UPDATE: A man’s dream vacation with Tui has turned into a living nightmare after he was brutally attacked by a hotel staff member at the Hotel RIU Touraeg. Ryan Mendelson, a vacationer from Manchester, has been awarded £18,000 in compensation following this shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about guest safety.
In a harrowing account, Mendelson described the moment he was unexpectedly struck from behind by a member of the hotel’s entertainment team. The incident occurred on July 15, 2023, as he stood at the bar-pool area conversing with other guests. “Out of nowhere, he kneed me in the back of the knee,” Mendelson recounted. “I felt my knee click, twist, and go out of place. I fell to the floor like a sack of potatoes.”
The violent attack left Mendelson in shock, requiring urgent medical attention. Other guests quickly came to his aid, pouring water on him while waiting for a wheelchair. “My mum was distraught. There were no first-aiders around, and the staff were nowhere to be found,” he stated.
After the attack, Mendelson was taken to a local hospital by ambulance, where he incurred a bill of 860 Euros for treatment. He also faced additional costs as the hotel initially insisted he pay for another night’s stay due to their inadequate response. However, they eventually settled the bill after Mendelson’s mother threatened to go public with their story.
Mendelson’s ordeal didn’t end there. He had to delay his return flight, requiring two extra seats to accommodate his leg brace. An MRI scan back home revealed a torn medial patellofemoral ligament, necessitating surgery. Now, he describes his knee as “still not 100 percent.”
Critically, Mendelson has called out Tui’s handling of the situation, labeling their response as “scatty, arrogant, and dismissive.” He urged hotel staff to respect personal boundaries, stating, “Animation teams should not cross the line between friendly and inappropriate.”
Paul Rimmer, Mendelson’s legal representative, characterized the incident as “an extraordinary case” of employee misconduct. He emphasized, “Ryan was mistreated from the outset. It was disgraceful that the hotel asked the Mendelsons to pay for another night due to the actions of one of their staff members.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for RIU Hotels & Resorts expressed regret for the incident, describing it as a misguided attempt at playful interaction that was never intended to cause harm. “We recognize the pain and distress this caused and sincerely regret what happened,” they said.
This incident has raised alarms about the safety protocols in place at major hotel chains. As the tourism industry faces increasing scrutiny, holidaymakers are urged to seek legal advice if they encounter situations similar to Mendelson’s.
Strong reactions are expected as this story develops, highlighting the need for accountability and better customer service in the hospitality sector. Travelers are reminded to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings while on vacation.
