Last year in April I booked a 4 night stay in Paris for March this year (wrongly assuming covid would allow) It was through Travel Republic a hotel only non refundable booking. After several communications they will only offer amendment up to Jan 2022. We cannot travel by then as have other commitments and cannot take more time off work. The hotel in question has been closed since Oct last year and not due to open until next month. I paid on a credit card. Have tried to claim it back. It's been rejected. First on the basis that I tried to cancel before the hotel announced closure on my travel dates (the booking never was cancelled I just requested it due to knowing hotel wouldn't open, I have many emails confirming an active booking since) Then I took the complaint further and tried to do a section 75 claim. That too has been rejected due to them saying it's booked through a 3rd party. Travel Republic have said the hotel have my money. The hotel said they only get paid on departure so they don't. TR also say it's Travel V scape who I paid?
I had legal advice and they've told me I have a good case and it's frustration of contract which makes the non refundable booking terms void so I am entitled to a refund. I'm going to go back to the Ombudsman and report to CMA also but if I take them to Small claims is it TR I name as they are the agent I paid and that is what shows on my card statement. Never done this before but do not want to lose the money. It's just under £700. Any advice gratefully received.