US hotel won't refund - is there a hospitality regulatory body I can seek advice from?

[InTheNameOfAllThatIsHonest]

Back in 2020, before lockdown, etc, we booked four nights for the following fall in the USA. When Covid hit we rang them and they said we could postpone our booking indefinitely, or get a refund anytime.

We didn't want take money back from a business that was going to be facing a very difficult season so back then we decided to sit on our booking.

We just asked for our money back since it's now been two years and we no longer plan to go to that destination, and we are being told they will only refund 2/3 of the money we paid.

Is there a body we can seek advice from on where we stand? The T&Cs of the time of the booking didn't mention Covid.

Many thanks.

You paid 2 years ago.
You’re getting 2/3 of your money back
They are being more than generous
Let it go

how much are you still out of pocket, OP?
Yes the absolute amount matters

@PotteringAlong

You paid 2 years ago. You’re getting 2/3 of your money back They are being more than generous Let it go

My thought exactly!

What did the T&Cs say about cancelling and refunding?

I paid $2,000 and they want to keep 700. I waited this long because of Covid. What right do they have since we didn't stay because of force majeur? T&C don't mention Covid because at the time it wasn't a big issue.

@InTheNameOfAllThatIsHonest

I paid $2,000 and they want to keep 700. I waited this long because of Covid. What right do they have since we didn't stay because of force majeur? T&C don't mention Covid because at the time it wasn't a big issue.

But Covid isn't an issue now, you can travel to the US

But Covid isn't an issue now, you can travel to the US
If you can now travel it's not their fault you no longer want to. I think they're very generous offering 2/3 refund after all this time.

Honestly, the way to look at this is “amazing, they’re refunding me $1300”

T&C don't mention Covid because at the time it wasn't a big issue.

Do they mention "force majeur" in general though?

@WheresYourSnickers

But Covid isn't an issue now, you can travel to the US If you can now travel it's not their fault you no longer want to. I think they're very generous offering 2/3 refund after all this time.

Yeah I think this is the point. There's a difference between can't and choosing not to. The provider isn't responsible for a change in your holiday plans so sounds like they're being fair.

We have European flights moved from last year and understand if we cancel it's our perogative as we can now travel so if we lose our money it's on us.

Part of why you didn't ask for a refund at the time was because you didn't want to do this from a business that could potentially be losing trade and planned to go presumably. But now you are ok to request a full refund simply because you've changed your mind from a business that will still be recovering.

Rules that applied in early pandemic can not still apply now that restrictions have eased its silly to think they would every business would be loosing money left right and centre due to people changing their mind and expecting refunds.

I think like pp have said you should consider yourself luck cut your losses and move on.