ABTA Arbitration

Holliehotdog

Whilst on a family holiday in Spain part of the hotel went on fire due to an electrical fault, the electrics had been tripping throughout the day and this resulted in a fire above the room we were in whilst getting showered for the evening. We were informed of the fire by other hotel guests shouting from balconies. No fire alarms went off. We were evacuated from the hotel for the evening and was allowed to return to the reception area only until the generator was bought in at 2am. The holiday company could not offer any alternative accommodation and the children slept on a bench outside the hotel. I have complained to jet2 holidays twice and told they will not pay any compensation as it was an ‘unforeseen circumstance’ I have taken this to ABTA and again they refuse to pay compensation. Should I take this to the next step and pay £108 for ABTA arbitration or am I fighting a loosing battle? My complaint is that as no alarms went off and no alternative accommodation was available we worried every night that another fire would happen, and children were terrified the night it happened and wanted to go home. 

I would appreciate your advice

jimbo6977

If you had moved out, paid to stay elsewhere, then presented the bill to Jet2, you would have something tangible to claim. As things stand, unfortunately all you have is a local press Sadface story.

I could be persuaded to be surprised that Jet2 haven't offered you the value of 1 night's accommodation, but that would amount to roughly 1/3 of the total holiday price divided by the number of nights stayed, which probably would upset you further if they were to offer it. 

Aylesbury_Duck

I think you're fighting a losing (not loosing) battle. Don't chuck more money at it, I doubt you'll see a return on it because you have no tangible costs.