What would you do?
 

I've got a question for everyone out there. My fiance and I are about to get married in three weeks. We've had the honeymoon planned and booked for 11 months. It was supposed to be our dream vacation. I'm not going to say where we are going but I will say that the one word you can use to describe it is, "Perfect" (untill today). We received a phone call from our travel agent and she basically said that the resort has been bought out and that we would have to leave the resort a day early. They have, however, offered to put us up in another resort for that last full day. My initial reaction was, "No Way!" Then I went to, "Why not, if they're paying for it." Then to "I can't believe this is happening." Our honeymoon was supposed to be the best part of our wedding. We've put so much effort into deciding here we wanted to go. Not to mention the amount of money we've put together to pay for this. I mean you only get married once (at least you hope to) and you want your honeymoon to be "Perfect," so why should we allow them kick us out of our room a day earlier. We've had this planned for eleven months and we don't hear about this until three weeks before. It's just not right. I'm at aloss for words right now because I really can't believe this is happening. Would anyone like to share any similar experiences or even give some advice on what we could do? Do we just make the best of it and do nothing? Do we cancel our reservation? Or do we make a big stink about it and make them pay for something more than just that one night. Remember that this is our honeymoon, you can only do this once and I always thought that the last day of your honeymoon is supposed to be extra special because it's your last day before you come back to reality. Thanks to all in advance.

Dear Lou,<BR>Yikes, that stinks. I don't understand why you would have to move to a different hotel on the last day? Even if they were bought out, you would think your entire reservation would be guaranteed as planned.<BR>I would definitely try and use leverage for some comps and upgrades on this matter. Maybe your travel agent can act on your behalf and get some airline upgrades and hotel upgrades? <BR>Use this to your advantage if possible and good luck.

1) It's too late to try to replan the 'perfect' honeymoon without driving yourself to distraction (with all the other things you'll be busy taking care of).<BR>2) If you'll be getting 86% of your honeymoon as planned, I wouldn't write off the entire plan.<BR>3) As noted above, I would make SURE that you get some type of significant compensation for your trouble...in addition to that which was offered. Your last day will be a waste since you'll spend so much time packing/moving/unpacking/reacclimating.<BR>4) The "perfect" resort wouldn't be in the midst of an unpublicized sale.<BR>5) Be aware that you may encounter lots of spotty problems with service and many quality issues if the place is actually closing down or bringing in new staff.<BR>6) While you'd like your honeymoon to be perfect to the last degree, remember that some things are beyond your control, and if close to 90% comes off as anticipated, you will have done very well. You'll hopefully have lots more nice vacations together in the coming years.<BR>Best wishes.

Thanks so much for the advice Chris and Grace. I just want to clear something up. When I said "bought out" I didn't mean that the resort was sold, what I meant was that some company has rented the entire resort for five days and it turns out that their first day starts on our last full day. It also turns out that there are only two other couples or families that are being affected by this. Sorry I wasn't clearer about this in my message. <BR><BR>Anyway, that's another thing that bothers me about this. We had this room reserved for 11 months and they wait until 3 weeks before we leave to tell us this. If a company wants to rent out a whole resort for it's employees or whoever, I think it would take them more than three weeks to get everything planned. We should have been told about this earlier. I don't want to say which resort this is right now until everything is finished but I will say that one of the major reasons why we picked this resort was because of it's supposed service and the amount of return business it gets.<BR><BR>Thanks again for the advice and well wishes. Anyone else have any advice or similar experiences? I'd really like to hear more. It's actually very encouraging.

I would DEFINITELY cancel and go to another place entirely. Otherwise your honeymoon will always be a tainted memory of being kicked out on your last day. But it may depend on how special this place REALLY is to you... I have to wonder if you're just perceiving it as "perfect" or have you actually been there before? There are a lot of supposedly great places that are lots of hype. The bottom line is that they've trashed you and there are a LOT of great places for a honeymoon and it looks like you still have time to make a fresh start.

You have your dreams and no one can ruin them (except for you and your intended)...be thankful you have any time for honeymooning --- some people never have that luxury of "time off"..hope for the best, expect the worst and you'll never be disappointed.

No sense living in denial about the fact that things can get ruined from time to time. Don't settle for a losing "expect the worst" attitude, demand the best and go for it! It's all about how you adapt to changing situations. Since you used a travel agent, they can get you another excellent arrangement without charge since this is not your fault.

Sounds like the hotel is at fault here. If they make this sort of mistake, they may make more mistakes while you're there, which would be really annoying! So I would say: go to a different hotel, leave the flight as it is (probably too late to change that now anyway). Just my 2 cents...

I wish you would let us all know the name of this resort. We would like to make sure we don't make the same mistake. I think you should hold out for as much as you can get. You're right. They have known about this for quite a while and they just tell you 3 weeks before. <BR> No one wants to switch hotels on the last day of their vacation!

I say chill out. Yes, do ask for some kind of comp to make up for the inconvenience, but then, regardless if any comp is given or not, just roll with the punches. Presumably, the place they are moving you to for the last day is not far from the initial location. I fyou have to spend maybe an hour moving from one place to the next, its not really a bi deal, unless you make it so in your own mind. Look at the positive - you will have experienced two palces instead of one.

What can you do it could happen to anyone--enjoy the time you have and just go to the other resort for the night, unfortunately that's life. The problem is that everyone who gets married expects everything to be perfect and that's why it's such a headache. We weren't even able to go on a honeymoon so count your blessings in every other respect.

Not sure what I would do! But I would at least try another place! Its not high season, and you might get a better deal and great room at a hotel on the same island, near or on route. For example if it were Biras Creek, I would check with Little Dix Bay! Petit St. Vincent, a hotel in Barbados!<BR>Otherwise go enjoy, they should comp you lots! I would expect nothing more, and you might be surprised! At least give us the name of the island and we might be of assistance it recommending another place, no hassel. Let your agent do the work! Lots of places available in June-July!

Lou, please tell us the name of the resort...PLEASE!

Hey, Lou: This happened to us once, and the resort gave us a *free week* in addition to paying for us to move to another five-star hotel for the one night. That was a deal we could not pass up, and we had a free vacation a year later.<BR><BR>I cannot believe they did not offer you anything like that since it is your honeymoon. Get on the phone directly with the resort and start screaming. You will not get anything until you get on the phone with the general manager.

Where will they be sending you on your last night? Might be a great place. Will they pay for the transfer there as well? Personnally, if the second resort is just as wonderful or moreso, make the most out of this "perfect" place and use the opportunity to check out another resort. <BR><BR>But I agree with other posters, make sure to talk to the general manager and get an upgrade or something. Knowing they've inconvenienced you, they may intend to give you even better service. But that could go either way. It's a chance you'd be taking. Just some things to think about.

Now that changes EVERYTHING IMO, Lou.<BR>I interpreted your message to mean the resort had literally been bought out by another company.<BR>If you're telling us that the place is simply overbooked, and that you made reservations 11 months ago, you have tremendous leverage here.<BR>DO NOT back down on this.<BR>You are the one who has been wronged here and the resort has no excuse.<BR><BR>They have committed selling all rooms to a large party because they're getting compensated appropriately, and they don't mind sacrificing your business because you are only one couple. (This is not a justification, just an explanation).<BR>As such, they owe you dearly and they WILL compensate you appropriately if you play your cards right.<BR>As I said, DO NOT back down on this.<BR><BR>First off, get the name and phone number of the general manager of the resort and speak to this person.<BR>Emphasize that you 1) selected this resort from dozens of others and you perceive that it's a very high quality place, 2) that this is the most important vacation you'll ever plan and that you are not willing to have it compromised, 3) that you realize that your interests have been put behind those of a large group, 4) have an idea in mind of what type of compensation you think would be reasonable and satisfying.

I am guessing the resort is Malliohana since this same situation has happened to others at this property in the recent past. I would demand a suite at Cap Juluca for that last night OR for your entire honeymoon.

Relax. Take a deep breath. With your level of expectations, your honeymoon was never going to live up to the hype. Stick with the plan & enjoy yourselves. It's all about attitude. Only you can ruin your own honeymoon.

I would prob welcome a chance to stay at a different resort. Go, have fun, and enjoy a resort which you may not have otherwise experienced.

If it is Malli, you have lots of options! Stay at Malli for part of the time, the owner is very gracious and you will be treated very well. So, split your time, go over to CuisinArt or Cap Juluca. Hey we are all playing a guessing game. This might not be the case! Other hotels do this too! So my suggestion would be split the time no matter! Might be fun! If it is a first class place you will be fine! and you might want to check out a day or two earlier, and take advantage of another place! Why not give us the island!

Ted, why would you simply bend over and grab your ankles on this issue?<BR>I wouldn't care if it were my honeymoon or a weekend getaway, this is clearly a case in which the resort has sold out the interests of an individual couple.<BR>They will be willing to pay up if they perceive the couple will hold them to it.<BR>This is not at all a case of whining or being unreasonably demanding. This is a case very similar to an overbooked plane flight. The resort screwed up.<BR><BR>Would you be bumped off a plane without compensation and just wander off looking for another flight on your own?

To "gggg": Relax. Take a deep breath. Are you always this stressed and rude? I would imagine, with your attitude, nothing ever goes right for you. <BR><BR>1. Lou has less than 3 weeks before the wedding. I imagine the stress level is high enough without trying to plan another honeymoon. <BR>2. No trip, and certainly no honeymoon, is "perfect," especially if you enter it expecting perfection. Dial down the drama & count your blessings. <BR>3. It's one night in another resort, not the end of the world. Priorties, please.

You're missing my point, Ted.<BR><BR>What's are the worst things about the situation for Lou? Inconvenienced by the resort, maybe forced to move one night, spent all this time planning and now dumped on at the last minute.<BR>It's 2 parts psychological (feeling sold out and unimportant) and 1 part material (they will be inconvenienced if forced to move and that last day will be a virtual waste).<BR><BR>The psychological issues can be compensated if the resort antes up. And if they ante up well enough, even the material loss of a day can be offset if they get, maybe, a nice suite instead of a standard room, or a free stay in the future, or a nicer resort for the last day, etc.<BR><BR>The 'problem' can be offset.<BR>The situation can be fixed in a relative sense.<BR><BR>Why would anyone want to accept a suboptimal outcome when it's totally avoidable, perhaps with as little effort as a 2 minute phone call?<BR><BR>I'm all for the old saying about changing the things you can change, accepting things you cannot change, and being wise enough to know the difference.<BR>I know the difference here. This is something which can be changed.<BR>

gggg, I couldn't understand where Ted was coming from either. I thought your post was very well thought out well written. Loved the analogy with the ankles thing!

I just did a search and Lou was looking a year ago at Cap Juluca, Little Dix and other BVI resorts. hmmmm.

I think that your feelings while you're honeymooning at this resort will not be postive--who needs this? Cancel and reserve at another resort--there's tons to choose from. If you need suggestions you'll get plenty from this board, I trust posters here more than my T.A. We live in an uncertain world so enjoy your honeymoon and put everything into perspective--good luck.

Lannie, I agree that bad feelings could ruin the vacation and honeymoon. Unless, however, they can achieve some great upgrades, etc. including the second resort which could be an upgrade in itselt. I think I'd be okay with it anyway if that was the case.

Lou,<BR>Without knowing the Resort or Compnay name it's hard to give you advice.<BR>You should have travel insurance,<BR>I would try to have my agent find another place.There can and will be service issues. What kind of service do you think you will get from people who are not sure if they will have a job.<BR>Also the resort may be out of food and drink. They are not going to have alot of inventory to turn over to the new company.I hope this will help you.<BR>Deb

What did the agent say they were offering? Two nites at another comprable resort on the island? Not ideal but a chance to experience another hotel. If you go looking for a fight and an argument, you'll get one and be miserable. They made an economic decision (and for a big booking most places would do the same) and bounced you. Not a smooth move but it happens. Better to be gone than deal with a convention atmosphere anyway. Rebook elsewhere whether it is Malli or even any Sonesta that is changing hands or switch. Bet they aren't going to pay for more or give you more for your inconvenience so don't focus on what is gone. But it still will be perfect if you want it to be and maybe even better.

I disagree with purrrrfect about the resort not paying more or giving more.<BR>I've had many experiences in which overbooking, clerical oversight or unexpected circumstances disrupted my hotel plans. I've rarely been disappointed with the efforts of management to make things right.<BR>Of course this assumes you're working with people at a quality hotel.<BR>I've been given considerably more than expected in some cases.....upgrades to Presidential Suites, free nights, free return visits, cash, free dinner including wine, free nights at other company hotels, etc.<BR>This is not at all unusual.<BR>But I'm not talking about Hampton Inn and Days Inn. I'm talking about hotels that are very service oriented, for whom reputation is a big deal.

Hey everbody! I am Lou's fiance and I've enjoyed reading your many suggestions. They are very comforting. Lou and I don't want you to think that we are this rich couple who is throwing a temper tantrum because we are not getting our way.We have saved for the last few years to pay for our own wedding and homeymoon. We did a great amount of research for our honeymoon because we wanted it to be awesome and Little Dix Bay fit the bill.!! So... you all know what resort we are talking about finally. We simply expect the resort of our choice which we all know is known for their reputation, to uphold that reputation and their five-star rating. We both feel that if this situation was presented to us even a couple of months ago, we would not feel the way we do now! It is completely not right for the resort to just assume that we would be okay with them shipping us off to another resort. You all have to understand that we are planning on going there in 20 days. When you pay an extremely large amount of money to stay at a location that you've selected, than you should not be told that you are being sent to another resort, which by the way, is not nearly as comparable to Little Dix! So for all you who think that staying at another resort for "only one night" is no big deal, you are sorely mistaken. We will lose about two and a half days at the glorious Little Dix because of packing/travel/moving situation. I would like to ask all of you if you think that them sending us to a three star resort and not comping us at all besides paying for a night at the three star resort is worht it? Oh and they said that they would pick up a night's rate for us the next time we decide to come back to Little Dix. To Lou and I, this change is not what we signed up for, nor deserve. Please let us know what you think.

where did they suggest? What 3 star place is there on Virgin Gorda or do they want to send you to Caneel? I'd be upset too but there is little that you can do about it and I sure wouldn't let them spoil my trip! Did you get trip insurance? <BR>

Nice to hear your point of view Susanne. (You seem lot more calm about this than my wife--who has the same name-- would have been 20 days before our honeymoon!).<BR>First off, there is no need to explain or apologize for your irritation about this. You are completely justified in being upset and in demanding some satisfaction from LDB.<BR>There is a big difference between complaining about things like your room being 20 feet farther from the beach than someone else's as opposed to the hotel chopping up your honeymoon after you essentially had a contract.<BR>Who have you spoken with at LDB so far?<BR>Rosewood is a very conscientious management group in my experience. You deserve more than 1 free night on return and a second rate substitute for the end of your honeymoon.<BR>Are they sending you to Jumby Bay?<BR>If not, why not?<BR>What about Caneel Bay?<BR>What do you want for compensation?<BR>What about a couple free nights at las Ventanas al Paraiso (Cabo San Lucas), or the Mansion on Turtle Creek (Dallas)....have you any interest in travelling to these places at a later date? I've stayed at each of the above. Las Ventanas is their most expensive property room rate-wise and was rated the #1 resort in the world by Robb Report (super expensive lifestyles magazine) last year, #1 resort in North America by Conde Nast last year, #1 international resort by Andrew Harper's, etc etc.<BR>Cabo is desert, so no lush greenery, but the weather is perfect, rarely rains, 20 miles of unspoiled beach.<BR>Mansion on Turtle Creek makes for a great romantic weekend getaway. It's a very elegant place with great food.<BR><BR>

I don't agree with the "bend over and take it/flow with the punches" recommendation of many here. Sure you could probably "work with management" to get an upgrade or whatever, but your honeymoon is ONCE in a lifetime, don't spend it at someplace that BURNED you. A new place is the way to put this behind you, otherwise it will be on your mind during your honeymoon.

We recently spent 11 nights renting a villa on Virgin Gorda (Mahoe Bay). Its a great island, but 20 days is a long time to be at one property, especially a hotel. The other upscale properties on VG are a long way from Little Dix Bay and take time to get to. Where are they sending you? I would probably accept the change, BUT with free meals and few night(s) at Little Dix as a good will gesture. After 19 nights at one property, you might be getting a little restless anyway.

I believe I read that to say they are going in 20 days, not staying that long. If they only have a week, it can be pretty disruptive. If you've ever been to VG, it's not just like packing up and going across the road! Caneel? That would mean a ferry ride!! How are they getting back? Air, ferry, etc? In the BVI, it makes a big difference!That alone could cost them half a day.<BR> Since I just had my "perfect " honeymoon in BVI last year, I am sympathetic.My husband would accept another place- I would probably go on a b**** rant and get SOMETHING free- god knows, they can afford it. Maybe it would be easier to spend your last 2 nights at another reort to make it a little easier? How about asking for a private villa? Free day trip to another island, etc, etc.Anyway, it is worth speaking up, as this is an expensive resort and I know how you have planned. You still will have a great time - try to anticipate that! Be sure to print all these posts and let (upper) management know that they are getting some press on this one, and that you will let everyone know how they handled it! Please do that! Best wishes!

19 days at one property--that's too long anywhere--I would welcome a change. I would have gone to 2 islands, not one.

they are leaving in 20 days not staying that long. how long will you be there Lou?

If this resort is suppose to be a classy resort than they should have offered a LOT MORE than they did for your inconvenience when they gave your travel agent notice--that shows TERRIBLE MANAGEMENT! I would never stay there!

I would add another day to my honeymoon, and stay for the last three days at another resort like Biras Creek. Make sure you get whatever you can from this resort--this was intentional to get a big group in and they didn't seem to go out of their way to make you happy. I agree with the previous poster--the management is VERY bad--no excuse.