Hotel cancellation - wrong date. Advice gratefully accepted

[Anordinarymum]

So my partner very recently booked a three night stay in an hotel at the seaside after having discussed dates with me.
I told him not to book anytime around my grandson's birthday.
He booked and gave me a date which I gave to my daughter (as she works and I look after my grandson ) so she had notice to find other childcare arrangements at that time.

This weekend he reminds me we are going away and says a date. I say no you've got it wrong - that is the date of the birthday.

So long story short, he has fucked up and called the hotel to ask if they will change to another date.
They say the small print says you have to tell them eight weeks in advance of the date so he has lost the money, since he only booked it three weeks ago
They say they are under no obligation to change dates and unless we go they will take the money from his card.

He's going to call them again tomorrow and speak to a manager to see if they will help. Is there anything we can do ?
It's Britannia Hotels btw

I think it's poor form not to change dates with three weeks notice but realise they are a business, it's likely they'll be able to resell those dates in time. I agree speak to the manager, let them know how much you were looking forward to the holiday and staying with them, you've heard such h great things about the chain. Always be as friendly as possible to win them over first, understand their situation and that they've had a tough time during Covid and you really want to support the hospitality industry to get back on its feet etc. Perhaps offer to cover any change in price or an admin fee. Only if you have no joy express your disappointment in their level of customer service and lack of understanding, you're unlikely to get anywhere but as very last resort you could suggest you'll be leaving feedback on trip advisor. You can only state facts and they will fall on their policy and 8 week notice period even if they refuse to change it.

Thank you. He is calling them tomorrow. It is a superior room and not cheap which makes it all the worse. Hopefully the person he speaks to will be more sympathetic than the other one who was not interested at all.