Italian hotel only offering vouchers

darling_doris

we have booked to go Italy in May. We have not cancelled yet as it is not within a covered period. However, I enquired what the stance is at the hotel and they have said no refunds, only a voucher to be used within a year. I have not responded but my natural concern is that the hotel will go bust within twelve months and if I accept the voucher I will lose everything. What is my best course of action? (Note I will not confirm any cancellation until there is guidance of a no fly ban over the period we have booked). Thank you.

benjus

Assuming you booked flights and hotel separately - if the hotel is still open and receiving guests during the period of your stay then I think your only hope is that you have travel insurance that covers this situation (not all do, even with the FCO advising against travel). If the hotel is closed but still not offering a refund then a Section 75 claim (if you paid by credit card) or a chargeback (if debit card) could be possible if you booked directly with the hotel.

soolin

I'm in the same situation except my hotel is booked from 31st March. When I first approached them they said I could switch dates and pay the extra costs - but a quick look at the website confirmed that future dates at end of the year were considerably more expensive (that's why I had chosen this particular date). My flight has already been cancelled.

On the advice of my bank (which was informal advice) I have now emailed them again and asked if they can guarantee they will be open for my stay and fulfil my booking. The answer should be no as It's inland Spain, and at that pint I can try a chargeback. If they say yes, then it will be an insurance matter.

I know these are very uncertain times but I priced up new flights and the same hotel for October just out of interest and it would cost almost double.

I have another holiday booked for early April in the Canary islands and will tackle that one later once I've sorted the holiday next week.