If hotel offer to move dates because of travel restrictions, then there is no choice but to accept?

xxedrushxx

Hi all
Just after some advice on what to do since travel restrictions to Spain. Had a holiday booked in Majorca for a big family event which of course is now cancelled. We booked flight and hotel separate back in jan and also travel insurance at the same time. Seems that we should get vouchers or refund for flights, which I am ok with either. However, the hotel aspect isnt so clear. We have been offered by the hotel to move the date to 2021 which is nice of them, but as this was for a one off event, its not something we want to do next year. What I understand from the insurance company is that if the hotel offers to move the date, then i cant claim anything from them. The only way I can claim is if the hotel refuse to move the date or refund. I assume this is standard travel insurance procedure? 

I am not sure what else to do but accept it? I had thought about asking the hotel to just refuse me either and send that in writing? 

Westin

If you booked a package holiday then you would be able to seek a full refund.

If you took the option of DIY and booked elements separately then the terms of each travel component need to be viewed.  There would be no right to get a refund on a hotel stay just because the flight was cancelled or the FCO travel advisory changed.  Your route then would be an insurance claim for any travel element costs which were non-refundable.

If you booked a non-refundable rate with the hotel the option being given to move to another date is likely to be a gesture of goodwill.   

TELLIT01

Spanish hotels aren't closed currently so they are still able to provide the service i.e. accommodation on the required dates.  On that basis I don't think the offer to move the date is unreasonable.  The fact that it was a special occasion for your party is really not relevant.

Streaky_Bacon

What I understand from the insurance company is that if the hotel offers to move the date, then i cant claim anything from them. The only way I can claim is if the hotel refuse to move the date or refund. I assume this is standard travel insurance procedure?

Yes, standard procedure, in the sense that standard procedure is to wriggle out of any claim that they can.

Request a refund from the hotel and get a refusal in writing, then put in a claim to the insurance company.

You should do everything you can to get a cash refund on the flights. If you do accept anything else, make sure that it is fully covered in the event of the provider going bust (do not take their word for it).

If there is anything to learn from the current situation, it is that any guarantees (government or otherwise) aren't worth the paper they are written on.

mattyprice4004

Have the flight provider confirmed you'll get a refund / voucher? 
Bear in mind that if the flight still operates, by default you're entitled to nothing - and anything they offer over and above this is at their discretion. 

Ganga

Streaky_Bacon said:

What I understand from the insurance company is that if the hotel offers to move the date, then i cant claim anything from them. The only way I can claim is if the hotel refuse to move the date or refund. I assume this is standard travel insurance procedure?

Yes, standard procedure, in the sense that standard procedure is to wriggle out of any claim that they can.

Request a refund from the hotel and get a refusal in writing, then put in a claim to the insurance company.

You should do everything you can to get a cash refund on the flights. If you do accept anything else, make sure that it is fully covered in the event of the provider going bust (do not take their word for it).

If there is anything to learn from the current situation, it is that any guarantees (government or otherwise) aren't worth the paper they are written on.

I do no agree with that statement ,yes insurance companies do not write checks out and throw them about like confetti but a lot of people on this site have had refunds BUT a lot of people think that because they buy basic insurance they are covered for everything ,does not happen like that. 

Streaky_Bacon

Ganga said:

 I do no agree with that statement ,yes insurance companies do not write checks out and throw them about like confetti but a lot of people on this site have had refunds BUT a lot of people think that because they buy basic insurance they are covered for everything ,does not happen like that. 

The fact that insurance companies will pay out for very obvious claims, does not change the fact that if an insurer thinks that the can avoid paying out, they will do so.

Even when they do pay out, it is often after an initial attempt to deny a claim, with only the squeaky wheels getting the grease.