IBIS Hotel cancellation unfair T&C's??

[Bazooka Boo]

Booked one night in the Ibis Hotel at London Docklands, £75 for two of us, no problems booking online was very easy.

 

The other half went into crisis the evening before the trip to London, cancelled it on the day, early hours of the morning in fact, and expected to pay a small 'penalty' for the lateness of cancellation, sent them an email to that effect, and quick as a flash, the response was one of;

 

''Sorry, as you paid in advance there is no refund as stated in our T&C's....blah blah blah..''

 

OK it's not the end of the world, but their T&C's refer to French laws, and by any standards, would surely be an unfair term of contract?

 

I'm wondering whether anyone has a view, or would like say whether they would fancy my chances on a visa debit chargeback?

[BazzaS]

 

their T&C's refer to French laws, and by any standards, would surely be an unfair term of contract?

 

 

Not an unfair contract term, IMHO, given their qualifcation if it

 

These terms and conditions of sale are governed by French law without obstructing the mandatory protective provisions that may be applicable in the consumer's country of residence.

 

Interesting that they have said French law is applicable but not the French courts should have exclusive jurisdiction : bringing up the possibility they could be sued in the UK's courts (which would then have to apply French law).

"Court with jurisdiction" and "applicable law" usually coincide but don't have to!.