Travel nightmare - refused a refund stuck 13 miles away from my friends with a random man!

justagirlx

Hi! So this is a bit of a strange situation I’m in. My friend and his family booked a holiday, I was invited after the fact so had to book separately, but! I booked a with my friends mums partner as we were all going to be in the same hotel. The booking is in his name. Our original hotel has remained closed due to COVID 19 so our travel agents (love holidays) had to relocate us, except we explained we are one party but booked separately. They were unable to put us in the same hotel and now I’m stuck 13 miles away from my friends with a random man I don’t know! He has accepted the new hotel as it is in his name but I have refused. But there saying I can’t have a refund but what they are offering doesn’t suit me so my only option is to not to go. How is this fair? I think I should get a refund? 

[Deleted User]

Are you sure this man is random?  It sounds like he may be the person you booked to go in holiday with.

If there is no space at the other hotel, you cannot stay there . Since you booked separately, they need to put you where they can.

It's not a question of fair. It's a question of physics.

kazwookie

Can you swap with someone who is in the other party, so you are with your friend, and the man is with someone out of the group he knows.

jackieblack

kazwookie said:

Can you swap with someone who is in the other party, so you are with your friend, and the man is with someone out of the group he knows.

This seems like the obvious resolution, either your friend swaps with their mum’s partner or their mum swaps with you

Hasbeen

justagirlx said:

Hi! So this is a bit of a strange situation I’m in. My friend and his family booked a holiday, I was invited after the fact so had to book separately, but! I booked a with my friends mums partner as we were all going to be in the same hotel. The booking is in his name. Our original hotel has remained closed due to COVID 19 so our travel agents (love holidays) had to relocate us, except we explained we are one party but booked separately. They were unable to put us in the same hotel and now I’m stuck 13 miles away from my friends with a random man I don’t know! He has accepted the new hotel as it is in his name but I have refused. But there saying I can’t have a refund but what they are offering doesn’t suit me so my only option is to not to go. How is this fair? I think I should get a refund? 

So you booked a? what?  with your friends mums partner. So you booked with this random man who you know and the booking is in his name?

You are not one party if booked separately, if the hotel is closed then they have given you alternate accommodation.

Its up to you if you want to sit in your room and complain or go out and enjoy your holiday. Where ever it is with Covid19 still here?

Or you can go home and leave the random man at the hotel?

Or as suggested do a bit of swopping?

I think you will not get a refund

[Deleted User]

Just don't go, no-one's making you do it, bite the bullet and simply give it a miss.

The_Fat_Controller

The thing is you ARE NOT one party, it's two separate bookings.
You'll just have to sort it out with your friends and "random man" or give it a swerve.

bagand96

Is there definitely no availability at the hotel your friends are at?Just because LoveHolidays don't have any, have you tried other agents or the hotel direct? If you could find a room there you could book it. You'd have to pay for it on top, but can't think of any other solution if nobody will swap with you?

[Deleted User]

13 miles away from original hotel does seem to be a fair distance.  Where is it you are going to?  abroad?    You don't mention flights?    Are you expected to share a room with this comparative stranger?   

Your problem though is, as your (friends, mum's partners) friend has this hotel  booked in his name then you have no say in what you accept or don't.  Your friend may not be able to get a refund and therefore unable to pay you unless he forks out of his own pocket.    He was the one who could have challenged LH for the hotel under significant changes (perhaps) but obviously thinks it is fair enough?   Unfortunately you do not get a say.   

As others suggest have you asked if anyone could swap with you?    Or perhaps your friend could swap with Mum's partners friend and be in same hotel as you?     Personally if you don't fancy the holiday one bit then don't go.   If you do fancy it don't be put off with this situation, you may find it works out well or there are other alternatives when you get there.