MaryJo Walker
GBShady Business Practices I booked a trip with 3 others. 2 of my companions failed to send their passports on time. We were all canceled. Credit is worthless when the only thing it can be applied to is trips that cost 10-20 times what the original trip cost. There are disclaimers for everything they do- not responsible for emails that go to junk (and they use multiple addresses, so even though I mark them as safe, another comes through from somebody else.) I was the only one to receive correspondence. I was baited for months with "sold out" tags on similar discounted trips. They were working on coordinating more. Now, my $800 trip is $8000. And it's several thousand less at any other reputable agency. It was odd that the passports needed to be turned in 30 days before the final payment. It was odd that the people who didn't send their passports in weren't notified. We are stuck with credits that are worthless. Run.
James
GBLast minute travel itinerary and hotel… Last minute travel itinerary and hotel assignments which were not anywhere near the airports I booked because they never told me which was closer. Taxi prices for a 1 hr ride are killer! Hotels in cheaper areas but some had transportation nearby which is good because most days there was no included tour-another great expense to add. Lots of walking so bring comfortable shoes! Our guide Noriko was great-she helped us to navigate transportation and book independent outings. Final cost with all the add-ons was much more than original price. I will never book with them again.
Molly Ekstrand
GBDon't upgrade your room, decent experience, but... We did the marvelous Phuket Land Package in Nov '23. Communication was good from UTO and airport pick-up was no problem. DON'T UPGRADE your Hotel room! It was the same as the other couple that didn't!! Could've saved $400! Our hotel was changed just before we arrived. While the new hotel was fine, it was in an isolated area on a high traffic road, virtually nothing within walking distance. The guide who picked us up and did the city tour was contracted. She was fine. The (free) Old Phuket Tour was more of a high pressure sales event with Pearls, Cashews, and Gems. The boat tours were great, highly recommend. Hindsight, we probably could have coordinated this on our own with more research, chosen a better hotel location. We didn't hate our experience, no regrets, but wanted to give an honest review.
Christie
GBGreat customer service! From the first contact, UTO has been responsive, professional and friendly. My recent contacts with Julie have been especially helpful. She even reached out by phone after we were having some problems getting things resolved via email. We are all good now, thanks to her kind and very professional way of dealing with my questions. We are looking forward to our trip with UTO in October!
Alexander H
GBNever do biz with UTO! Like MAFIA UTO Vacation steals money from customers. They canceled my China trip, refused to return my money back, as is customary! Then extorted Money from me under duress, and against my will - ring leader Amy Yiu said [emailed]: "your $1,100 is locked, you have to agree we subtract $100 for complaining" - I have the right to complain when they cancel my trip and keep my $$, this is EXTORTION, a FELONY!