Shut facilities ‘ruin’ British family’s dream holiday to Spain

A FAMILY’S last-minute Easter holiday to a hotel in Spain was ruined when they arrived to find the swimming pool and bar were closed they claim.

Stephanie Barber, 35, her mum Lynn, and nine-year-old son Riley and eight-year-old daughter Felicity booked to go to the two-star hotel in Calella, north of Barcelona.

The budget hotel is described as “A 2-minute walk from the eateries along Carrer de l’Església, this straightforward hotel is a 6-minute walk from Calella Beach on the Balearic Sea, and 10 km from dolphin encounters at Marineland Cataluña.

“Cozy rooms with laid-back decor feature tile floors and safes. Some add balconies and/or sea views.

“Guests have access to a casual buffet restaurant, a relaxed bar/lounge, and an outdoor pool with a sundeck and a bar at a sister property 2 minutes’ walk away.

But Stephanie said it was clear that what was advertised online was not the reality.

Stephanie said she booked the hotel through loveholidays on April 14 and flew out on Wednesday.

She said that as soon as they checked in the kids asked about the swimming pool but were told: “There is no pool. The hotel is under new management and the pool has closed.”

Stephanie also found the bar was seasonal and not open.

The family decided to move to another hotel that did have a pool.

The childminder said she immediately called loveholidays and was told that bookings on their site are non-refundable but she has now been issued with a full refund but not compensation.

She added: “We were looking for a budget holiday, but it advertised there was a pool, games room and a bar.

“My kids managed to still have a good time. They definitely made use of the pool in the second hotel.