recent weekend, my family and friends stayed in six accommodation units on Rottnest, while the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) lost more than $2000.

A few months ago, we had attempted to book three adjoining cottages for three nights overlooking the northern edge of Geordie Bay.

This included one cottage in which my family, up until three years ago, enjoyed 13 years of annual June holidays.

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The proposed gathering was to be of personal significance.

We were advised the bookings could be taken, but specific cottages could not be allocated until three weeks prior to the requested dates.

We were told the RIA had adopted the standard hotel reservation system where you could book a certain standard of accommodation, but not a specified room.

Unlike hotel policies, the RIA demanded full payment at time of booking.

Unfortunately, we were unable to risk not being allocated the requested cottages even though they had not been booked at that time.

During our extended weekend on the island, the cottages were vacant, along with many others in the Fays Bay group.

Our family has always been impressed with the standard of accommodation and service provided by the RIA and its staff.

However, we are disappointed at its new booking policies which are obviously deterring many visitors.