My dog needs to have surgery. No, seriously.

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By Christopher Elliott

When Allan Keiter’s dog needs major surgery, he’s forced to cancel his Caribbean vacation. But his hotel won’t let him reschedule his vacation. Why not?

Question

I booked a trip a few weeks back to Regent Palms in the Turks and Caicos. I used a website called SniqueAway. It didn’t allow for any refunds or changes. The booking appears to be made through a company called Classic Vacations.

Last week, our dachshund ruptured a disk in her back and had to have major surgery. As a result, we need to stay close to home for a few weeks while she recuperates.

I asked Classic Vacations if we could reschedule for an open date later in the summer. They said they contacted the hotel, which declined. I’ve since contacted the hotel and the chain directly via email, but have gotten no response.

I used to work in the travel industry, so I got to thinking about the economics of this decision. While the hotel is completely within its rights to refuse my request, is it a good idea?

There are numerous ways to improve customer yield at a hotel, particularly a higher-end resort. Once you add up food, beverage, spa, excursions, beach rentals and gift shop purchases, it could easily be a significant portion of the room rate by the time all is said and done.

By declining my request, their gain is whatever marginal cost is associated with the room not being occupied for a few days. We both know that isn’t very much. Why would a customer forced to choose between caring for a sick dog and going on vacation consider that chain in the future? — Allan Keiter, Atlanta

Answer

That’s an excellent question. First, let’s be absolutely clear: You’re not entitled to a refund or an exchange, at least according to SniqueAway’s terms, which you agreed to when you booked the room.

Specifically, its rules say “All bookings are final and cannot be changed, refunded, exchanged, canceled, or transferred to another party.” (Related: If you want a refundable hotel reservation, make sure to book one.)

Southwest Airlines is dedicated to the highest quality of customer service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit. We are committed to providing our employees with a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth.

But I thought you were entitled to an answer from the Regent Palms, if for no other reason than to reiterate its insistence that your room couldn’t be changed. Rules are rules, but there’s no excuse for giving a customer the cold shoulder.

I thought it might be a good idea to check with SniqueAway first, to make sure this request had gone through all the right channels. By your account, this booking was a little complicated. It’s being handled through several parties, including the site, Classic Vacations, and finally, the resort.

Hotels make more money on the extras

By the way, I also agree with your point. When it comes to a luxury hotel like the Regent Palms, it stands to make as much money on you through food and beverage purchases or spa treatments then it did from your room rate. Maybe more. But it’s risky. If it allows you to switch dates and your original room is unoccupied, it would have to be reasonably assured that you’d spend more money than the room rate on extras, in order to recoup its loss. (Here’s how to find the best hotel at the most affordable rate.)

Given your circumstances, I’m not sure if you booked your vacation at the right site. Had you known that your dog would be injured, you might have gone to a traditional travel agent or booked directly with the hotel. And travel insurance might have covered any loss from your missed vacation. Unfortunately, an injury to your pet is impossible to predict.

SniqueAway allowed you to change your reservation at no additional cost.

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Christopher Elliott

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can't. He's the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes three nationally syndicated columns. He also publishes the Elliott Report, a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a critically acclaimed newsletter about customer service. If you have a consumer problem you can't solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter. He is based in Panamá City.

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