'Honeymoon dream ruined' say couple

A COUPLE say their dreams of a honeymoon in the Maldives were left in ruins by a high street holiday company.

Richard Taylor and Lindsay Reidy, of Acres Lane, Preesall, booked to stay at the fancy Herathera resort on the tropical island hoping for the holiday of a lifetime to celebrate their marriage.

But the couple claim that just two weeks before they were due to fly out on their dream trip, First Choice told them there was a problem – the place was still unfinished.

Problems

The couple, both 29, were told that building work around the hotel, which they booked from the company's brochure in April, was still going on.

Having shelled out a small fortune for the holiday – rooms can cost up to $575 (£289) per night according to the resort's own website – they were furious and did their own internet research to look into the area's problems.

Richard, who runs a business training company, said: "To be told two weeks before we were due to fly out was a disgrace.

"We went on the internet and there were testimonials and YouTube clips showing problems at the resort.

"They were scathing, saying the resort wasn't built and the clips showed the place looking unfinished.

"To offer us a holiday in April to a resort that wasn't properly finished seems terrible, especially since it looked fantastic in the pictures."

With other places fully booked, Richard and Lindsay were offered alternative accommodation at a lower grade hotel and, they claim, just £30 compensation.

Not happy with a downgraded honeymoon, the couple contacted another agent, Gill Walker from Prestige Vacations, and within 24 hours the couple were booked on a flight going to a resort they were happy with.

Relieved Lindsay, who works in a nursery, said: "It is sad that this whole scenario could have been avoided if First Choice had kept their customers better informed and showed a little effort when picking up the pieces."

Richard added: "We're glad it's been sorted now but obviously we feel very let down and it's hard to believe that First Choice would offer such poor customer service."

Nobody from First Choice was available to comment.

Source: UK Gazette