A Bolton mother claims her dream £4,000 family holiday to Tunisia was ruined after discovering the hotel was attached to a residential care home. Tracy Haslam, 52, flew to the four-star resort with her two daughters and six grandchildren on April 12, only to find elderly residents being wheeled past her sun lounger in wheelchairs every few minutes.
Holiday Nightmare Unfolds
Upon arrival, Haslam noticed a large number of older people in wheelchairs. When she asked reception about her luggage, she commented on the elderly presence. The hotel manager then confessed that the hotel was part of a residential care home. Haslam captured footage of patients, some with dementia, being wheeled inches from her sun lounger. She said she felt misled and would never have booked the hotel if she had known.
Complaint and Response
Haslam filed a complaint with Loveholidays, arguing the situation was not appropriate for children. Initially, the company told her that hotels operate under their own policies and that her evidence was insufficient for compensation. However, after being contacted by the press, Loveholidays apologized and issued a full refund. A spokesperson said: "We're very sorry that Ms Haslam and her family's experience at their hotel in Tunisia fell short of our usual high standards. We are investigating the issues raised with the accommodation provider as a priority, and have removed the hotel from sale whilst this investigation is underway."
Family's Disappointment
Haslam described the holiday as a "bizarre experience" and said she felt the company was blasé about not disclosing the hotel's clientele. She stated: "Some people might not be bothered but it bothered me. I just would never have booked it." The hotel has been contacted for comment.
