Travel Package Regs 1992

Geordie_Wilky

Hi, first time poster.

Does anyone have any depth of knowledge of the above?

I've been told by my package operator that the hotel I was booked into has been 'pulled from the UK market' and the hotel they have now allocated me, in my opinion is no where near to the same standard (based on the independent reviews).

Apparantly if they offer me one hotel in the same resort then according to the above mentioned regs they have done their job.

I've told them I'm not happy with the other hotel, but they insist that because it is the same 5 star rating it is fine - although when I have enquired about other hotels nearby they have quoted me rediculous amounts of money to upgrade - the reason being that these 5 star hotels are of different quality (contradictory?)

My interpretation of the regs is that a significant change includes the shutting down of a hotel (which IMO includes shutting it from a certain market) and according to the regs when a signficant change has occured they should offer me a refund and the chance to withdraw from the contract.

I have put a letter of complaint in, but the travel company does appear to be using a degree of muscle to shut me up.

Anybody had any similar experiences?

r18rws

Accommodation that is in the same resort, same star rating, similar to original costs etc would not be deemed a major change usually.

Therefore no option to cancel.

Barter with the company for change to a different property but to be fair and for example:
5 star hotels can differ dramaticaly, you get what you pay for and whilst 2 properties may be of an equivalent rating, the cost is usually a major factor in the quality.

You may have to accept whats offered or pay more to upgrade to a 'nicer' hotel.

Hope thats a help

R

Geordie_Wilky

Cheers, there just appears to be a grey area over what constitutes a significant change. I've heard a hotel closing down is considered one, and I can't see the difference between my circumstance and that.

I've written a letter to the company involved, ATOL who they are regulated by, Travel Care Association whom they have links with on their website and my credit card company (s.75). Will see if that brings them to be more reasonable negotiation wise.

I just think it is inherently unfair that all they have to do is offer you 1 alternative, otherwise it will cost you. If it is the law, then the law is unfair. It just gives holiday companies the opportunity to squeeze a bit more cash out of you to get the holiday you want.