Holiday house booked for 13

e_ryman

We booked a holiday cottage, via an agent, for 13 people in Dorset for 25th September for a 40th birthday.  Since the new law came in today, obviously we cannot go.  The holiday cottage owners (via their agent) are not offering a refund and are saying they will only give me back what they can re-let it at as they are happy for 6 of us to go to the cottage.  I argued this was not the case and Syke’s and sleeps12.com are already giving refunds/moving dates in full and clearly a precedent has been set within the industry.  They are not budging!  What are people’s thoughts? Thanks 

JGB1955

I think the cottage owner is perfectly within their rights to refuse a refund.  The property is available and there is nothing to prevent 6 people using it.

eskbanker

Decisions made unilaterally by other companies don't set precedents for an industry in any meaningful way, so if your one chooses to take a different approach then that's their prerogative, if it's legal obviously.  If the cottage is available for occupancy but your party is too large to go while complying with current guidance then that's more of a matter for your insurance than the owner or agent.

Westin

As you have asked for thoughts....I would agree with JGB1955.

e_ryman

Thanks for your input.  I have contacted my insurance and they don’t know what to do either!

jon81uk

When did you book?
The previous advice was that no more than two households should meet indoors anyway, so if you had booked since lockdown then maybe you should have considered if it was a good idea to book at all.

[Deleted User]

There are going to be a lot more of these posts I think!   Agree with JGB1955, though and that is If the cottage is available and there are no restrictions on travel to the area you are visiting then they are not obliged to refund you.   It might be nice if they offered you a rebook out of goodwill but they don't have to do this.   If they won't budge and restrictions remain same, perhaps you can discuss amongst yourselves which 6 should go and if they would be prepared to repay something to the others?   (i.e. divide the cost between 6 instead of 12).      

Remember that each of the 12 would need to claim on their own insurance as your insurance will only cover for you. Unless you have put them on the policy 

Time2Go_25

In  fact I guess all 13 could go if they were from one household.

Thrugelmir

How many you booked the cottage for is of no relevance to the owner. You booked the entire cottage. If the property is now not relet at such notice. Then the income is totally lost. A small business cannot operate in such a manner. Given the already difficult trading year experienced. 

mattyprice4004

The actions of another company don’t set a precedent. 

Unfortunately in the eyes of the owner you’ve simply booked the cottage - the rules aren’t their problem. 

This is ultimately going to be an insurance or ‘take it on the chin’ job. 

silvercar

How many households? A couple with their 5 children plus a single parent with their 5 kids could theoretically make a group of 13 that would be allowed under the new rules.