By Hazel Heyer, eTN Staff Writer
As if bloodshed in the hands of the terrorists weren’t enough “shock and awe” for Mumbai hotel guests when hundreds of victims either died or were injured in a terrorist attack that shattered the tourist city late in November, here’s another unexpected blow: Both luxury hotel groups, The Oberoi and The Taj Hotels, said they may not refund deposits from bookings made previous to the incidents. Otherwise, a cancellation charge applies or vouchers will be extended, whether guests like it or not.
Jay Jhingran, senior vice-president sales, The Oberoi Group sent a note to all travel agents saying, “While defining the cancellation policy in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, we have carefully considered international travel advisories. We have also been sensitive to the immediate concern of guests not wishing to travel to India. Cancellations received after 17th December, 2008 will be subject to the cancellation policy outlined in the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and Trident Hotels rate contract,” said Jhingran.
However, for cancellations received between 27th November, 2008 and 17th December, 2008 (both dates inclusive), the validity of vouchers will be extended till 31st December, 2009, he said. “Deposits that we have received will be credited towards the next stay. The deferred reservations will be at the same rate for the same guest and on the same itinerary,” Jhingran added.
Although they’d promised refunded deposits and cancellation charges for guests with arrival dates at an Oberoi or Trident hotel between 27th November, 2008 and 21st December, 2008, they won’t do the same for cancellations received for arrivals after 21st December 2008. The Oberoi strictly requires an e-mail from the guest for a refund on deposits or cancellation of vouchers sent to the senior vice president Ravish Swarup. The senior VP said cancelled vouchers must be replaced by new vouchers valid till 31st December 2009. “To avoid retention charges the new voucher must be sent to the Oberoi Contact Center by 31st December, 2008. Retention charges will be billed if the guest does not use the new voucher before 31st December, 2009.”
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