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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

HAVEN cancelled children’s holiday

154 replies

HavenAreHeartless · 04/05/2024 10:44

My lovely husband died suddenly leaving me widowed with two young children, understandably this has been an awful time for me and my family.

Before he died he had booked a half term holiday with Haven which was fully paid for. As my husband was the lead guest, I called Haven to amend the booking and their representative told me I was not able to do this and the holiday would have to be cancelled, despite questioning this she was absolutely adamant that the holiday could not go ahead. I was shocked that they thought cancelling my children’s holiday after the death of their Daddy was in any way acceptable, to me it was completely heartless.

After coming off the call I sought advice and called them back a couple of hours later, this time Haven admitted that they could easily amend the booking on seeing the death certificate. I was then informed that the holiday had already been cancelled, I assume by the first representative I spoke to, despite not having gone through any security checks or sending the documentation yet. They then told me that our accommodation had already been resold and therefore they could not reinstate it.

They’ve now spent the past couple of days faffing around and temporarily rebooking us on to a downgraded caravan whilst they try and resolve their error. This has caused me to feel very anxious and distressed so I’ve decided to no longer go and I am looking at booking another holiday far, far away from Haven.

So, am I unreasonable for expecting better from a company aimed at families? And what type of resolution would you be happy with?

Thank-you x

OP posts:
CKL987 · 04/05/2024 22:28

Sorry for you loss, this is absolutely horrific. The way some companies managed their processes when someone has died is unbelievable. I'd suggest you contact the CEO. I'm sure it will then be put right very quickly.

BrieHugger · 04/05/2024 22:30

Why does nobody read the updates?!

OP you sound lovely and realistic and funny. I hope you enjoy the Haven holiday and I hope even more that Tom and Colin just happen to be staying in the next caravan!

Needanewname42 · 04/05/2024 22:32

BrieHugger · 04/05/2024 22:30

Why does nobody read the updates?!

OP you sound lovely and realistic and funny. I hope you enjoy the Haven holiday and I hope even more that Tom and Colin just happen to be staying in the next caravan!

Exactly. I get the feeling someone in Haven already know the thread is running.
Just a hunch that's why it's been sorted so quickly.

Wendysfriend · 04/05/2024 22:53

So glad you got it sorted. Hope you enjoy your holiday

1983Louise · 04/05/2024 23:03

I've been looking to book Haven tonight for a family break, I won't now. Your family have been treated appallingly, I'm sorry for your loss and the fact Haven have made it worse for you all.

Horsewhisperers · 05/05/2024 11:31

Sorry that Haven treated you so badly and that it is now resolved.

As a widow myself, I found that businesses do not seem to have systems in place for when someone dies and they are both heartless and inefficient. Barclays Bank was the worst for me and took four months to sort out what I was owed. His employer took six months to sort out what I was owed though they were more polite.

Nannygoat151 · 05/05/2024 17:35

I would take this as high as you can ie managing director , get media involved , watchdog etc and plaster all over social media

Havinganamechange · 05/05/2024 17:37

I’m so sorry for your loss OP, you are not being unreasonable to expect Haven to have bent over backwards given the circumstances. I hope you manage to find something for you and your kids. Wishing you all the best.

Jaxhog · 05/05/2024 17:42

I'd take it to The Times consumer champion. If nothing else, Haven will get the bad press, and you'll get some compensation.

So sorry for your loss.

Oldtigernidster · 05/05/2024 18:16

Write to Jill Insley in the Sunday Times. She will definitely get compensation for you. She’s excellent.

TomJonesHuhhh · 05/05/2024 18:34

HavenAreHeartless · 04/05/2024 16:16

Firstly, thank-you to everyone who took the time to post, I really appreciate the support and great advice given.

Haven called today and have re-instated the original booking and given a full refund. Whilst I’d much rather not have gone through this experience, I think that this resolution is reasonable and I’m glad it is now sorted.

OP has her holiday back and a refund!

wompwomp · 05/05/2024 18:37

I'm happy you can laugh OP. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your dc

Buffs · 05/05/2024 19:02

BetterCare · 04/05/2024 11:37

I am so sorry for your loss. It is appalling that a company can not get their act at this time and sort something out for you without creating such stress.

I would go straight to the top. The Managing Director's name is Simon Palethorpe. I am not sure what his email address would be. You could try [email protected]

Someone else may be able to investigate his email address but I would imagine if you contact him, he will at least put it in the hands of someone who can sort it out for you.

I really hope you get this sorted.

Haven have behaved despicably. For what it’s worth I’m sending a quick email to Simon at Haven now.

OldPerson · 05/05/2024 19:30

I don't think anyone but you can answer this.

You obviously need and will get a 100% refund.

First thing is immediate next step, you need a representative to speak on your behalf.

I'd contact bereavement groups/charities and CAB (citizen's advice bureau) to find an advocate.

But what do you want? Do you want a replacement future holiday? Do you want 50% off an equal replacement holiday next year?

It's pointless wringing your hands and hoping a commercial organisation will pull all the stops out - they only do that when they can get a positive media buzz out of it - and you're a damage limitation case.

Under the circumstances, unless you sue (which you can't afford and any settlement would be eaten up by legal costs), the best you can probably hope for is an advocate who will speak on your behalf and make a case that it was your husband's last wish and you want the exact same holiday free of charge, when you've had time to process your grief, to go celebrate his life 12 months later. The options for them are negative media exposure or positive media exposure.

But how would you feel if they photograph and publicise your family at this time?

CatherineDurrant · 05/05/2024 19:52

Shocking.You called them in good faith, the rep lied and has caused a bad situation to become worse.

They need to take full responsibility for their mess and reinstate your booking for a start.

The fact that they've resold your holiday is their problem. They can let the other customer down, with overbooking apology and other gracious gestures.

Your family comes first. If Haven can't see that, they're not taking responsibility. Social media is your friend, I'd get this moving on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a start.

StressedOutButProudMama · 05/05/2024 20:11

I'd stay clear of Haven full stop they are an abysmal company who couldn't care less about their guests. Half their caravans don't meet fire safety regs anyway. I'd insist on a full refund and make it clear you want an apology for.tge way it was handled.

ihatecoffee · 05/05/2024 20:17

HavenAreHeartless · 04/05/2024 16:16

Firstly, thank-you to everyone who took the time to post, I really appreciate the support and great advice given.

Haven called today and have re-instated the original booking and given a full refund. Whilst I’d much rather not have gone through this experience, I think that this resolution is reasonable and I’m glad it is now sorted.

♥️ thank goodness someone at Haven came to their senses.
Hope you have a decent break away

FairFuming · 05/05/2024 20:20

I'm so glad they actually sorted it out for you. We stayed in a caravan in the Havens Seaton Sands park last summer and my young kids completely adored it. It wasn't fancy but it's in a beautiful location and the children loved the pool and entertainment and the beach hopefully where you're going is as nice. Hopefully you guys have a lovely holiday where you can feel the magic your DH was trying to give your children. Kids love a caravan holiday

penjil · 05/05/2024 20:23

Oldtigernidster · 05/05/2024 18:16

Write to Jill Insley in the Sunday Times. She will definitely get compensation for you. She’s excellent.

It's already been sorted by Haven now.

T1Dmama · 05/05/2024 20:57

Wow this is disgraceful and i really hope the daily Mail take this story on and show up haven for their very poor customer service!!

sorry for your loss

MyTherapistSaidImAnAdult · 05/05/2024 22:48

Call them out on Twitter (or X, whatever the fck it is now). Actual management will sit up and take notice

Sincerely sorry for your family loss xx

Pelsall116 · 05/05/2024 23:03

Stick a fully deserved negative review on Trust Pilot outlining just what heartless arseholes they have been; that will soon get them moving, companies absolutely hate poor reviews on Trust Pilot

MoleAndBadger · 05/05/2024 23:34

Read the updates people. Jesus.

I'm so pleased that it's all sorted out 🙂 but I am sorry for your loss OP.

HavenAreHeartless · 06/05/2024 06:56

Thank-you again everyone, it’s now resolved. Haven were fairly quick to call on Saturday after I started this thread, I like to think the power of Mumsnet worked its magic! I always feel slightly sorry for managers who get sent into battle when their colleagues have made a massive cock up but he was very apologetic and polite and I’ve made my peace with the situation. If anything, this year really has taught me that life is too short.

Once I’ve managed my 3 year old’s disappointment that she isn’t staying in Barbie’s camper van like she believes, I’m sure we’ll have a lovely time 😊 xx

OP posts:
Laurama91 · 06/05/2024 07:09

Companies need special clauses for situations like this.

My mum passed when I was young. She had opened bank accounts for me and my brother. We used different branches to close the account. One closed it no problem it was in my name so fine. The one my brother went to told him only the person that opened it could close it.