Advice needed on Old English Inn room cancellation!!!

mondays

Hi,

I just posted this on the UK holidays board but think it may be better off here.....

I booked a Best Available Rate room at an Old English Inn back in February as we were meant to be attending a wedding in July. I've just found out that due to my husband being away on business we can't go. Their terms state that the rate is not changeable or refundable and the card will be charged if cancelled or not attended.

I've contacted them to ask if our of good faith they would allow me to change it or give me credit to use in another one of their hotels but they are giving me one line answers - "Unfortunately all best available rates are chargeable without exception."

I have given them at least two and a half months notice and have tried everything I can to be able to keep the booking but they are sticking to their guns. I completely understand that I booked the room knowing these were the terms but it's a busy time of year and they will easily fill the room at three times the amount I booked for. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do? I've had to change bookings at other hotels before (and I can assure you it's not something I like having to do) though they've usually accommodated me.......Any ideas?

melorablack

It's in the terms and conditions, I don't think you will have any luck with it to be honest. Maybe if you went to head office or something like that?

dmg24

melorablack wrote: »

It's in the terms and conditions, I don't think you will have any luck with it to be honest. Maybe if you went to head office or something like that?

Would be a complete waste of time. I agree with the first sentence though.

byebyedebt

Why dont you go to the wedding on your own and have a great day out.

advent1122

mondays wrote: »

Hi,

I completely understand that I booked the room knowing these were the terms but it's a busy time of year and they will easily fill the room at three times the amount I booked for.

Which they will, hotels overbook, the same as airlines, on the presumption that a certian % will not turn up.

Penny-less_2

Perhaps another wedding guest would buy it off you. It may be worth a mention to the Bride or Groom is case they know of someone who could use it.

Penny x

mondays

Thanks all for your replies. I have the Customer Services number so I'll give them a try as well as speaking to the Bride and Groom.

poet123

If it is in a nice holidayish area you could sell it on ebay,lots of people need overnight stopovers en route to holidays.

DCFC79

Is there not another who is going to to the wedding that could do with the use of the room, you could offer it to them at a reduced price, the hotel wont ned to know that you and your OH arent using the room

MyRubyRed

Most hotels will ask for Credit card swipe for extras on arrival so they will know who is using the room as it won't be your card swiped. Also increasing number asking for alternative ID if rooms are paid for in cash. So I would not be keen on just reselling your room without notifying the hotel.
Ask them whether you can amend the booking to another name. If they agree then you could resell to a friend/relative/ebay?
If they decline remind them that the room therefore will be yours as booked and should not be resold by the hotel. Also its lost revenue for them as invariably guests who actually stay at the hotel will spend whilst there, be it in the restaurant or bar.
One other thing to remember is that if the above fails they won't be able to charge you vat on the cancelled booking since you won't be receiving the service. That should reduce your loss slightly.

hollydays

poet123 wrote: »

If it is in a nice holidayish area you could sell it on ebay,lots of people need overnight stopovers en route to holidays.

If a stranger did any damage you would be liable.