We flew out for our dream holiday to Italy… only to arrive at the hotel ONE YEAR early after devastating booking mistake
Nicole Collings and her siblings jetted off on a dream holiday to Italy hoping to celebrate the mum-of-three's 40th birthday in style.
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The group rocked up at the hotel reception in Florence hoping for a smooth check-in so they could get out into the city and bask in the sun and sights.
Rachel, often nicknamed the "CEO" for her organisation skills, had booked the flights and accommodation so jovially approached the staff.
But Rachel's face soon turned a dark shade of red, as Nicole and her two other sisters soon realised the trip wasn't going as planned.
They were told that they had booked at the hotel - but not until 2026.
Despite being left without a room for night in a foreign country, the women took the embarrassing blunder in good spirits.
As Rachel processed her pricey mistake, the others were left in stitches in the hotel lobby.
Nicole from Essex told Luxury Travel Daily: "We all looked at each other in panic but then burst out laughing."
The four had flown over to Florence from Southend, London on July 25.
They had planned to stay at the Hotel Royal for three nights up until the Monday morning.
Rachel had already paid £77 a night - totalling over £230 - but due to the booking mishap the foursome were now left scrambling to find another room.
Holidaymaker expects breathtaking view from his hotel window… but viewers in stitches when he pulls back curtain
Their original four-person suite was booked out but the girls were determined to stay at the Hotel Royal due to its great location in the city.
The only issue was the last remaining option was a two-bedroom basement room which had no air conditioning.
Wanting to make the most of the birthday trip, the girls dropped off their bags in the cramped room without much thought and headed out.
Nicole continued: "Rachel, who we call the CEO, showed the confirmation email to the receptionist, who then pointed out that the booking was actually for 2026.
"It was a real mix of panic and humour, we decided to just go with it and make the best of the bad situation.
"The substitute room was really small, with a double bed and a single bed brought in.
WIt had no hot water and no air con despite the boiling weather.
"We even had to manage getting ready with four girls using one tiny mirror."
Nicole was also full of praise for the staff who she said were just as amused by the booking blunder as the women were but remained supportive throughout their stay.
"We didn't spend much time in the room due to its size and conditions," the birthday girl added.
"Despite the initial hiccup, we had a wonderful time together, and it was hilarious.
"We bring the vibes, we are extremely close and always have fun, our energy is electric."
Nicole says they are yet to decide on if they will return for the 2026 booking to celebrate her 41st or if they'll just leave the mishap in the past.
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