How can they do this to people

OP
Nothing was taken away from you

If you still want to meet, despite the risk, you can make other arrangements

The hotel cancelling the reservation is not personal at all.

The title of the thread "How can they do this to people" and the mention of a very strongly worded email both suggested outrage at unreasonable treatment, rather than disappointment.
That's why people thought you were over-reacting, sar53.

Some rather harsh comments on here.
Obviously Sar53 is aware that medical treatments have been cancelled for a lot of people but this is not a ‘who’s suffering is worse’ competition.

Anyone would feel disappointed that a planned family get together has hit a problem but I’m glad you will get to meet half way which is probably the best compromise.

Just a thought, might be worth checking camp sites, many have serviced caravans or tents that may be available

Could you go to them and stay overnight (or longer ) if your home is too small to accommodate you all ?

Mawb thanks for your recent comment. I honestly wish I hadn't started this thread.
I am totally aware that we are in the middle of a pandemic and that everything is fluid. I totally understand that some people have far bigger problems to overcome and that there are many of you who haven't seen your families for many months.
My point was that the hotel took the booking and we were all looking forward to seeing each other and then two weeks later that was taken away.
We are now looking for somewhere to meet up that is about half way between us.
Canklekitten I was not getting my 'knickers in a twist', just saying how disappointed I was.
I send my best wishes to aĺl grans who haven't seen their children or grandchildren for many months. I hope we all get to give them cuddles in the not too distant future.

My youngest daughter and family live a three hour drive away. She is planning to visit 'the garden' for a night or two and they're bringing all their own camping equipment, including a camping loo. They'll have use of the garden hose but won't come indoors!

For gods sake get a grip ... we're in the middle of a pandemic ... unprecidented times!! I'm sure you're disappointed but its really not worth getting your knickers in a twist about!!

Millie22

What a fuss about a hotel booking. We're all having to wait to see our loved ones and just be patient. Having an appointment for a year ahead for surgery is unbearably cruel.

Oh dear, a little sympathy and understanding might have been welcome here.
Yes, we may all have our particular mountains to climb but it does not lessen the disappointment to know that worse things happen at sea.
I am sorry you are having to wait a year for surgery but I hope your own disappointment is bearable.

How disappointing.

I think this is something we all need to be aware of going forward. Nothing is set until after we have done it!!

My friend lives 3 hours from her DD & family and they met halfway at a National Trust property. They took a picnic and, although the house was closed, enjoyed a nice day in the grounds. Perhaps this is something you can think of doing.

Struggling2dol and all others in such a worrying situation, hang in there and I hope things improve for you very soon.

Gosh, how disappointing for you all but I'm afraid I agree with BlueBelle and others, these are difficult times for so many, a little sympathy and kindness to all, including the bigger companies, who are struggling to stay afloat wouldn't go amiss. Please don't write an angry letter.
You and your family have your health and haven't lost any money, for now we have to be grateful for small mercies and when you do get together it will be amazing.

They may have had a good reason for the cancellation. Its possible someone working there tested positive and so they have had to cancel to prevent infection spreading.
Many people haven't seen there family since February or before, be pleased that your family are all well and you will hopefully see them again soon, many will sadly not be able to do that.

Just a suggestion, is there a Youth Hostel you could all meet up at? Some are open and they usually have an assortment of room choices.

I think when government guidelines were made re hospitality they all were eager to open their doors, but then looking realistically what they need to do to keep people safe they’ve realised it’s a bigger task than first thought and with reduced staff. I know it’s disappointing but at least they are attempting to keep there customers safe by not just grabbing the money. What about Airbnb for the night there are some great ones about.

I understand the disappointment about the cancellation.

It doesnt mean this family reunion cannot happen.
Look for other accommodation options

I think the email complaining about it is an over reaction - we are still in the middle of a pandemic and the closure may have had to do with it.

I won't get into whether this trip is a good idea or not.

What a fuss about a hotel booking. We're all having to wait to see our loved ones and just be patient. Having an appointment for a year ahead for surgery is unbearably cruel.

maybe they don't want to go the way we did here in the US. be in a rush to open and then the cases of the virus skyrockets. so disappointing though.

I would write to CEO and make them aware that their website in incorrect . I wouldn't want to stay at any hotel at the moment . The linen , pillows , mattresses etc . I think what others have suggested - meet in the middle is a great way forward.

Struggling2do1, that must be gutting news and I hope they sort something out for your poor husband soon.

I know it is really hard, Sar53, to not to have seen family but I'm afraid that this sort of thing will happen more and more as the Government play WhackaMole where there are peaks of the C19. Along with different bits of guidance that commercial ventures receive, they have to consider so many things and it is better for them to not open than have lots of criticism on review sites about how unprepared they are.
Whilst it is disappointing, it is surely better to have this cancelled rather than to be at risk. Maybe you will find another way but if not, things will move towards more normality and you will get to see your family.

Struggling2dol, i do sympathise with you & your husbands situation.i hope things may improve (hospital appt-wise) and they may then move his op forward again.flowers for you both.

Asking for compensation will probably make the hotels situation worse, so DONT do that.im sure the deposit or balance repaid will suffice..

Not mean to be harsh but todays my birthday and not seen most of AC& GC for months- most of them live almost 2hrs drive away..(including brand new GD)my only nearest one seen for 4 mins as she dropped something off last month, (since march)..so ive short shrift today for something that probably was beyond the hotels control.sorry..im sure they can rebook in a couple of wks maybe? A lot of places hospitality-wise are re-opening 16th.

It is very disappointing for you but perhaps when you find out why the hotel is not opening you may understand better..
Many of us with children and grandchildren who live thousands of miles away haven't seen our children and grandchildren for years.