The stay turned out to be short and not so sweet.
An elderly couple from Quebec City are ending a planned three-week stay on P.E.I. after just a few days and an upsetting dispute over accommodation rates.
Charles and Jeannie Marcotte were shocked to learn a discounted rate they have enjoyed for years at Chalet Grand-Pre Cottages in Rusticoville would not be honoured by new owners when they arrived to check-in Sunday.
“I’m angry,’’ Charles told The Guardian Monday.
The ordeal left Charles, 90, and Jeannie, 86, scrambling for alternate accommodations that would fall within their budget.
On Tuesday, Charles said he and his wife were simply too tired and frustrated from the whole affair to carry on with their vacation on P.E.I., a place they have visited each summer for more than 30 years.
“We decided this morning to go back,’’ he said.
“Maybe we have one year to change our mind (about coming back to P.E.I.). We will see later.’’
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The couple’s story spurred strong response on social media with more than 100 comments made on The Guardian’s Facebook page alone.
Many felt the new owners, who took over operation at the end of June, should have honoured the rate set for the Marcottes by the previous owner.
The Department of Tourism called the incident unfortunate and noted it would hope new accommodations owners would respect agreed rates and bookings made by former owners of properties.
Kevin Mouflier, CEO of the Tourism Industry of P.E.I., said his group has been advocating to get more dollars for training new operators.
“I think we will see payoff in the end with new operators being successful and having them educated to deal with tourists from all destinations,’’ he said.
“I think we always want to shoot to a higher level. It’s important that people have a memorable stay and they want to come back.’’
Miranda Ellis, owner of The Ship’s Company Pub and Galley in Cavendish, feels for the plight of the Marcottes.
“I’m a proud Islander and my heart broke when I saw that (article),’’ she said.
“What concerned me is they weren’t treated fairly. I feel like their reservation should have been honoured…the customer is always right. I would do anything to make my customers happy.’’
Ellis was willing to offer the couple a few complimentary nights of dining in her establishment.
“I just want to extend some small form of Island hospitality to them if I can,’’ Ellis said before learning Charles and Jeannie were packing to leave P.E.I. Tuesday.
