Jupiter / Saturno Hotel Complex

Solicitors at law firm Irwin Mitchell have called for a review of hygiene standards at the Jupiter / Saturno hotel complex in Alcudia, Majorca, after a family from Barnsley became the latest people to be struck down by illness at the resort.

Irwin Mitchell has received similar complaints about the resort in previous years.

All five members of the Chapman family, including one-year-old Mollie, suffered gastric illness while staying at the complex in August 2009.

The family blame poor hygiene for their illnesses and have instructed travel claims lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate legal proceedings against their tour operator, Cosmos Holidays Plc.

Irwin Mitchell successfully acted for 86 holidaymakers who fell ill at the resort in 2003. Another 12 claims for people who fell ill last year are still ongoing.

Various members of the Chapman family suffered symptoms including respiratory problems, weight loss and dehydration, and all family members suffered stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.

Martin Chapman said: “We are extremely angry that Cosmos knowingly sent us to a hotel with previous hygiene problems without ensuring they were fixed.

“I was probably the worst affected of our family. In addition to gastric symptoms I also suffered from respiratory problems which were so severe that it was initially thought I had suffered a heart attack, and I still haven’t returned to work.”

The family were also disappointed with the response they received when they returned to the UK. Their travel agent allegedly dismissed Mr Chapman’s complaint by telling him “you get what you pay for”.

Mr Chapman said: “I was shocked by the response from the travel agent when we complained to them. We had saved all year and paid nearly £2,500 for our holiday, and I don’t think it’s at all unreasonable to expect a clean and hygienic hotel for that.”

The family said food at the complex was left uncovered, with white meat often served pink and bloody. They also said the restaurant was dirty and the pool was not cleaned, leading to an influx of flies, wasps and ants around the swimming pool.

Mr Chapman was also unhappy with the standard of the family’s room, adding, “Our room was in poor condition; some of the electrics were faulty and the air-conditioning didn’t work at all. We were in Majorca in the middle of August, so things like air-conditioning are essential to keep the room cool.”
Irwin Mitchell has called for the tour operator to stop sending guests to the resort if standards are not improved.

Adam Wright, travel law specialist at Irwin Mitchell, said: “There is a disturbing history of illness amongst guests at this hotel and Cosmos must act immediately to ensure any ongoing problems of health and hygiene are rectified.

“Cosmos claim the Jupiter / Saturno hotel complex is their most popular family resort, and quite frankly it’s unforgivable for illnesses to occur in consecutive years.

“Unfortunately, we see many hotels where the same problems keep occurring year after year.  Gastric illness can be very serious and in some cases can cause permanent problems for victims. This situation is unacceptable and tour operators need to ensure the hotels they use comply with the health and safety regulations which are in place to protect their guests.”