Center Parcs rip off

monolith60

Hi all I had booked a break for all the family to celebrate me and my wife’s 40th wedding anniversary and also we were both turning 60. Paid my very large deposit months ago. Unfortunately I fall into the category of someone with underlying health conditions as I don’t have an immune system due to having complications  with AML ( Cancer) and also a bone Marrow transplant. I have been advised by all my consultants and doctors that I just can’t leave the house for at least 12 weeks and maybe even longer. In fact my family doctor has been quite blunt and told me that if I catch the virus it would be unlikely that I would survive. I phoned Center Parcs to cancel and get a full refund. They told me that I could cancel but would not get a refund as the sites are all open when I was due to travel, they said I could have an alternative date but I explained it was a special occasion and that was why it was booked for that date plus it involved 4 families and all the grandchildren and trying to even think about another date that would suit everybody was totally impractical as know one knows how long this situation is going to last. They offered me another option in that I was to the full balance and that if they decided to close I would probably get a refund then. Probably, who are they kidding. I certainly don’t have £1500 that I can just throw away on the basis that I might get it back. Wether they are open or closed I still can’t travel. I feel that I have been forced to accept their final option in that they can keep my deposit and I can rebook at sometime in the future. I did try to explain that for someone with my condition Coronavirus is going to be a problem for the rest of my life unless they find a vaccine. It just fell on death ears. Has anyone had a similar experience and can anyone advise me if I am able to get my money back. Cheers 

Undervalued

So, you presumably didn't take out any travel insurance?
The situation is no different to if you were hospitalised or had a one off medical problem or some family emergency that prevented you from going.

Very likely they will close, in which case your problem will be solved!

Penguin_

When are you due to go? They have announced thet are closed for 4 weeks or so from Friday.

Westin

I know you are upset but would this not be a case of falling back on your travel insurance for a claim? 

Calling this a "rip-off" is IMO wrong and out of line. You surely must be able to see what is happening in the world at the moment. No one is trying to rip you off. You are just at the moment not getting your way.