Brit couple’s dream Jamaica getaway turned into a nightmare after luxury resort became a building site
Noise from construction work described as 'dreadful'
A COUPLE has claimed their dream holiday to Jamaica turned into a trip from hell after hotel construction work left their "ears ringing".
Phil and Linda Coupe stayed at Thomson's platinum Club Hotel RIU Ocho Rios, which is set in tropical gardens next to beautiful beaches.
But when they arrived on April 30 they discovered the pool had been "shut for treatment". Later in their holiday construction work began.
Linda, 55, said: "One morning we heard this drilling at 6.30am and I went to see the manager to find out what was going on.
"I was told that it was scheduled work that had to be carried out.
"But after that it was constant for the rest of the holiday. It was dreadful."
The couple has claimed that workmen were drilling 12 hours a day.
Linda said: "We could hear the drilling everywhere.
"Even at night when it stopped we weren't sure it had because the sound was ringing in our ears.
"We could still hear it when we got back home."
The couple has claimed the noise could be heard in poolside restaurants, on their balcony and even the beach.
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Phil, 58, added: "For me the best part of my holiday is sitting on the balcony at night, reading a book and having a beer.
"I couldn't even do that because of the noise. Thinking about it, it's far quieter where we live so I would have been better staying at home with a couple of drinks.
"This was our main holiday and it was ruined. Because it was an all-inclusive resort there was nothing else near us. We were trapped with that noise."
The couple flew to Jamaica on April 30 with the construction work starting on May 10 and continuing for the remainder of their break.
After lodging a complaint with Thomson they received a cheque for £1,100 - half the cost of the holiday.
A Thomson spokesman said: "We're sorry to hear of the inconvenience caused as a result of emergency maintenance works on the pool at the RIU Ochos Rios and the impact this had on the second week of the Coupes' holiday.
"While our reps were on hand in resort during this time to assist any customers and make any alternative arrangements for them, we have been in direct contact with the customers since their return to offer our apologies and the matter has now been successfully resolved."
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