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Mystery shopper: Derby, one week in Madeira

Location: Derby
Wanted: A couple would like to book a week’s holiday in Madeira in July before the school holidays. They would like a hotel near the beach.
Budget: £1,250 (flexible if car hire added)

Thomson
82 St Peters Street
95%
The store was clean and tidy and I was acknowledged straight away by one of the well-dressed agents. I had a few minutes to browse the brochures before being approached. The agent was very friendly and seemed interested in my previous holidays. She had good knowledge and told me about areas to visit in Funchal and the benefits of hiring a car. I was offered seven nights at the four-star Sensimar Savoy Gardens in Funchal with Thomson flights from East Midlands on July 3 for £1,142. This included an agent saving of £110. The hotel was ideal; near the town and facilities. The print-out showed what was included and we discussed excursions.

The Co-operative Travel
11 Exchange Street
88%
The agent took a lot of time and effort to find me a suitable holiday. I was offered seven nights at Hotel Girassol in Funchal flying on July 3 with Thomson from East Midlands for £1,028. The second option, with Classic Collection Holidays, was on the same dates and flights, staying at Hotel Madeira for £1,324, which was over my budget. The service was fantastic, but the agent could have suggested excursions and other local experiences.

Thomas Cook
81 St Peters Street
80%
When I entered both agents were busy but acknowledged me immediately. Ten minutes later I was seated with a friendly agent. I was recommended Thomson flights from East Midlands on July 3 staying at The Madeira in Funchal for £1,146 including a room upgrade. Car hire and excursions were discussed and the agent did their best to find me a holiday, but they could have been more knowledgeable about the area and resort.


Winning agent

Summer flowers, sales assistant

“Summer has been a sales assistant with us for almost a year now and she has come a long way. I am so proud of her for winning this and all the compliments she gets from customers.” said assistant manager Zoe Taylor.


Verdict

All agents provided accurate and fitting suggestions, but the winner’s knowledge of the area set her apart from the rest.


Elite resorts caribbean

Top-scoring agent each month will win use of a car for 10 days.

The winning agent must be at least 25, for insurance reasons. Winners under 25 will win a week’s all-inclusive holiday at an Elite Islands Resorts property. The prize is non-transferable and the car must be driven only by the winning agent. The winner must not have any serious driving convictions. Elite Island Resorts will endeavour to supply the car to the agency but reserves the right to request the winning agent to collect and return the car from Essex or a central location

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