Under Construction

In 1969 Mr. Bottomley booked a 14 night holiday in Benidorm for June 1970 with Clarksons at the Calypso Hotel – basing his decision on how the hotel was described in the brochure.

“The Hotel Calypso is yet another major undertaking by Clarksons … Included among the hotel’s enviable facilities are an extensive lounge and bar, an excellent dining room; all provide a high standard of service. Wide, inviting terraces with plenty of beach furniture surround the two swimming pools (one for children); a riding school nearby. Lifts will speed you to your bedroom; you’ll find it cool, well furnished, comfortable with its own bath or shower, w.c., most with balcony. The Hotel Calypso will quickly take its place as one of Benidorm’s best value holiday hotels.”

The description was accompanied by an artist’s impression because at the time the brochure was published the hotel was still under construction.

Unfortunately when Mr Bottomley arrived the hotel was unfinished and he had to spend two nights elsewhere and when he eventually got to the Calypso he and the other guests were unhappy with the facilities.

On his return to the UK Mr Bottomley complained to his local Trading Standard Department who instituted a prosecution in front of a jury who convicted Clarksons of having recklessly made a statement as to the existence of the hotel and its facilities. They were fined £400. On appeal the conviction was upheld. [This is the case of R v Clarksons Holidays (1973) 57 Cr App R 38]

It is pleasing to note that the Hotel Calypso seems to have overcome its initial problems and is alive and well and is currently featured by Jet2 and Thomas Cook, but sadly not Clarksons, which went bust in 1974 leaving 35,000 holidaymakers stranded abroad. 

[Last revised 31 March, 2023]