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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Holiday Pool Dilemma: Please help me get a grip.

178 replies

RoadToRivendell · 05/08/2018 17:14

We're on holiday at a veeery nice villa in Italy.

Some days after I booked it in May, when I will still within my cancellation terms, I noticed that it said 'shared' pool in the description. I emailed the agent, expressed concern, and asked for clarification. They said I would be sharing it with two people, so fine. We proceeded.

This week, we were completely dismayed to find a family of four join at the pool - two adults, two smallish children - which we could have coped with, but 1. it's a pretty small pool, like what you'd have in the garden of a very nice house; and 2. THE FATHER DID NOT RETURN OUR HELLOS, so we sat in awkward silence.

A subtle tug of war ensues, and we gather they've left as they bring their luggage to the pool yesterday (WTF) and get changed in the bushes for what we presume is a trip to the airport.

This morning, we turn up at the pool at around 11am to find that all six sunloungers have towels on them. Overnight, a second family has arrived, and the original family is still inexplicably here! (I saw the children, who are lovely, in two of the 'reserved' sunloungers this morning!).

I sent my kids down to fold the towels and get stuck in at around noon (still, no one in sight - and all 6 chairs are reserved). Family number 2 turned up some time later, and they are lovely and exchanged hellos as you might expect so I can cope with this setup - we were actually all trying to very politely ensure the other had sufficient sunloungers at various points through the afternoon.

Would I be unreasonable to demand a good chunk of change back from this rental place?

OP posts:
Original poster
RoadToRivendell · 05/08/2018 22:10

Do you think that other family members might have been selling access to the pool to other friends, neighbours or nearby holidaymakers?

No, I think they're selling other, lesser villas online to UK resident without telling our uber-villa seller.

And on a practical note - film it in landscape orientation rather than portrait orientation. Means that when it’s viewed on a pc screen it will be much bigger and therefore more impactful!
Thanks & will do.

OP posts:
Original poster
RoadToRivendell · 05/08/2018 22:11

To clarify, I don't think it's possible that anyone who's here does not have pool permission. I think the agent does not have a complete picture. That's all.

OP posts:
KeepServingTheDrinks · 05/08/2018 22:25

Then they're going to have to refund you, aren't they! Especially when you explain exactly why the pool was such a crucial part of your holiday

RhiWrites · 05/08/2018 22:26

the owners are minor aristos who have reluctantly turned to the holiday business to keep things going.

They are not going to understand the problem here, they do not speak English and are about 80. They are going to be furious and feel slighted.

I get you. It’s a very British sort of problem. You’ve complained and now you’re worried that you will seem rude.

But you’re an American. An American who has been duped out of a saved for vacation. Channel your people’s high expectation of customer service and a bit of righteous indignation.

If anyone says anything to you rehearse the phrase “it’s very confusing, perhaps the agent made a mistake?” And then later demand a large refund.

GoldenMcOldie · 05/08/2018 22:30

Crikey, chill out. Enjoy the opportunity to make a new acquaintance.

Is it such a burden to share? Sounds lovely and social to me.

Namechangeforthiscancershit · 05/08/2018 22:33

Well she can’t be very sociable with someone who won’t say “hello” back to her...

MNOverinvestor · 05/08/2018 22:38

Just a thought OP. The v poshest villa companies often have (esp if they specialise in a particular country or area) a villa that they put people into if/when problems occur, often owned by the boss of the company. Of course it'll depend on availability and whether you can bear to pack up and change villas but it might be worth asking. I think you're being quite saintly btw.

Original poster
RoadToRivendell · 05/08/2018 22:40

Golden please do read the thread. Wink

OP posts:
Arcadia · 05/08/2018 22:52

I am strangely invested In this thread - OP I initially thought you were being a bit precious but not for a £5k holiday villa!!!! And the towels on the sun beds is totally out of order. Please update tomorrow!

SofiaAmes · 05/08/2018 22:55

My mother used to own houses in Tuscany and has several friends who still do. This stuff happens all the time. It is the Italian way to rent out a few extras without telling the UK/US agent that you are doing so. My mother is Italian and was friends with the locals so sort of managed to keep an eye on all of these shenanigans, but it's pretty standard. (Which is not to say that it is ok....of course.)
My grandfather owned an apartment in Rome that was on the "Attic" level of a 6 story apartment block in a large complex. It was a huge 3 bedroom apartment with 360 degree balconies and views that sold for 1M euros when he died, yet the entire floor was an illegally built level on the apartment block. No one seemed to be bothered at all by any of it.

What part of Italy are you in? I could give you a recommendation of a wonderful not well known hot springs to go to if you are in Tuscany.

Is the issue that there is a lack of lounge chairs...you think they would just solve it by buying more.

theredjellybean · 05/08/2018 22:57

If you have all been told you are sharing pool with two other people the other family may well be as pissed off as you and hence not overly friendly.
They might be thinking you are chancers using 'their' pool, maybe they don't want speak English, maybe he is deaf etc etc.
We are all immediately backing op version that she paid 5k for villa plus pool only two other people and all these other families must be pulling a fast one, in inferior villa etc etc.
They could be exactly the same situation and thinking exactly the same.
I'd ask friendly family directly.. Were they expecting to share pool with three properties?
As for towels on Sun loungers.. If you wNt a lounger just neatly fold towel and put to one side.. No big anxiety inducing drama.

Jjjjigoo · 05/08/2018 23:23

It's tyre mystery of three returning family I find intriguing.

BewareOfDragons · 05/08/2018 23:30

For £5k a week, I'd expect a private pool.

SwedishEdith · 05/08/2018 23:32

I'd expect a private pool each for £5k per week.

Chalady · 05/08/2018 23:34

Is the non speaking man English?

WellThisIsShit · 05/08/2018 23:50

I hope you can get it sorted out at least in so much as to get some peace of mind about it all so it doesn’t spoil the rest of your holiday.

greenlanes · 05/08/2018 23:51

I have had similar in Italy before - different situations but similar confusion. The pps who clearly know Italy well have it spot on. Everyone else bleating on about UK contracts are quite naive. Italians are delightful but the downside to that is an often flagrant disregard for rules.

The 2 people - is highly likely to be a translation issue. Just think of the Italian word for grandchildren/nephews - it is the same in Italian but so different in English. My guess is the couple on their 80's might try to entertain you and be hospitable, the agency might refund you some money, the other family have probably also been told they are the only ones using the pool so naturally they are fed up. So perhaps try talking to them?

Politely I would like to ask if you travel in Europe a lot? You state you are American but live in London. Europe is very different to the States or UK. Less rigid, more go with the flow.

glasserator · 05/08/2018 23:52

Has the company come back to you yet with a resolution?

itchyknees · 06/08/2018 00:07

You are American and used the word shite. I am deeply in love with you.

DrinkFeckArseGirls · 06/08/2018 09:59

Have you had any feedback from the agent OP? Grin

Zadig · 06/08/2018 10:13

I’m so sorry your holiday is being ruined OP and this is actually an outrage.

Can I ask, where is your DH in all of this? That man was very rude (and frankly bizarre) to blank you on that first day. Your DH needs to have words with him and tell him he has upset you. Do they speak English?

It sounds as if they went to the airport to pick this other family up?

Go down to reception or send DH and demand to know who all these people are and what is going on.

Arcadia · 06/08/2018 10:21

Zadig maybe OP can speak for herself? Doesn't need a man to sort it for her?

Also there is no 'reception' to speak to as you will see from reading the first couple of posts.

pieceofpurplesky · 06/08/2018 10:21

I would buy loads of inflatables and fill the pool if there are no sunbeds ... Wink

Zadig · 06/08/2018 10:23

No but could she not go and find the “matriarch” and “patriarch” as she calls them? As for the DH, I was just wondering what his take in it all is? My DH would just go and ask them who they are, why they’re there and how long are they planning to stay.

WipsGlitter · 06/08/2018 10:34

Your DH needs to have words with him and tell him he has upset you.

Seriously?? Big man defend little woman.

Just keep saying hello. Unless the pool is the size of a stamp you can surely avoid them!