How can they do this to people

It is so disappointing. I lived a long way from my parents.
When the children were small, we used to meet halfway.
Is that a possibility?

Hi Sarah53 I’m sure we can now have one other family to stay overnight at our houses.

It is probably that they have done. A risk assessment and decided they are unable to open safely, abide by Governmnet guidelines and not make a loss. It is of course upsetting but the hospitality sector is going through a very difficult time. I know some local pubs that have decided not to open up because to put in place the guidelines would cost them more than they are likely to get back in reduced takings.
From this weekend households can stay overnight at each others homes. Is that a possibility?

V3ra yes it was Premier Inn and it was for the 11th July. My point was why open for bookings and then decide to close, according to the website it was fully booked.
We, as a family, are very aware that life is very different now but it doesn't stop the disappointment.
We live in a flat so no space for 5 and obviously no garden.
I'm also aware that 3 hours is doable but factor in the M1 and the M25 and it could turn into 4 or 5 and to do that twice in one day, for either them or us, is not feasable.
I think we may try and find a country park mid way between us.

why can't you meet half way each drive 1 hour and a half spend the day in a park with a picnic or have lunch somewhere. As to the hotel name and shame and then they will lose out on future bookings

Could they not stay with you? After tomorrow I thought another family of any size can visit, come inside and stay overnight. Would this not be possible? Or if you don’t have enough bedrooms, how about a tent in the garden?

I'm with Blue Belle. Although I sympathise with your disappointment, have you considered this is not in their control? They could be looking out for guests and staff safety. They may not be able to comply with all the required safety procedures in that hotel so can not open. Chain hotels are much of a muchness but not identical. Saff should not be blamed for not wanting/ being able to work . They are people too , with illness and family situations that they have to consider just like you and your family. Lots of people are unable to do exactly what they want due to Covid19. Weddings for eg have been cancelled , some re arranged with many modifications. You have been given lots of ideas on how to still see your family. May be all put your energy into this rather than writing angry letters and feeling aggrieved

However small your place I am sure you could all manage for one night Sara53. I am sure the kids would love it and remember the trip for a long time. Do easy meals or cook in advance ones, all muck in and it will be great. Get out and about for long walks, play games and just enjoy being together.

AirBnB might be another possibility if you confirm with the owner the cleaning arrangments, most are being super thorough. If you could find one where you would be the first booking for weeks, then problem solved!

I expect the hotel is even more disappointed than you. Many hotels, even the big chains, are in danger of collapsing altogether. They hoped to open - but finance, staffing, infections, rules and regulations etc made it impossible for them.

Nothing is working smoothly at the moment and we just have to accept that. They needed to start taking bookings at some point - unfortunately it turned out that was a little premature - they didn't do it on purpose.

It must be so disappointing- but you still have options. Have you room to allow them to stay ( you can do that now ) have you a garden they can camp in . Three hours travelling is doable - all my children live in other countries- I would be so happy if they were 3 hours away. Try not to put boundaries in the way if meeting up -

Was it Premier Inn?
Asking because we've just booked one for Saturday 11th to visit our daughter's family.
The website says they're mainly closed apart from keyworkers until the 4th, then all open and anyone can book. Associated restaurants are closed.
Fingers crossed and I hope you can make alternative arrangements?

My husband has Parkinson’s. He has been waiting for an appointment for a Deep Brain Stimulation operation which should help control the tremors that he suffers. A week ago he had a letter with an appointment for June 2021, yesterday he had a letter CANCELLING THE APPOINTMENT DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. Now that is something to complain about!

A hotel local to us has done the same thing, advertised its opening only to subsequently decide some of the hotels in the chain will stay shut, including ours. I know a lady who works for them and she said they are in all sorts of difficulties and trying to stop the entire business going bankrupt. If they open then they have to fully staff the hotel even if there are few bookings and its a real balancing act. They have no idea if customers will return in any numbers and financially if people are reluctant they are better to stay shut. Its tough times for the industry. The friends visiting us have rented a motohome and are parking it on the drive. Not cheap though.

Airbnb ..

If you have transport can you not meet up half way? Is there a park or beauty spot you could all have a picnic? Just a thought.

Can they not stay with you, in Wales we are allowed to have one household only come to stay (once you have chosen your household you can't change to another), Can even hug the grandchildren, not done it yet as they are at school so will wait until they have finished and quarantined for a fortnight

Just adding, if that is allowed in your local area. I know for some having house guests might still be forbidden.

At the moment, it's to be expected that anything can be cancelled up to the last minute. Can your family stay with you? It's just one night. We've done that on the living room floor of someone before. Surely everyone can deal with that for just the one night? If not, I guess the visit is off if there aren't any other affordable options. It's disappointing but there's a lot of that happening at the moment due to Covid.

Just a thought. Perhaps there's an hotel, not too expensive, which is 1.5 hrs drive away where you could all stay overnight. Thus spending more time together. Best wishes.

Sar. There are so many NT places in and around the south east/M25 you will find something . Yes you do have to prebook parking.
Weather looks to be nice all next week and beyond. Pack a chair and your picnic and have fun.

I will PM you

Silverlining48 that is what my husband has suggested. It's just a case of finding somewhere now. They have NT membership, we don't. I will start looking. Thanks for your suggestion.

You have to book to visit NT places at the moment
, just saying that’s something to consider.

Sar. How about meeting somewhere midway for a picnic? We did this last week as we are 3 hours distance from each other so 1.5 hours travel each worked. Look for NT or gardens or EH. We had a lovely day.