On January 27,2023 we secured a confirmed reservation, for 8 people (and 5 rooms), to stay at Cathkin Cottage for 3 nights (24 – 27 June, at R7,500 per night) and a reservation number was provided. The total cost of the stay came to R22,500. We were required to pay a 50% deposit to secure the booking (i.e R11,250). In good faith, we paid R18,750 (R7,500 more than 50% of the required deposit). On June 16, 2023, I informed the Cottage that we will not be able to continue with the stay as two of the ladies have fallen seriously ill. One was in critical condition in ICU, on a ventilator, and the other had serious cardiac issues. Proof of the emergencies were offered to the Cottage but we were told that won’t be necessary as they “do not doubt” us. While there was some empathy from the Cottage, they blatantly and outright refused to refund the R7,500 or any part of the payment we made. Instead, we were only offered an option to make an alternate booking within 30 days from date of the original booking. We were literally forced to book an alternate time in July 2023, as a result booking the weekend of July 14th. Even with that booking, we were given only a 2-night stay and not a 3-night stay, with 3 rooms and not 5 rooms, as originally booked. On July 5, 2023, the one lady had to undergo a cardiac procedure, and on July 7, 2023, heartbreakingly, the other lady passed away. As a result of these emergencies, we were unable to fulfil the “forced” stay for the weekend of July 14th and had to cancel. The Cottage now has those rooms open for occupation, and has refused to refund us, at minimum, the R7,500 we paid over and above the 50% required deposit. It is frustratingly sad to see one human take advantage of another’s pain and suffering! We lost a sister and a lot of money, with no mercy from Cathkin Cottage!
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