Thomson not renewed with hotel - already booked

longwalks1

We visit the same hotel in Greece every year, we have friends and family out there and are good friends with the hotel owner. We always book through Thomsons as flights are great times, our local airport and all in all, a good package. We've already paid a £400 deposit for a £2,000 holiday next summer for 2 weeks. Last week the hotel owner told us that he hasnt renewed for 2017 with Thomson due to 'differences' over rates, and to book direct. I emailed Thomson and was told they didnt know of the issue with the hotel, but they would honor all holidays already booked. Sigh of relief, but have since been told by people they may leave it til last minute and offer you an alternative just so they keep your custom, but put you up in another hotel in the same resort, which we definitely do not want. Where do we stand please?

Do we cancel and get a refund and book independently, or stay with Thomson?

becominganobsessivesaver

If you are good friends with the owner, can you not see if they have allocated you a room? If there isn't ask them to keep you one. If Thomson then try to switch you accommodation tell them you want a refund for the accommodation element. Not sure if this will work....

lea2012

It's the time of year when hotels start to renew contracts for the following year, if they've not already done it that is.
You're friend will not get paid the same rate through Thomson for the room as he will get if you book directly.
It may be that he's contacted all his past customers that have booked through Thomson to try and get them to switch. That way he can get a better rate for his rooms.
He must have the booking from Thomson unless you contacted him to tell him you were visiting?
Chances are Thomson customers won't be able to change so he'll need to keep the contract going for now.

Blue264

britishboy wrote: »

I emailed Thomson and was told they didnt know of the issue with the hotel, but they would honor all holidays already booked.

I would reply to the email you received from Thomson clearly stating that...

It is imperative that my booking is for this hotel, and no substitution will be acceptable. Can you please clarify that my hotel will not be changed and confirm this in writing to me within 7 days.

That will put the ball firmly in their court and give you a written reply, which could be used at a later date. Please be aware that you don't need to give Thomson a reason why only this hotel is acceptable to you. That is none of their business, it will only cloud the matter, and it could give them some wiggle room such as offering a hotel 100yds away.

Personally, my inclination is to the check the T&Cs of your contract with Thomson r.e. refunds.

photome

Blue264 wrote: »

I would reply to the email you received from Thomson clearly stating that...

It is imperative that my booking is for this hotel, and no substitution will be acceptable. Can you please clarify that my hotel will not be changed and confirm this in writing to me within 7 days.

That will put the ball firmly in their court and give you a written reply, which could be used at a later date. Please be aware that you don't need to give Thomson a reason why only this hotel is acceptable to you. That is none of their business, it will only cloud the matter, and it could give them some wiggle room such as offering a hotel 100yds away.

Personally, my inclination is to the check the T&Cs of your contract with Thomson r.e. refunds.

Can't see Thomson giving that sort of gtee, in fact I would say it is impossible to gtee it

Blue264

photome wrote: »

Can't see Thomson giving that sort of gtee, in fact I would say it is impossible to gtee it

It's not strictly a matter of getting them to guarantee it, and I also don't believe they will guarantee it. This is more a matter of getting the OP's position and Thomson's response in writing. The exact wording is crucial. Any small claims court or travel insurance would need that evidence.

lea2012

Thomson will no doubt reply to say that whilst they will endeavour to do their best to allocate you in your chosen hotel they cannot guarantee it due to elements beyond their control or something along those lines. They'll probably reassure you that they're currently not aware of any issues but will notify you as soon as they are aware.
In the t&c's it will say they will move you if needs be to something like for like. This just means same standard and board basis and doesn't have to mean same resort or facilities. They'll be totally covered if they do move you.

photome

Blue264 wrote: »

It's not strictly a matter of getting them to guarantee it, and I also don't believe they will guarantee it. This is more a matter of getting the OP's position and Thomson's response in writing. The exact wording is crucial. Any small claims court or travel insurance would need that evidence.

It won't make any difference though all package holiday companies will have t and c to cover such eventualities which is why they won't put in writing anything like you suggest