Plz help hotel refund chances?

billy-the-kid_3

Hi all,

Here's my situation, a friend of mine has booked multiple rooms at a big national hotel franchise group many months in advance as he's celebrating his birthday and a small group will stay 1x night. My friend has already paid in advance however sadly I have lost my mother and I am unable to make it now as my sister has booked the immediate family (including me) on a holiday away after the funeral which now clashes with hotel night away.
Unfortunately for me my mate has informed me he booked saver rooms (cheapest) and apparently there are no refunds as part of this format, I was unaware of details of booking until ive had to dissappoint him. He also pre booked a return train ticket for me. He's my mate and I was looking forward to his celebration but for obvious reasons the families most important however I'm not going to lumber him with the defecit.
The ideal scenario is I can somehow find sympathetic ears and be refunded if not in total partially. Its a fair amount of money for myself which if I don't have to pay will help me towards my holiday.
Sorry for being so long winded, anyone had similar issues or can relate? Can anyone advise what if possible I can do about this?
Thanks in anticipation.

marliepanda

Unlikely as they are non refundable for a reason. You may get credit for another stay.

I appreciate your unforeseen event and subsequent holiday, but it’s really a case of double booking if you remove the funeral aspect...

billy-the-kid_3

Thanks for replying Marlie. I have read online of examples where even though it is non refundable as mine, people have been fully reimbursed. It seems like most things in life I guess down to pot luck is whoever I email or speak too whether they at their discretion would want to help and be sincere or if they're just not interested I suppose.
Please if anyone has a genuine such example please advise. There is a weeks notice possibly they could still have a decent chance of getting the room booked again it is on a Saturday night.

ssparks2003

You benefited from a cheaper price because the room was non refundable; and now you want a refund. Feels a bit like having your cake and stuffing your face.

zoob

Does your travel travel insurance not cover in the event of death of a close family member ?

dj1471

The complication here is that he booked the rooms, most likely all in his name. So an issue that prevents you from using the room doesn't directly affect his booking. He would need to call to explain and ask nicely for a refund. The alternative is that he could find someone else to take your place.

Rail tickets are generally refundable less an admin fee.

billy-the-kid_3

ssparks2003 wrote: »

You benefited from a cheaper price because the room was non refundable; and now you want a refund. Feels a bit like having your cake and stuffing your face.

You haven't read my thread properly, if I booked it I would have not went for the saver option for this reason as people can drop out closer to the time. My mate booked it a long time ago and he's never said until ive said I can't go how he booked it. I'm after productive advice if possible not bitterness. My mam is getting buried on the Thursday two days before this stay. Its on a Saturday a weeks notice.
I shall ask the question and at this moment in time having some recompence wouldn't exactly harm my feelings currently.

billy-the-kid_3

dj1471 wrote: »

The complication here is that he booked the rooms, most likely all in his name. So an issue that prevents you from using the room doesn't directly affect his booking. He would need to call to explain and ask nicely for a refund. The alternative is that he could find someone else to take your place.

Rail tickets are generally refundable less an admin fee.

I understand it will be difficult as it won't be in my name.

Ive asked for booking details and once I have this I'll contact them. He even sorted all train tickets, how do you go about sorting recomprnce for them? Never needed refunding these types of issues before only ever for gift shop items.

billy-the-kid_3

zoob wrote: »

Does your travel travel insurance not cover in the event of death of a close family member ?

Hi Zoob ive not taken insurance out for this stay. I haven't myself booked anything. Its my mate who's organised it.
I'm only hoping for a sympathetic manager bottom line I guess.

gettingtheresometime

I have to agree ssparks2003’s response was uncalled for.

However OP I don’t think you can criticise your mate too much as I guess he was trying to keep costs down & nobody could foresee your mum dying.

You may get a sympathetic manager but I wouldn’t hold out too much hope.is there anyone else who could take your place as I think this is the best hope you’ve got.

However I would add that if he can’t get a refund I’d still offer to pay the costs as it’s not his fault that you’ve opted to go on holiday with your family, however understandable that is

hcb42

billy-the-kid wrote: »

Hi Zoob ive not taken insurance out for this stay. I haven't myself booked anything. Its my mate who's organised it.
I'm only hoping for a sympathetic manager bottom line I guess.

Call and explain and look for the sympathetic manager, hotels often overbook and can be glad of cancellations, especially as they resell straight away at possibly higher price

Technically, you are not entitled, however I do this for a living - it happens every day. I have even received refunds myself from other chains on the rare occasion i book saver.