Travel question

What should I do if my hotel is infested with rodents?

Have a question? Ask our expert Simon Calder

Friday 08 February 2019 16:18 GMT
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Today’s reader is concerned that a dream New York trip could turn into a nightmare
Today’s reader is concerned that a dream New York trip could turn into a nightmare

Q I am supposed to be going on a trip of a lifetime to mark a special birthday in April. I have booked and paid in full via an online “middleman” for five nights at a New York hotel. But I have been looking at the reviews on several sites and I am getting really concerned. They say there are rodents, bed bugs, stained bedding and unsafe electrics. I have contacted the online agent and it says it has good reports of the property but it will get involved if I have problems at the hotel. Is there anything I can do?

Christine E

A How upsetting and exasperating that, instead of looking forward to the trip to New York, you are understandably fretting about what awaits when you get there. Because of the way you have chosen to book the trip, I am afraid that your legal options are limited. Had you booked flights and accommodation in a single transaction, it would have constituted a package – with all the consumer protection that bestows. The provider of the package is legally obliged to ensure that your accommodation is clean and safe, and to take appropriate action if it is not.

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