Honeymoon booked, beach not now available, help please

Hi all,

Here goes, I booked a honeymoon to the Domican in September of last year (2005) and we are due to start this holiday in two weeks.

I have just received a letter from our travel company, First Choice, them telling me that due to beach restoration work, the beach outside our hotel will not be available for the whole of September.

They have also stated that they have made arrangements for us to use a nearby beach and that they will provide a half hourly shuttle bus to transport us to this nearby beach. The bus starts at 9.00am and finishes at 5.00pm.

I am deeply disappointed by this as we booked this hotel because it was situated on the beach.

I do appreciate that beach restoration work is not the fault of First Choice but they must have known that this work was due to take place. In my opinion they should have let me know about this work much sooner in order that I could make alternative arrangements.

Can you advise me what rights I have at this late stage. Can I cancel and get a full refund? Should I cancel and ask First Choice to find me a suitable alternative honeymoon?

Heeeeeelp please

A non singing or dancing

Leo