Cork hotel cancels wedding renewal days before event

A couple have had their Christmas "ruined" after a hotel cancelled their New Year’s Eve wedding renewal days before the event.

Matthew and Deborah Smith, from White’s Cross, were due to renew their vows today in The Ambassador Hotel in front of family and friends.

Though the couple had fully paid for the event, they say the general manager of the hotel, Anne O’Leary, wanted to charge an additional €1,200. When they would not pay, the hotel told them their event was cancelled.

Documents seen by the Irish Examiner show the hotel originally agreed a price of €4,500 in July for a wedding package on New Year’s Eve and accommodation for six people.

The package included evening food for 90 guests, a round of drinks for 120 people, prosecco for all guests at midnight, a bottle of champagne for the bride and groom, and arrival canapés. The accommodation was for six people — the bride and groom and four of the wedding party.

When numbers were reduced from 120 to between 80 and 90 people, the couple informed the hotel. The general manager at the time agreed to reduce the price to €3,375.

However, a few weeks ago, the couple claim the new general manager — who refused to discuss the matter when contacted last night — told them they were getting too much for what they were paying.

The couple say they were then asked to pay an additional €1,200 for a package that was not as good as the original. When they refused to pay, this week the hotel told them their event was cancelled, days before the event.

Last night, the couple staged a sit-in at The Ambassador Hotel for a number of hours.

Ms Smith said she was “so disappointed” and even offered to pay the extra €1,200 if only the event could go ahead. She said her offer was refused.

“We haven’t done anything wrong,” she said. “I just don’t understand it. We chose this hotel because we love it. We’ve eaten here before a few times and the staff are always lovely. The place is gorgeous and the package was fantastic but it’s all ruined now.”

Mr Smith accused the hotel of ruining his wife’s Christmas and admits he does not know what to say to their guests.

Chris Crowley, who dealt with the couple and their event when he was the general manager of The Ambassador in July, now works in Oriel House in Ballincollig.

Mr Crowley said he would “do his best” to find the couple an alternative in either Oriel House or another Cork hotel.

The Ambassador Hotel refused to comment.