Sheffield family’s holiday from hell after living in ‘disgusting and filthy’ accommodation

Zoe Coates from Meadowhead booked what was meant to be a peaceful weekend stay for her family at an Applegrove Country Park lodge near Scarborough through Hoseasons in October last year.

But when they arrived they were horrified by the condition of their accommodation, which cost them £289.

Zoe, who is married to Bevan, 46, said: “The cooker was filthy, all the pans were greasy and there was dust from months and months of not cleaning.

“When we came to wash some pots we found grime in the draining board and old food.”

The mother-of-two also discovered mould and described both the oven and shower screen as “filthy”.

“It was just shocking,” she added.

To make matters worse, teenage daughters Holly, 17, and Ruby, 14, found a dead spider in their bedroom, Zoe said.

“My girls wouldn’t sleep in the rooms, they slept in the main living area,” she said.

“On the Saturday we found a local pub and stayed there until as late as possible so we could spend as little time as possible in the lodge.”

After six months of trying, on 29 June she was told her travel arbitration refund request had been unsuccessful and would have to pay an additional £108 to cover Hoseasons’ fees – a decision she admitted left her “fuming”.

Zoe said: “They said because we didn’t come straight home then it must have held some value. It was just a nightmare from start to finish.

“They [Hoseasons] were quick to stop liaising with me but as soon as I was told I had to pay their costs they were in touch within a matter of days.”

The family had asked to be moved to a different lodge but were told the site was full.

Zoe is unable to take her case any further but has posted about her experience on TripAdvisor to warn others. The lodge was still available to book on Tuesday (7 July). Other guest reviews criticised the condition of the accommodation.

A Hoseasons spokesperson said: “We are aware of this customer’s complaint and are looking into it.”