Is Dinogo a Legit Hotel Booking Platform or a Scam?

Is Dinogo a Legit Hotel Booking Platform or a Scam? A Detailed Review

Introduction

With the rise of online travel booking platforms, finding the perfect hotel at a reasonable price has become more convenient than ever. However, it’s important to choose a reliable platform to avoid potential pitfalls.

One such platform, Dinogo, has garnered mixed reviews and low ratings on trusted platforms like Trustpilot. With a TrustScore of 1.5 out of 5 and a history of negative user experiences, it’s crucial to investigate if Dinogo is a legitimate service or just another booking scam.

In this article, we’ll delve into Dinogo’s user reviews, outline the potential risks of using this platform, and provide recommendations for safer booking alternatives.

Overview of Dinogo’s TrustPilot Ratings and Reviews

Dinogo’s TrustScore: 1.5 out of 5

With a TrustScore of 1.5 on Trust Pilot, Dinogo has received overwhelmingly negative feedback from its users. 93% of reviewers gave the platform a 1-star rating, citing issues such as failed bookings, unavailable hotels, and delayed refunds.

Breakdown of Ratings:

5-star: 0%
4-star: 3%
3-star: 2%
2-star: 2%
1-star: 93%

Let’s take a closer look at the common issues reported by customers.

Common Issues Reported by Dinogo Users

1. Hotel Overbooking and Cancellations

Many users reported that after booking through Dinogo, they received an email stating that the hotel was overbooked. For instance, Anna from the UK shared her experience: two days before check-in, she was informed that her hotel was fully booked. The platform offered a meager 5% discount as compensation, but she was left scrambling to find another hotel last minute at a much higher price due to peak travel periods. This last-minute cancellation with inadequate compensation is a recurring issue that has frustrated many users.

2. Delayed or Nonexistent Refunds

Another frequent complaint is the platform’s inability to issue timely refunds. Martin from the UK booked a room only to be told later that it was unavailable. Despite promises of a refund, he never received the £223.81 he was owed. Other users, like Peter John from Australia, shared similar experiences, where refunds were either significantly delayed or never processed at all. This lack of transparency and accountability raises serious red flags about Dinogo’s trustworthiness.

3. Bait-and-Switch Tactics

Several reviews also mention bait-and-switch tactics, where Dinogo initially offered an unbeatable price, only to later inform customers that the booking failed, leaving them no choice but to pay more. Torsten Louland from Belgium noted that after booking at a competitive price, Dinogo later informed him the hotel was fully booked. Although he received a refund, it took several days, during which he was left wondering if he had been scammed.

4. Fake or Nonexistent Hotel Bookings

In some cases, users reported that after paying for their booking, no reservation was ever made at the hotel. J.M from the United States described how Dinogo charged him upfront but never booked the room, leaving him stranded with no accommodation. Worse yet, the platform’s customer service provided fake check-in codes to stall for time. This kind of behavior strongly suggests that Dinogo may engage in fraudulent practices.

5. Poor Customer Service

In almost every negative review, users lamented the poor customer service experience. Whether it was delays in responses or outright failure to address issues, Dinogo’s support team has failed to provide adequate assistance, leaving many customers frustrated. Apprehensive-Tie2626 expressed disappointment when Dinogo failed to accommodate their request to change the booking date, even after multiple attempts to contact them.

Positive Reviews: A Minority Opinion

Amidst the sea of negative reviews, a handful of users had relatively positive experiences. James Carter from Vietnam rated Dinogo 4 stars, noting that the customer support was fast and efficient in resolving his issue. Similarly, Sky AI, a hotel manager, reported mixed results: one successful booking and one refund after a 3-day wait.

However, these few positive reviews are in stark contrast to the overwhelmingly negative feedback from most users, suggesting that success on Dinogo might be more a matter of luck than reliability.

How Dinogo Operates: Risks of Using the Platform

1. Price Aggregation and Bidding Model

According to some reviews, Dinogo uses a price aggregation or bidding model to secure hotel rooms at the lowest possible price. However, this approach often results in unsuccessful bids, leading to last-minute cancellations and a frustrating experience for customers. As Torsten Louland pointed out, this model is problematic because users expect certainty when booking accommodations, not uncertainty that could jeopardize their travel plans.

2. Delayed Refund Process

Even in cases where refunds are issued, they often take several days or even weeks to process. This creates cash flow issues for customers who might need to book alternative accommodations immediately, especially if their booking fails at the last minute.

Warning Signs of a Scam Platform

When deciding whether to use an online booking platform, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of potential scams. Here are some red flags associated with Dinogo:

Low TrustScore and Predominantly Negative Reviews: Dinogo’s TrustScore of 1.5 and 93% one-star ratings are major indicators that the platform is not reliable.
Last-Minute Cancellations: Frequent reports of last-minute cancellations due to “overbooking” or unavailable hotels suggest the platform doesn’t have secure partnerships with the properties it lists.
Refund Delays: Multiple complaints about delayed or nonexistent refunds point to questionable business practices.
Poor Customer Service: A lack of responsive and helpful customer service makes it difficult for users to resolve issues.

Should You Use Dinogo?

Based on the overwhelming number of negative reviews and complaints, it’s clear that Dinogo is not a reliable hotel booking platform. While it may offer attractive prices, the risks of overbooking, delayed refunds, and fake reservations make it a high-risk option for travelers. In addition, the platform’s lack of transparency and poor customer support only add to its dubious reputation.

Safer Alternatives to Dinogo

If you’re looking for a reliable hotel booking platform, consider using established and trusted platforms such as:

Booking.com
Expedia
Agoda
Hotels.com

These platforms have long-standing reputations, transparent booking processes, and secure payment options. Additionally, they offer better customer service and reliable refund policies if something goes wrong.

Conclusion: Avoid Dinogo for Hotel Bookings

In conclusion, Dinogo is plagued with negative reviews and a long list of dissatisfied customers. The platform’s low TrustScore, frequent booking failures, and delayed refunds make it a risky choice for booking accommodations. To avoid the stress of last-minute cancellations and chasing refunds, it’s best to use a well-established, trustworthy booking service.

Remember, when it comes to travel plans, certainty and reliability are far more valuable than saving a few dollars. Stay safe, and book your accommodations through a reputable platform.