A Scottish visitor who drove 250 miles to Llandudno for a pre-booked stay was left stranded after being refused a room at the Travelodge. Stuart Sommerville, 62, travelled to the seaside resort to attend the town's 80th anniversary Victory over Japan (VJ) parade on Saturday, August 16. He had booked a £91.99 room at the Gloddaeth Street hotel, where he had previously stayed without issue in May for VE Day 80.
Mr Sommerville set off from his home in Biggar, taking a half-day off work, but was delayed by M6 traffic. He arrived at the hotel around 7pm, 45 minutes later than planned. On parking, he discovered two missed calls from Travelodge. The hotel informed him his room was no longer available due to a double-booking. He was offered an alternative room at the Colwyn Bay Travelodge, but declined due to parking difficulties in Llandudno, especially on VJ Day. He also refused a voucher, vowing never to use the chain again, and accepted a refund.
Unable to find alternative accommodation in Llandudno, which was busy with mid-August visitors, Mr Sommerville drove back to Scotland, arriving home at 2am after a 12-hour round trip. He is now claiming £80 for wasted fuel. 'I was hacked off. I couldn't believe Travelodge had just dumped me on the street,' he said. Travelodge apologised and offered a full refund and alternative accommodation, but Mr Sommerville said the experience left a 'bitter taste'.
Despite the ordeal, Mr Sommerville retains affection for Llandudno, where he spent his early years and where his grandfather is remembered in the Home Front museum. However, he missed the VJ commemorations he had travelled to attend. 'It was one of the most bizarre days I've ever experienced,' he said.
