UK holiday refund

Aims01

Hi I need some advice!I booked  a self catering cottage for last October for 8 is us and paid in full. Obviously due to COVID restrictions this could not go ahead. However the accommodation company did not contact me to cancel,it was myself who contacted them a few days before obviously expressing my concerns about travelling illegally and with 8 people due to restrictions. The email I received back was as though I had cancelled the booking (i know if they cancel I would receive a refund which is why I think they think they are being clever) and she said the only thing ‘they could offer is a credit for amount paid to be used until June 2021) 
At the time we rebooked for this March which obviously isn’t looking likely we will get to go.! I haven’t received any second confirmation for this date either after emailing. The terms and conditions on the website are clear regarding cancellations etc but  relating to COVID it says that they take no responsibility for any cancellations?! Which I think is wrong? 
  I would like a refund from them  and any help would be appreciated on how I can approach this. 

Many thanks. 

[Deleted User]

Depending on where the cottage is, it may have been available to you in October?  If it was then a rebook was a good compromise.  If it was not available then you should have been entitled to a refund (nothing to do with local restrictions or occupancy numbers)    As you have rebooked you will have to wait to see what the situation is in March

The above will probably stand I.e if cottage not open then you should be able to request a refund.  If it is open then you won’t.   

Thrugelmir

Aims01 said:

 The email I received back was as though I had cancelled the booking (i know if they cancel I would receive a refund which is why I think they think they are being clever) and she said the only thing ‘they could offer is a credit for amount paid to be used until June 2021) 

Sounds as if you did cancel. The nature of the occupancy isn't the owners concern. The cottage was available to use. 

Aims01

Thank you. It was illegal for anyone to travel at the time so restrictions were in place so we’re we obviously couldn’t travel. Would this still apply to it being open and unable to go? 

macman

The travel restrictions do not entitle you to a refund, as your travel arrangements are your own responsibility: the fact that you possibly could not travel from one tier to another is not the fault of the provider.

Aylesbury_Duck

Aims01 said:

Thank you. It was illegal for anyone to travel at the time so restrictions were in place so we’re we obviously couldn’t travel. Would this still apply to it being open and unable to go? 

Was it illegal to travel in October?

As for March, no one knows yet.

sheramber

 In some area yes, it was.  Wales for one.
 

Aims01

Aylesbury_Duck said:

Aims01 said:

Thank you. It was illegal for anyone to travel at the time so restrictions were in place so we’re we obviously couldn’t travel. Would this still apply to it being open and unable to go? 

Was it illegal to travel in October?

As for March, no one knows yet.

Yes it was from our area. Hoping for March but who knows. Will have to wait and see!