Couple’s Birthday Celebrations in Mexico Ruined due to Illness
A couple celebrating their 40th birthday at a resort in Cancun, Mexico, claim that their celebrations where ruined due to poor hygiene and health and safety standards at their hotel.
Construction Site
On arriving at the Sandos Playacar Beach resort, Nichola Driver and her husband Wayne claim that they found the entertainment area of the hotel was being utilised as a make shift construction site.
To make matters worse, Nichola became ill with stomach cramps and diarrhoea only a few days into their stay at the four star resort. The couple had travelled to Mexico to celebrate Wayne’s 40th birthday in October 2015 and booked the holiday through Thomas Cook.
Nichola, who is still suffering symptoms three months since their two week break, claims to have lost over half a stone in weight. She claims the couple could not enjoy the facilities at the resort and that Wayne’s birthday was ruined as a result of the illness.
Flies & Insects Near Uncovered Food
Nichola has now turned to specialists in order to determine the cause of her illness, as she claims the resort was not what she expected when she booked the holiday. She claims there were numerous issues with their hotel room, including dirty bedding and plug sockets hanging from walls.
The couple claim they were often served lukewarm food and they witnessed food left uncovered for long periods of time. Nichola and Wayne have also described how they saw flies and insects near uncovered food.
Nichola said:
“The holiday was supposed to be a celebration for Wayne turning 40 but it turned into an absolute nightmare. We were expecting a luxury break but instead we were left extremely disappointed by the quality of the hotel.
“Falling ill with such terrible symptoms just added insult to injury and we have been left extremely angry and frustrated at the whole experience and we hope that by taking legal action our legal team will be able to get the answers as to what caused us to fall so ill.
“The last thing we expected when we booked the holiday was to come home feeling worse than before we left and that we’d suffer for months as a result.”
Reaction from Thomas Cook & Sandos Resort
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Thomas Cook released the following statement:
“Thomas Cook routinely audits properties to which it operates to ensure that only the highest health and hygiene standards are maintained. The Sandos PlayaCar Resort, Cancun has a good health and safety record.
“Our in resort representatives did their best to support the Drivers when they were on holiday and provided a complimentary room upgrade following their comments.
“As the Drivers have now sought legal representation, we will be liaising with their appointed solicitor while our investigation continues. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any further comment, so as not to unduly influence any possible legal proceedings.
“We are confident that those customers due to travel to the property will experience the excellent levels of quality and standards they would expect from a Thomas Cook holiday.”
A spokesperson from Sandos Resorts has said:
“This case is being investigated by our Quality Department and our Guest Services Department. When the investigation is concluded they will contact directly the guests.”
Holiday Illness Claims – Expert Advice
Shiamli Mehta-Cronie, Travel Law expert here at Hampson Hughes Solicitors, said:
“The reports of the illness outbreak at the Sandos Playacar Beach resort in Mexico are distressing. It is vital that tour operators be held accountable for the failings of their hotel providers.
“If you have fallen victim to poor food and hygiene standards while on a package holiday, contact us today to find out whether you are eligible to claim”
For more information as to whether or not you are able to claim compensation following illness whilst on an all-inclusive package holiday, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today for free and friendly, no obligation advice on 0800 888 6888 or email
Source: Daily Mail
