**Welsh Newlyweds’ Dream Honeymoon Derailed by Construction at Five-Star Resort in Rhodes**
A couple from Newport, South Wales, have expressed their profound disappointment after their long-awaited honeymoon in Greece failed to live up to the glossy, five-star promises made by their holiday provider, easyJet. Instead of a serene escape, Phil and Hannah Perkins found themselves sharing their romantic getaway with trucks, cement mixers, and relentless noise, all in the midst of ongoing building works.
The couple, who wed on 9 May, had enthusiastically booked a £1,080 package through easyJet Holidays, lured by the prospect of luxury in an historical Mediterranean setting. Their destination: a top-rated resort in Rhodes, where they were assured a “swim-up” room, granting them private access to a tranquil pool. The reality, however, could not have been more different from the brochure images.
Upon arriving at their accommodation, the Perkins’ excitement quickly gave way to dismay when they noticed unsightly brown stains streaking the sun loungers next to their otherwise coveted swim-out pool area. “We’d paid a little extra hoping for something special,” Phil, 57, recounted. “But it was obvious straight away that the housekeeping standards weren’t what you’d expect for a five-star hotel.”
That initial let-down, it transpired, was only the beginning. The next morning, as the couple settled by the pool, their plans for a relaxing day were upended by the cacophony of heavy machinery and the unwelcome sight of builders hauling construction materials past sunseekers. “Trucks and cement lorries literally moved right between the sunbeds. You had to move your lounger out of the way so construction could carry on,” Phil explained, still astounded by the constant disruption.
To the couple’s further frustration, attempts to contact an easyJet representative at the resort for redress or even reassurance proved futile. The persistent drilling, clattering, and hammering replaced any hope of peace, rendering even the refuge of the hotel bar ineffective. “We thought some music might hide the construction noise, but it just made it worse. There was no escaping it – it was loud all day, every day,” said Phil, describing their honeymoon as feeling more like a stint on a building site than a luxury retreat.
Despite their efforts to find positives during the trip, the enduring reality was impossible to overlook. “I’m not a hard person to please, and I know not everything goes perfectly on holiday,” Phil admitted. “But this was meant to be our honeymoon – a once-in-a-lifetime event. It felt completely spoiled.”
After their return home, the couple decided to take up the matter with easyJet Holidays. Their initial complaint yielded an offer of £281 compensation, which Phil and Hannah felt fell short of making amends for their experience. Following further negotiations, easyJet increased their offer to £381, which the couple eventually accepted.
easyJet Holidays has since issued a statement expressing their regret over the couple’s ordeal. “We’re really sorry to hear that Mr Perkins was unhappy with his experience, especially on such a special holiday,” a spokesperson said. The company confirmed they had been in direct contact with the couple to discuss a resolution.
This episode raises broader questions about how well established travel firms are managing customer expectations and ensuring transparency when renovations or disruptions are ongoing at advertised hotels. The Perkins’ story serves as a cautionary tale for honeymooners and holidaymakers alike to check for up-to-date information and recent guest reviews before booking high-ticket getaways.
As consumers increasingly demand accountability and clarity when booking luxury escapes, travel providers face mounting pressure to ensure their star ratings live up to reality — not just the glossy impression conveyed in marketing material. As for Phil and Hannah, their dream honeymoon now stands as a lesson in the importance of vigilance and clear communication in travel planning, even with the backing of a trusted brand.