Travelodge refusing refund

unholyangel

Claire_s_p wrote: »

She has emailed customer services in a straight forward way with all the details and they have confirmed receipt of it.

Thanks for the info Do keep us updated with what they say.


I would (personally) also put in a letter enquiring as to why she is banned. She could make a "subject access request" under the Data Protection Act. All info you need about that you can find here : http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_the_public/personal_information/how_manage/access_info.aspx


If they're unable to provide a reason then (whether true or not) I can understand why she feels its because of her sexuality. My sister has had to deal with it a few times - sometimes from the most unexpected sources. Applications that enquire about your race/sexuality etc in the interests of equality utterly baffle me. Surely if they are picking the best candidate for whatever, its irrelevant. Every time I see questions along the lines of "would you describe yourself as........?", I'm tempted to tick "other" and write "a person" in the box :X

dacouch

Travelodge are literally skint at the moment

DCFC79

dacouch wrote: »

Travelodge are literally skint at the moment

They really are, the local TL thats part of an outlet was rumoured to be closing but apparently they want to keep it open. Shame really as ive not had a problem with staying in any of the TL's in the past. The DIC/dubai investment capital are the owners, they were the same guys who made a bid for Liverpool FC about 4 years ago.

DVardysShadow

unholyangel wrote: »

EDIT: Ah I was typing while you were updating with further information As above, she really should find out exactly why she has been barred and what "proof" they have. But I would advise to keep any accusations about homophobia out of her letter. Getting emotional in these types of letters can do more harm than good.

I don't see it that way. Raising the issue of homophobia is not of itself emotional - although the subject can be emotive.

I would say that it would be appropriate to raise the matter in a letter of complaint, as this would not be an accusation any hotelier would wish to allow to grow legs and go to the Equality Commission or whoever they are these days. I think the best approach is to argue for the refund on strictly legal grounds, query the reason for the bar and suggest homophobia in as low key a way as possible - avoiding making it the major issue

unholyangel

I more meant that if they say that with no "evidence", it could have a negative influence.

If something has happened or something has been said which has led them to believe its because of their sexuality then of course it is relevant. But if nothing has happened/been said, then it could make the customer seem a bit silly/theatrical/whatever to assume it is because of their sexuality.

Although surely asking for proof of a genuine reason can't be a bad thing to do before raising the question of discrimination. If they come back with a genuine reason, great.....customer didnt make a fool of themselves asking "is it because i'm xxxxxx". If they don't come back with a genuine reason then that only further reinforces the probability that it is discrimination. At least in my opinion, right or wrong.

Mindless_Clone

unholyangel wrote: »

I more meant that if they say that with no "evidence", it could have a negative influence.

If something has happened or something has been said which has led them to believe its because of their sexuality then of course it is relevant. But if nothing has happened/been said, then it could make the customer seem a bit silly/theatrical/whatever to assume it is because of their sexuality.

Although surely asking for proof of a genuine reason can't be a bad thing to do before raising the question of discrimination. If they come back with a genuine reason, great.....customer didnt make a fool of themselves asking "is it because i'm xxxxxx". If they don't come back with a genuine reason then that only further reinforces the probability that it is discrimination. At least in my opinion, right or wrong.

Basically this. Don't play the discrimination card because it'll just make her look like she's got a bee in her bonnet about it and might invalidate any other points she makes.
You really need to get to the bottom of the ban. If they have not notified her there is a ban in place, or why, then she probably has a right, at least, to know this.

Just out of interest, you mentions a homophobic event. Did your friend retaliate at all? What actually happened? Just trying to establish if, in fact, this was likely to be the reason. I can't imagine them banning someone for a small disagreement with a member of staff; it would have to be something fairly serious I would think.

T_T_2

Does anyone else feel like we are being given the run around as regards to the reason for the 'barring' from Travel Lodge? I put it to you that your friend knows exactly why she was banned and that either you are simply naive enough to not ask any more questions or that you also know exactly why she has been banned. Assuming of course that your 'friend' is not in fact you.

mattyprice4004

I think the OP knows the exact reason, the friend wouldn't have just told them what they've told us without going into detail.

So come on OP, what's the real reason they're barred?

Homophobia is mentioned, I hope your friend didn't try to seduce the receptionist!

JethroUK

[Deleted User] wrote:

Hi,



has it happened before?

There is no refund on sale or saver rooms.

They can have 'a policy' of no refunds, like they could have 'a policy' of beating guests with a broom (if thats what floats their boat) - but they cant overturn the law! Obviously!


I'm not sure any company is obligated in telling you why they wont serve you - but that they dont have to serve anyone they dont want to serve

bod1467

JethroUK wrote: »

I'm not sure any company is obligated in telling you why they wont serve you - but that they dont have to serve anyone they dont want to serve

Except if it is for obvious discriminatory reasons ... remember the case about the B&B owners who wouldn't allow a male gay couple to stay? They were found to have broken the law.