Issue w/ Honeymoon (long)

bridetobe71412

Ok, so here's an email we received today from the woman at the property at which we'll be staying in South Africa (CN at bottom):

"I am not sure whether you were aware of the floods that took place in the Kruger area a few weeks ago. It is thought to be the biggest in living memory and have created a lot of damage throughout the area. Dulini Lodge as well as Exeter River Lodge both received damage with one of their sister Lodge being closed for a few months.The various builders have been on site and the damage has been fixed – but certain parts of Dulini Lodge’s re-building can only happen in the dry season and unfortunately this means that Dulini Lodge will be closed for the period that you have planned to stay there.

We will therefore have to unfortunately move your booking to a different Lodge. I do apologise for this inconvenience, but it was all totally unexpected. However – I am very happy to say that with Exeter River Lodge is looking beautiful, I have been able to get availability there for you.

As you know from your research that Exeter River Lodge is a beautiful Lodge, especially its location on the riverbed and of the same standard as Dulini Lodge. The Lodge has also kindly offered a private game drive vehicle for you during your stay at Exeter River Lodge. This will mean you will have your own ranger & tracker team to take you on safaris and you will therefore have the flexibility of your own schedule throughout your time there. The costs of a private vehicle is normally R3,500 per day, but the Lodge has informed that you will receive this at no extra charge."

What would you do? Would you switch to another location and just hope that THAT location doesn't have additional flooding issues between now and the honeymoon? Or would you switch honeymoons and do something else entirely? We have plenty of time and everything else is refundable. I just started thinking, maybe it's stupid for us to be doing this for our honeymoon? Maybe we should do something more traditional?

Thanks in advance.

CN: Lodge is damaged from ridiculous floods in South Africa, they'll move us to a different one but it's not the same as the one we booked. Would you do it?

penny12986

Have you looked to see what the distance is between the old lodge and the new one?  IRainy season is nearing an end so that is the bright side.

They are offering a lot of extra stuff so if I were you, I would just look at the resort online and make sure that it meets the expectations I have.  You could also call the new resort on your own and ask if they have experienced any flooding issues.

What I am trying to say is that I would go along with what they have offered.

bridetobe71412

Thanks - It seems from her letter that this other resort also had flood damage, it's just not as extensive as the damage to the resort we booked. It's the same company, so I know it's a good resort . . . I guess I was just kind of feeling like this was a bad omen for the trip. I'm overdramatic like that, though.

aynos77

I would say that they are totally making great accomadations for you within their means.. your getting a great freebie out of the deal! If you are going to change your honeymoon b/c of a natural disaster that MIGHT happen, I am not sure you would find a "safe" place to go that doesn't have them... Def. still go.. it sounds so fun!

LandB2012

I wouldnt worry too much.  As PP said, as long as it looks nice online and is the same company I think you're getting a good deal with them throwing things in.

Ps.  Sounds like an AMAZING honeymoon!!!

MeaganR12

I think it'll be perfectly fine. I understand your concern, I'd probably be worried too, but from her letter it sounds like everything will be great! I'd try not to sweat it. 

xobride

I wouldn't look at it as a bad omen, I would see it as something that just made your honeymoon better!  I'd totally go!

[Deleted User]

I think everything will turn out fine.  It's great that they contacted you and made arangements to help keep your honeymoon stress free. Don't think of it as an omen, look at it as you got your honeymoon a little bit upgraded at no extra cost for you.  It sounds like you have an amazing honeymoon planned.

bridetobe71412

Ok, thanks everyone. I just saw all of the YouTube videos of the destruction and damage and became worried that they were just trying to put on a good face for us so we wouldn't ask for our money back and go somewhere else.

For real, it looks like it was BAD. And the fact that the new lodge is "Riverfront" makes me nervous. How could that NOT be more damaged than the previous one, which was farther inland? The flooding was from the RIVER.

It's a reputable company so I doubt they would lie to us, but it still made me uncomfortable. I'm sure it'll be fine. It's just our honeymoon, you know?

Thanks for listening

michelle11988

I would definitely do some research on the new place and maybe try and contact a travel agent that has experience in South Africa.  I would be worried but definitely do some research before you cancel it or anything.  That sounds like an amazing honeymoon by the way.  

BmoreBride311

Do you have travel insurance? I would make sure to get some if you don't, but keep your plans in place. Chances are that it'll work out but it should give you some added piece of mind. Best of luck!

butterflyjumper1

I definitely understand why you are freaking out - I would be too! but I think it is a great sign that they are being so accomodating and open about the issues, and trying to improve your stay by offering you extras.

I might give them a call just to discuss the issues and request a confirmation in writing of what your reservation is being changed to (the lawyer in me would be obsessive about this). 

bridetobe71412

Thanks for the additional posts, guys!

Fiance and I definitely went into lawyer mode and got in writing from her a few things. It looks like it'll be ok because the only damage to the (new) property at which we'll be staying was to the plunge pools and the main pool area, which has already been ameliorated. Aside from the fact it'll be their winter there, so we will probably not be partaking in too many pool activities, anyway!

Oh - and R3500, which is the South African Rand, which is about 13 to 1 USD right now. So, it's like 460 per day, so still a good deal, but not THOUSANDS.

Bmore, will totally look into travel insurance. Good point.