Nightmare Honeymoon - Any rights?

Oakdene

Seff wrote: »

The hotel was located 20-30 minutes away by taxi from other restaurants. Having already paid a huge amount for all inclusive we didn't want to start having to spend up to an hour in taxis each meal. We both love food, and eating poor food 3 meals a day for 8 days did make it a nightmare! We also had managers endlessly coming up to us mid way through meals asking how it was...didn't exactly make for a relaxing honeymoon.

And what did you say when they came mid way through the meal?

glentoran99

Seff wrote: »

The hotel was located 20-30 minutes away by taxi from other restaurants. Having already paid a huge amount for all inclusive we didn't want to start having to spend up to an hour in taxis each meal. We both love food, and eating poor food 3 meals a day for 8 days did make it a nightmare! We also had managers endlessly coming up to us mid way through meals asking how it was...didn't exactly make for a relaxing honeymoon.

How did you answer?


If the food was that bad I certainly wouldn't have eaten it, Went to the nearest shop and bought a load of bread and meats for lunches and then taxied out for dinner


Certainly wouldn't have let it ruin my holiday.

Seff

k3lvc wrote: »

You've not yet convinced us why the food was inedible so your chances at complaint level are limited

What exactly was the issue ?

Only meat options when you're declared vegans ?
Food offer related to location of hotel but different from western 'norms' ?
Dangerously undercooked food ?


Cross-posted with your response above


5* differs by location and needs to be compared within the region rather than globally - in reality it sounds like many (allegedly) 5* places I've stayed on an AI basis

Maybe I've been spoilt by other 5* hotels in the past that I've stayed in, but I've always had fantastic food. I specifically chose a smaller hotel than one of the big chains as I figured the attention to detail would be better, and we would get better food.

glentoran99

Seff wrote: »

No, as mentioned the hotel was quite isolated so would have meant 45-60 minutes in a taxi each meal.

This was in Mauritius. There are a lot of 5* hotels there, and I think the food is generally of a good standard.

We overheard at least 3 other guests complaining about certain meals, and there are a number of Trip Advisor reviews that specifically mention the food as an issue, so we weren't alone!

did read before you booked then?

[Deleted User]

Seff wrote: »

The hotel was located 20-30 minutes away by taxi from other restaurants. Having already paid a huge amount for all inclusive we didn't want to start having to spend up to an hour in taxis each meal. We both love food, and eating poor food 3 meals a day for 8 days did make it a nightmare! We also had managers endlessly coming up to us mid way through meals asking how it was...didn't exactly make for a relaxing honeymoon.

You don't appear to have starved or suffered any illness.

Complaining about staff "endlessly" asking you how the food was suggests that was because you had complained about the food and that they were simply taking steps to improve their service.

You don't appear to have a very compelling complaint I'm afraid. You apparently "suffered" a few minor issues with the food and now (presumably) think you'll get a refund.

glentoran99

I know any all inclusive places ive stayed have also had things that weren't included, a 'la carte as it were, Did your hotel not have this option? Or was food only available for AI guests?

Seff

glentoran99 wrote: »

How did you answer?


If the food was that bad I certainly wouldn't have eaten it, Went to the nearest shop and bought a load of bread and meats for lunches and then taxied out for dinner


Certainly wouldn't have let it ruin my holiday.

We were honest throughout and complained a lot. We ended up finding 1-2 dishes that we could eat, eg. vegetable soup 4 days in a row!

We did consider that option, but the nearest shop didn't have any fresh food so would have meant going to a big supermarket quite a drive away. And quite frankly the thought of making sandwiches ourselves whilst paying for meals was quite depressing. We were still hopeful of managing to get moved to another hotel.

Seff

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

You don't appear to have starved or suffered any illness.

Complaining about staff "endlessly" asking you how the food was suggests that was because you had complained about the food and that they were simply taking steps to improve their service.

You don't appear to have a very compelling complaint I'm afraid. You apparently "suffered" a few minor issues with the food and now (presumably) think you'll get a refund.

No, I never mentioned illness.

I don't see how asking how the food is, whilst serving the same quality food is really taking steps to resolve it. Having spent time looking at past reviews on Trip Advisor it seems people have been complaining about the food for over a year. Asking how each meal is doesn't seem to be a very proactive approach at trying to fix the issue.

I strongly disagree that the issues were the food were minor. When you are in an all inclusive hotel the food/drink is a major part of what you are paying for. I feel we were served at best 3* food whilst paying 5* prices. We were willing to pay more to move to a different hotel provided they refunded the remaining nights/unused all inclusive days. I think that's a reasonable request when someone is particularly unhappy with their stay and has highlighted their concerns. This isn't just an attempt to claw back money but because I feel like we were provided a substandard service, and our complaints weren't dealt with appropriately.

glentoran99

Seff wrote: »

We were honest throughout and complained a lot. We ended up finding 1-2 dishes that we could eat, eg. vegetable soup 4 days in a row!

We did consider that option, but the nearest shop didn't have any fresh food so would have meant going to a big supermarket quite a drive away. And quite frankly the thought of making sandwiches ourselves whilst paying for meals was quite depressing. We were still hopeful of managing to get moved to another hotel.

Bit less depressing than trudging through 3 meals a day of inedible food.. Which you were paying for


3* food isn't inedible

Seff

glentoran99 wrote: »

Bit less depressing than trudging through 3 meals a day of inedible food.. Which you were paying for


3* food isn't inedible

A minor exaggeration. I didn't starve for 8 days. But having to eat the same food over and over because everything else we had tried was incredibly poor doesn't make for a great experience. I am not a fussy eater, and have hardly every complained about food. It was the most expensive holiday we had been on and I left with an incredibly bad taste in my mouth.

Based on the replies here I guess I don't have any options. I certainly won't be going on another all inclusive holiday anytime soon!