norfolkanway

Has anyone got an any idea if the above hotel will be open for business by November 19th? We have 3 nights booked, paid in full through 'IGLU' and leave UK in less than 2 weeks on a transatlantic cruise. No idea as to whether our booking will be honoured or not. The only indications are rumours on social media. One suggests November 1st, another, supposedly a report in a local paper saying January. The booking company knows less than that and on ringing the number on the hotel's website I get told ''they won't say''. I'm fully aware they've had a rough time of it in the Keys but they've managed to put a message on their website about renovations etc and ''opening soon'' which is no good to man nor beast. An indication would have been helpful for customers like me. 'December earliest' and I KNOW to change my plans. No idea why they bothered with ''soon'' as it tells me nothing.

Dukey1

IMO "they won't say" would mean "I AM NOT waiting and will cancel."

I;d be calling the booking agency and telling them exactly what you were told as well as asking that same booking agency what THEY are going to do about it.

If they "won't say" then I hope you did all this with a credit card.

Barbara

"Soon" lets you know that they will be re-opening. Renovations are difficult/im[ossible to time precisely. They want to re-open as soon as possible because they're losing money every day they're closed. If they had a definite date, they'd put it on their site.

Their website does offer a 15% discount at their "sister property", the Sheraton Suites Key West.

Macross

I would ask to be booked somewhere else. Not the greatest location anyway. I would be calling the booking agent.

norfolkanway

Thanks for your help guys.
Thanks Barbara, but at no point have I suggested a definite date should be given. Somehow you've completely misread my post. I'm well aware of everything you've stated, particularly opening "Soon" meaning they're not closing for good. (I've No idea how it works in the USA but in the UK insurance would normally cover such an event - Why race to open when you can take time out whilst your premises are being improved and still be paid for loss of income by the insurance company, but that's 'by the by')
A guy from TA who drives past the place twice a day informs me they've only just erected a link construction fence around the whole perimeter. Correct me if I'm wrong but that suggests to me they know full well they won't be opening this October. 'December earliest' gives people information. "Soon" is not good enough.

sf7307

<but in the UK insurance would normally cover such an event - Why race to open when you can take time out whilst your premises are being improved and still be paid for loss of income by the insurance company, but that's 'by the by'>

They may have insurance to cover rebuilding, but even if they do, they still may not have insurance to cover loss of income during the period they're closed.

Barbara

So if you're sure they won't be open by your date, book somewhere else. I really don't understand why you posted at all given all the information you have.

Didn't misread your post. You think they should have made it clear that they will or won't be open for your booking. I'm saying they are not yet able to even estimate when they will re-open. I'm sure they'd like to be open for Thanksgiving (November 23)and Christmas. Probably a very busy season for them.

How do insurance companies in the UK cover hurricane and flood damage? Before you reply, I come from the UK.

norfolkanway

Barbara:
<So if you're sure they won't be open by your date, book somewhere else>
OK, whatever you say Barbara, But please send money, I obviously haven't got anywhere near as much as you

<I really don't understand why you posted at all given all the information you have>
Then the question has to be asked: Why did you reply? Of the 15 or so who've replied 10 have been quite helpful replies and 3 have been extremely helpful, particularly the guy who passes the place twice a day, so I can see the sense in my post even if you cannot>

<Didn't misread your post. You think they should have made it clear that they will or won't be open for your booking.>
No Barbara. You misread my post. I suggest you read it again.

<I'm saying they are not yet able to even estimate when they will re-open.>
Well for once we agree, but "Soon" is open to interpretation! THAT'S the problem! IGLU don't interpret it that way at all. As they've heard nothing they currently believe it will be open and their current stance offers me little barring further information before we step off our cruise ship in Miami to collect the hire car to drive to the hotel. "Opening December earliest" (I'm sure I've read that before somewhere) would 'kick IGLU's butt'. "Soon" doesn't. "Soon" could be next week. There is absolutely no doubt they have SOME sort of idea when they will open earliest and therefore know full well the weeks/months they definitely won't be open.

<I'm sure they'd like to be open for Thanksgiving (November 23)and Christmas. Probably a very busy season for them.> Probably ... and New Year too ...

<How do insurance companies in the UK cover hurricane and flood damage?>
You're kidding! I could tell you as I've been in a similar position, but Google it dear, Google it.

<Before you reply, I come from the UK.>
Does that mean you'll be emigrating from the UK after I reply? ...

Barbara

Three of us replied to you here and all of us suggested booking somewhere else. Good luck.

Macross

The Sheraton suites is not a great location unless you have a bike. I agree that they should be more upfront about the delay. Many places are open now and I would cancel and rebook closer to Old Town. Good luck and hoping you have a great trip. The storms have been exhausting. We still are not recovered.

doug_stallings

Right now the Inn at Key West is reporting that it is closed until further notice. This is the latest I'm getting directly from Florida Tourism, so I think you must assume that the hotel will not reopen in November, and you should make alternative arrangements. Most of the hotel that are already open or that are opening soon have already announced firm dates. You should be able to cancel and get a full refund.

Occupancy rates in Key West are very low right now and are likely to remain so for the time being, so I think you'd have your choice of hotels at vey good rates. And since you have your choice, find a place that's as close to the center as possible. Park your car and leave it, and then walk or take the Keys Trolley around town.

There are a few places open now in the Middle Keys, but it's just not going to be the same there for a while, so I'd recommend focusing your vacation in Key West and enjoying your three nights there.