Thailand accommodation - Is it possible to claim back?

DanJ90

Morning all,

I've been scouring the internet for advice (including the MSE travel advice page - don't think I've missed anything on there) in regards to our situation and was looking for advice from anyone who may be/have been in a similar situation.

We booked two hotels in Thailand for November which we are now not going to use due to the country not allowing short term tourists into the country currently. I have spoken to our travel insurance (cover for you) who have advised that they only go off the FCO advice (which currently states it is fine to travel to Thailand, despite them not letting anyone in) or if we had disruption cover (which we do not have - don't recall seeing it as an option when purchasing the cover) so it doesn't look like we can claim back here.

The hotels have been booked via lastminute.com and their terms and conditions state that any cancellations are subject to the full cost - so we won't get any help from them.

The bookings were made via PayPal (which in hindsight may not have been the best idea - but thought I would have been more protected) but the actual money came from my credit card.

Providing the travel advice is currently as-is nearer the time of travel, do I have grounds to initiate a CC chargeback claim/go through PayPal resolution to get my money back?

Hopefully this is enough information - Not really sure where to turn too, to be honest!

Thanks in Advance.

[Deleted User]

If you booked the hotels separately (not package), they were non refundable and they are open at the time of intended travel then sadly no, looks like you wouldn't be able to get a refund.  Your insurance has already said you are not covered so I think the best you can hope for is a rebooking but you will only get this out of 'goodwill' by the hotels.  They aren't obliged to do this if they are open.   Disappointing I know and sorry it isn't the info you hoped for.

DanJ90

Hi Tedber - thanks for the reply. 

The hotel is currently closed and has been for the last few months. If this remains the same at time of travel, where would that make any difference? I presume I could contact lastminute.com as the service that they were originally offering is now no longer viable?

jon81uk

DanJ90 said:

Hi Tedber - thanks for the reply. 

The hotel is currently closed and has been for the last few months. If this remains the same at time of travel, where would that make any difference? I presume I could contact lastminute.com as the service that they were originally offering is now no longer viable?

Well if the hotel is closed then you can't make use of it and should get a refund.

[Deleted User]

DanJ90 said:

Hi Tedber - thanks for the reply. 

The hotel is currently closed and has been for the last few months. If this remains the same at time of travel, where would that make any difference? I presume I could contact lastminute.com as the service that they were originally offering is now no longer viable?

Absolutely would make a huge difference.  

mattyprice4004

Yes, if the hotel is closed when you're due to travel then the service isn't there for you to use so you're entitled to a refund. 
If it does open before then, you're not unfortunately. 

kazwookie

Thailand is not letting anyone in unless you meet their strict visa requirements.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/entry-requirements

Entry and transit

At present, you can only enter Thailand if you meet one of the following criteria:

• If you are on a diplomatic or consular mission, belong to an International Organisation, are a government representative performing duties in Thailand, or have permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This includes families.
• If you hold a work permit or have already been granted permission from the Thai government to work in Thailand or have the Certificate of Residence and a valid re-entry permit. This includes families.
• If you are the spouse, child or parent of a Thai national.
• If you are seeking medical treatment in Thailand (except treatment for COVID-19), or are caring for someone seeking medical treatment in Thailand.
• If you are an international student or the parent/guardian of an international student.

I would suggest you strongly push for a refund with how ever you booked the acc with

[Deleted User]

kazwookie said:

Thailand is not letting anyone in unless you meet their strict visa requirements.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/entry-requirements

Entry and transit

At present, you can only enter Thailand if you meet one of the following criteria:

• If you are on a diplomatic or consular mission, belong to an International Organisation, are a government representative performing duties in Thailand, or have permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This includes families.
• If you hold a work permit or have already been granted permission from the Thai government to work in Thailand or have the Certificate of Residence and a valid re-entry permit. This includes families.
• If you are the spouse, child or parent of a Thai national.
• If you are seeking medical treatment in Thailand (except treatment for COVID-19), or are caring for someone seeking medical treatment in Thailand.
• If you are an international student or the parent/guardian of an international student.

I would suggest you strongly push for a refund with how ever you booked the acc with

This information, in itself, would not guarantee a refund kazwookie.  Not a package holiday.   The hotel needs to be closed.  If the hotel is open, it could be an insurance job but  OP has already said he is not covered.   He needs to hope the hotel remains closed during November then there are options open to him.    No point in pushing anyone for anything at moment.