**British Couple’s Corfu Getaway Turns Sour After Hotel Ejection and Flight Ban**
A North Shields couple’s eagerly anticipated Greek escape spiralled into chaos after they were unexpectedly expelled from their Corfu hotel and subsequently prohibited from boarding their return flight. Paul and Ellie Bell, aged 64 and 65, had selected the Terezas Hotel in Sidari for their holiday, having previously enjoyed a stay at the same venue. However, their latest trip ended with the couple left “hundreds of pounds out of pocket” and a looming dispute with holiday giant TUI over the reasons for their abrupt removal.
The Bells’ ordeal began after they registered several complaints about the quality of food at the hotel. According to Paul Bell, the issue centred mainly on food being “tepid” and lacking variety. The couple claim that their concerns over inedible meals, including unusual pairings like “rice with sprouts”, were met with indifference from hotel management. Ellie, disappointed by the response, twice attempted to speak with the manager directly and had even invited him to witness the breakfast standards, but said her invitation was ignored.
Upon returning from a day out, Paul and Ellie found themselves faced with a letter from TUI. The company accused them of causing “a serious disturbance by shouting inside the hotel restaurant in front of other guests, resulting in significant distress and disruption to the peaceful environment of the hotel.” The letter further claimed the pair had used “aggressive and disrespectful language” towards hotel staff, proprietors, and TUI representatives.
The couple, however, vehemently dispute these claims. Paul insists that neither he nor Ellie engaged in disruptive or disrespectful behaviour and believes the decision was made one-sidedly, based entirely on the manager’s account. “I don’t remember anybody shouting. We only spoke to the rep the day she was at the hotel and there was never any disrespect shown,” he told reporters. He expressed frustration that TUI did not approach them for their perspective before taking action. “Surely there are always two sides to a story? I was furious because it ruined the day we had planned.”
Compounding their difficulties, the couple learned the following day that Ellie would not be allowed to board their TUI flight back to the UK. Within hours, both were notified that they were banned from the return flight altogether due to what the travel operator described as “conduct and behaviour” contrary to TUI’s terms and conditions.
Stranded and forced to make alternative arrangements, Paul booked last-minute Jet2 flights home at a personal cost of €328.56. Additionally, since they were excluded from hotel transfers, they had to pay €60 for a taxi to the airport. The unforeseen expenses left them financially and emotionally drained.
As the Bells finally returned to North Shields, an email from TUI arrived stating the ban on their return flight had been lifted. By then, however, the arrangements had been made and expenses had been incurred. Paul remarked, “That doesn’t help us now. We were told to make our own travel arrangements and came home as instructed.”
Reflecting on their ordeal, Paul lamented: “When we go on holiday, we try to find somewhere peaceful, try the local food, and enjoy the scenery. The outcome was incredibly disappointing. We received no support from TUI at all. They accepted everything the manager told them, without ever speaking to us.”
TUI, when approached for comment, declined to elaborate but it is understood they will refund the couple’s Jet2 flight costs and their taxi fare to the airport following the incident.
The Bells’ experience has sparked debate around the responsibilities of package holiday operators when disputes arise between guests and hotels, particularly concerning the need for thorough investigation and clear communication. As travel continues to rebound, holidaymakers may seek greater assurances that their side will be heard fairly should disagreements arise during their precious time away.