A man’s 250-mile trip for VJ Day commemorations ends with disappointment after a hotel error forces him to return home.
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In a frustrating twist of fate, Stuart Sommerville, a 62-year-old Scotsman, made the 250-mile trek to Llandudno, Wales, only to find his hotel room was unavailable upon arrival. This unfortunate incident unfolded on August 16, as he had planned to participate in the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Japan (VJ) parade, paying tribute to family members who served during the war.
After such a long journey and the disappointing news, Sommerville was left feeling frustrated and is now seeking compensation for his troubles.
Journey to Llandudno: A Trip of Remembrance
Stuart Sommerville had fond memories from a previous visit to Llandudno for the VE Day commemorations in May, making him eager to return for the VJ Day celebrations.
What fueled his excitement was a personal connection to the town; his family has deep roots there, shaping many of his cherished childhood memories. This time around, he secured a £91.99 room at the Travelodge, planning to check in by 6 PM on Friday to settle in before the festivities began.
However, Stuart’s journey took a turn for the worse due to delays on the M6, pushing his arrival to around 6:15 PM in Colwyn Bay. During the drive, he noticed missed calls from Travelodge but opted not to answer while on the road. It was only after parking that he discovered the unfortunate reality: his room was no longer available.
Hotel Mix-Up: A Disappointing Arrival
When he confronted the hotel staff, he learned that his reservation had been double-booked due to a glitch in their independent booking system. The manager expressed regret but maintained there was little she could do. “I struggle to believe this is true. I suspect they thought I wasn’t coming and just sold the room to a walk-in,” he shared, clearly frustrated by the situation.
Although offered an alternative accommodation at a different Travelodge in Colwyn Bay, he declined, citing the challenges of parking during a busy event. The hotel provided a voucher for future use, but Sommerville, feeling betrayed, rejected that option as well. With no room available and the clock ticking, he opted for a full refund, hoping to find another place to stay in Llandudno.
A Long Journey Home: Disappointment and Frustration
Back in Biggar, his wife Caroline tried to help by searching for nearby hotel options, but demand was skyrocketing. Stuart drove through Llandudno, desperately hoping to find accommodations, yet every sign indicated the town was fully booked. By the time he decided to cut his losses, it was late, and he began his long drive home, arriving at 2 AM after detouring through Wigan due to an M6 closure.
Reflecting on the experience, Sommerville remarked, “It was one of the most bizarre days I’ve ever experienced. I just wanted to pay my respects at Llandudno’s VJ commemorations, but I never got to see them. In 12 hours, I traveled 512 miles for nothing.” Despite his disappointment, he still holds a special place in his heart for the town, with cherished memories tied to his family history.
In response to the incident, Travelodge issued an apology and confirmed that they had refunded Sommerville’s money. They described the situation as a rare occurrence, typically arising from unforeseen circumstances. The company stated they strive to contact customers in advance to minimize disruptions, although this did little to ease Sommerville’s frustration.
