Lost deposit on Villa booking

mick_ramshaw

Hi

I was looking for advice.

I booked a villa in Portugal in January this year with TUI Villas.

I paid around £1,300 for the deposit and was expected to pay the remaining balance on the 4th June.

Due to our flights with Ryanair being cancelled a couple of weeks back, we are ok with that and are in process of claiming the refund, and still the uncertainty of travel restrictions I took the decision to cancel the Villa as I didn’t want to potentially lose the remaining balance.

We did try and seek the ability to change to next year, but no dates were acceptable and limited outcomes as the company didn’t respond to our requests till the week before our remaining balance was due.

Where does this leave me with trying to claim back the deposit, that TUI is saying is non refundable and that TUI Villas are not ATOL protected?

I have sent a request to my bank as I have travel insurance with them, but have had an email saying try your credit card first.

Is this correct?  Is this a lost cause?

Many thanks for reading.

Life__Goes__On

When was your stay booked for?

mick_ramshaw

July 19th for 11 nights

Life__Goes__On

As you didn't book flights with TUI (would have to be at same time),  it's not classed as a package holiday, where you would likely get a full refund.
As it seems Portugal will be allowing holidaymakers, then  unless TUI agrees a refund, vouchers or date change,  then as it's non-refundable, you won't get your money back.
Your insurer looks the best option.
EDIT
Just to confirm you booked the Ryanair flights separately