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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask for some money back?

27 replies

Cheekyornotcheeky · 27/07/2026 16:13

Afternoon everyone,

Am on holiday at the moment in a hot country. Self-catering in a complex of about 50 apartments (though it feels like there's barely anyone on holiday here, I think a lot of people live here full time).

Just came back from a day out and the pool is shut until Wednesday "due to microbiology" which I assume means they found something gross in the water.

Safety first, of course. But do you think it's reasonable to ask for any money back? We chose this place specifically for the view and the pool, or is that CF territory?

OP posts:
needapokerface · 27/07/2026 16:18

You are paying for the accommodation the rest is a bonus, however if you were only there for 3 nights and the pool was closed for the full 2 days I might ask for a small refund but if you are there for 14 nights and the pool is only closed for 2 days I'd just suck it up as bad luck, better to know there is a problem in the pool rather than going in and have a holiday where none of you can get off the toilet.

Also would depend on how much I had paid to stay in the accommodation, is it budget, middle range or luxury.

Hito · 27/07/2026 16:18

Don't ask, then you don't get. It's always worth asking.

AbzMoz · 27/07/2026 16:21

I’d be a bit miffed, but it would depend on if they are actively trying to fix it, if I could still use the loungers and/or it was otherwise nice to sit out, and if there was a nearby beach/lido/sister hotel…
As a SC complex I doubt there’s too much they can do.. so chalk it up a bit of bad luck (and better than getting sick!) and enjoy the rest of the holiday!

Bjorkdidit · 27/07/2026 16:21

needapokerface · 27/07/2026 16:18

You are paying for the accommodation the rest is a bonus, however if you were only there for 3 nights and the pool was closed for the full 2 days I might ask for a small refund but if you are there for 14 nights and the pool is only closed for 2 days I'd just suck it up as bad luck, better to know there is a problem in the pool rather than going in and have a holiday where none of you can get off the toilet.

Also would depend on how much I had paid to stay in the accommodation, is it budget, middle range or luxury.

I agree with this. Can you swim in the sea for now instead?

Original poster
Cheekyornotcheeky · 27/07/2026 16:30

Thanks for the replies. Yes, we are on a lake so can still swim but the pool is lovely so it's a shame. Definitely don't want to get ill, of course. It's a 1 bed place and was €1600 for a week, not sure which range that sits really!

OP posts:
ACR7 · 27/07/2026 16:42

I’d ask. They can only say no.

Hankunamatata · 27/07/2026 16:45

Id ask.

Original poster
Cheekyornotcheeky · 27/07/2026 16:49

Thanks all. I sort of feel like I won't want to get back in it at all now!

OP posts:
danditiger · 27/07/2026 16:57

as an ex holiday rep this would entitle you to a partial refund. Way more than you would expect really.

in one of my hotels there were three bars, but only two were open. Because the website advertised an indoor bar and one man complained he got £400 back. I remember it because I remember thinking people need to check every single service is available because theres so much you can get back if its not

lulubalu · 27/07/2026 17:22

Yes I'd ask
(you haven't just booked the accommodation as a PP stated 🙄the price you paid is for use of the amenities too)

SENsupportplease · 27/07/2026 17:24

Yes you should get some money back, presumably you wouldn’t have booked without a pool? Expedia gave me a full refund on a hotel stay because they closed the pool and didn’t bother updating their Expedia listing. It was only one night stay though.

Original poster
Cheekyornotcheeky · 27/07/2026 19:38

I mean the pool was a big part of the booking, yes. I assume the owner has increased the price because of it!

OP posts:
Arlanymor · 27/07/2026 19:38

You can ask... but it sounds like someone left a poo in the pool...

Original poster
Cheekyornotcheeky · 27/07/2026 19:57

Do you really think so? I did think it didn't smell chemically, so not sure if they use chlorine in the same way

OP posts:
Duvetdayneeded · 27/07/2026 20:11

You’re paying for the accommodation and facilities so non use of the pool which is major should warrant a refund.

NoCommentingFromNowOn · 27/07/2026 20:35

If it’s not available they should have told you, and don’t feel bad about complaining! And yes to expecting a refund.

BacksToTheFuture · 27/07/2026 20:46

needapokerface · 27/07/2026 16:18

You are paying for the accommodation the rest is a bonus, however if you were only there for 3 nights and the pool was closed for the full 2 days I might ask for a small refund but if you are there for 14 nights and the pool is only closed for 2 days I'd just suck it up as bad luck, better to know there is a problem in the pool rather than going in and have a holiday where none of you can get off the toilet.

Also would depend on how much I had paid to stay in the accommodation, is it budget, middle range or luxury.

Of course it's not a bonus, what a funny way of looking at it. When you book anything you are booking everything that's advertised as part of what you're paying for

If I go to a 5 star hotel advertised with luxury spa, gym, choice of restaurants but they are all closed I don't think, oh well I was only paying for the room so thats fine, that would be crazy

Arlanymor · 27/07/2026 23:08

Cheekyornotcheeky · 27/07/2026 19:57

Do you really think so? I did think it didn't smell chemically, so not sure if they use chlorine in the same way

What else could microbiology mean?

BettyJoanPerske · 27/07/2026 23:11

needapokerface · 27/07/2026 16:18

You are paying for the accommodation the rest is a bonus, however if you were only there for 3 nights and the pool was closed for the full 2 days I might ask for a small refund but if you are there for 14 nights and the pool is only closed for 2 days I'd just suck it up as bad luck, better to know there is a problem in the pool rather than going in and have a holiday where none of you can get off the toilet.

Also would depend on how much I had paid to stay in the accommodation, is it budget, middle range or luxury.

The pool is part of the accommodation, it is not just a 'bonus' if OP would not have booked without it.

danditiger · 28/07/2026 11:42

it's me again! As an ex holiday rep, we don't shut a pool because of a poo. Just fish it out and. Chlorine deals with that. There will likely be some harmful bacteria.

Any luck on a partial refund OP?

Arlanymor · 28/07/2026 13:42

danditiger · 28/07/2026 11:42

it's me again! As an ex holiday rep, we don't shut a pool because of a poo. Just fish it out and. Chlorine deals with that. There will likely be some harmful bacteria.

Any luck on a partial refund OP?

You do if it's runny...

Original poster
Cheekyornotcheeky · 29/07/2026 08:18

Morning all,

Quick update... As I opened my phone to text the owner, I had a message from them telling me the pool was closed and apologising. I replied saying it was disappointing, as it was a big part of why we booked. She said she'd let me know about compensation, depending on how long it's closed (still closed!)

Had a lovely day on the beach yesterday, off out for a hike this morning and hoping it'll be open on our return!

OP posts:
Original poster
Cheekyornotcheeky · 31/07/2026 23:58

Hi all

Have now checked out. The owner sent a nice message saying they hoped we had a nice stay, but didn't mention anything about the money. What do you think? The initial wording was "depending on the length, I will organise a compensation"

OP posts:
danditiger · Yesterday 01:32

how long was it out for? If it was for a day you need compensation

Mumofoneandone · Yesterday 05:38

Cheekyornotcheeky · 31/07/2026 23:58

Hi all

Have now checked out. The owner sent a nice message saying they hoped we had a nice stay, but didn't mention anything about the money. What do you think? The initial wording was "depending on the length, I will organise a compensation"

I think you push for it because an amenity you paid for wasn't available. You were only there for a week!
You wouldn't have chosen that accommodation if the pool hadn't been there!
I was away recently and there was a pool on site - it absolutely made the holiday, as it was too hot to be on the beach. I would have been very frustrated if it was suddenly closed for a large part of my holiday. It was a factor in choosing the accommodation over a different flat.