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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Email from property owner - room cancelled for refugees

380 replies

DuvetHugger · 04/04/2022 16:03

I booked holiday accommodation last year for this coming June in Scotland. They allow pets so this was the main pull for us. We have booked tickets for a big gig taking place there and are travelling from south of the UK.

I just received this email from them:

"We have applied to use the barn for Ukranian refugees. if it's not a problem for you can you please cancel free of charge"

I replied saying we have booked some activities etc and is she sure the place wont be available at that time, we booked 8 months ago and her response was:

"No you need to book something else sorry".

AIBU in thinking this is rude?? Obviously, I have nothing against them housing refugees but I am a bit taken aback.

AIBU to be pissed off or AIBU for my first world problems when there are families to house?

Surely she would see a diary of full bookings and think "I am not yet in a position to use the barn to house others, but will stop taking bookings now to enable myself to do so at a later date"?

OP posts:
Hollyhead · 04/04/2022 16:05

If she tried to clear her diary by giving you the option then fine, but to cancel your booking is wrong.

Nicholethejewellery · 04/04/2022 16:06

My first thought is, why is she asking you to cancel? Is this a platform where a host cancelling would be considered a problem? I certainly wouldn't cancel myself in your circumstances. If you do it you lose any rights you have. If the host has to change plans, the host has to cancel it themselves and risk the negative consequences that may entail.

marjayy · 04/04/2022 16:06

Can you not book a local premier inn/travelodge locally?

If you can, then I think you should let this go. You have other options, many refugees do not.

Nicholethejewellery · 04/04/2022 16:07

Also I would be very wary that her taking in refugees is the actual reason - it's more likely she is using this as an excuse because she's found someone willing to pay more. People tend to exploit human tragedy in this way.

stuntbubbles · 04/04/2022 16:08

She’s gone about it a bit rudely but honestly, let this go. The atrocities coming to light every day are horrific and this is very much a non-problem in comparison.

Whatalovelydaffodil · 04/04/2022 16:08

Can't really blame her for the wanting to house refugees rather than holiday makers. Although I can see why it's annoying for you.

Sapphirejane · 04/04/2022 16:08

The good side of me is saying that your holiday is definitely trumped by the needs of people fleeing a war zone who need accommodation now not after the summer.

The cynical side of me is wondering how the £350 a month government scheme is worked out and whether they would make more money this way. I hope someone is able to put that thought to rest however.

DoucheCanoe · 04/04/2022 16:09

YANBU.

Of course housing refugees is a very kind thing to do BUT if everywhere just cancelled bookings and stopped taking in customers then the tourist industry will take yet another financial hit not to mention the financial and personal inconvenience to those who have booked non-refundable tickets in the area (Hella Mega by any chance?)

Original poster
DuvetHugger · 04/04/2022 16:10

Dog friendly cottages it was booked through.

OP posts:
Original poster
DuvetHugger · 04/04/2022 16:12

The good side of me is saying that your holiday is definitely trumped by the needs of people fleeing a war zone who need accommodation now not after the summer

I 100% agree, it's just not sitting right with me. I think it is more likely she has found out she can get higher payers elsewhere ha

OP posts:
DrManhattan · 04/04/2022 16:13

How's she gonna brag to her mates about what a good person she is if she doesn't cancel your booking? Bit rubbish but not much you can do.

AnxiousHeffalump · 04/04/2022 16:15

Have you contacted the site you booked through? Maybe they can offer an alternative - and not let this person advertise again.

SparklyLeprechaun · 04/04/2022 16:15

Check if she's still taking bookings, that will tell you if she's genuine.
Either way, there's nothing you can do, if she doesn't want to let it to you she doesn't have to.

SniffMyQuiffyHair · 04/04/2022 16:15

Hmm, I'd think if she was that charitable she'd be decent enough to give you your money back as she is the one that wants to cancel
I'd refuse unless everything was refunded, including expenses, because frankly I don't believe her

bettydelrimple · 04/04/2022 16:15

Whatever you do don't cancel it yourself. There's a reason she wants you to do it, not her. Let her deal with the problem, don't make it easy for her.

girlmom21 · 04/04/2022 16:16

The site may be able to help you find alternative accommodation.

If not, speak to the operators of the activities and they may cancel FOC given the circumstances.

SpiderinaWingMirror · 04/04/2022 16:16

I agree with you. Of course it's great that holiday home owners are thinking about it, but surely you would see out the summer bookings first?

Caspianberg · 04/04/2022 16:18

It’s going to be very common. We have been contacted several times by local administration asking us to host families ( not uk so closer to boarder).

It’s really difficult as whilst I can host for about 6 weeks, I’m then fully booked all summer. They want 4-6 month min commitment. We also need this income after 2 years of constant closures, for essentials like new boiler and fuel

NeverDropYourMooncup · 04/04/2022 16:21

@Sapphirejane

The good side of me is saying that your holiday is definitely trumped by the needs of people fleeing a war zone who need accommodation now not after the summer.

The cynical side of me is wondering how the £350 a month government scheme is worked out and whether they would make more money this way. I hope someone is able to put that thought to rest however.

How much is a cottage rental in peak season compared to a miserly £350?

Sounds more like they're taking a hit on profits to help.

Bootothegoose · 04/04/2022 16:22

Hugely unreasonable and such a bad way to go about it.

Leave her a bad review and get your money back. Is it AirBnB? I may be wrong but I think you're entitled to compensation if the owner cancels without good cause. Double booking the holiday home you've paid for knowing that you have had it booked for over six months is not good cause.

Pixiedust1234 · 04/04/2022 16:23

Why does she want you to cancel, instead of her doing it? If its through a third party booking site make sure to let them know that the owner is forcing you cancel. Something is not right.

Bootothegoose · 04/04/2022 16:24

@Whatalovelydaffodil

Can't really blame her for the wanting to house refugees rather than holiday makers. Although I can see why it's annoying for you.
You can, it's her business that she's booked out.

She accepted OP's money and only informed her after the fact. She did not offer all guests a full refund during the administration process so they had the opportunity to find somewhere with plenty of notice.

Lou98 · 04/04/2022 16:24

I think I would also be wondering if that was the genuine reason. I hope that it is and that they're not exploiting the situation but I think the cynical part of me would be thinking in Scotland, our Summer holidays start at the end of June - I would be wondering if she's had someone offering to pay more for using it the week before they stop for Summer for example.

I wouldn't cancel it myself, if I was 100% sure they were genuine I'd consider it since they'll already be taking a hit profit wise but I would let them cancel it if they want, they can take the hit

SheldonesqueTheBstard · 04/04/2022 16:26

With pixiedust

^

Original poster
DuvetHugger · 04/04/2022 16:27

I will definitely not be cancelling. I will reply to her when I get home.

Urgh, I can't find anywhere else which will accommodate dogs too.

OP posts: