AUH layover / STPC problem
 

Hi, not sure how to fix this problem, or even what number to call. I have a confirmed paid booking in business (W) round-trip LAX-KTM-LAX. The layover in each direction was > 8 hrs when I booked and paid for the flight, so that would mean I was entitled to a hotel room at the airport hotel during the layovers in AUH in each direction. Then I got an itinerary update from my travel agent showing an unplanned 1 hr layover for refueling in Lucknow India on the way back, apparently due to fuel shortages at KTM airport. Not only does this make my return a real PITA, it reduces the time in AUH to 7 hrs. Now I am concerned I will be denied the hotel and have to sit in the lounge for 7 hrs. I found the airport hotel on the web, but you cannot book it, they don't have any online reservation tool that I can see. I sent them an email, which went into a black hole. Any suggestions? The travel agent is not being very helpful with this. I'm hoping the refueling stop will be eliminated and the original itinerary restored because the Nepalese authorities say the fuel shortage is over now, but I can't count on that obviously.

The transit hotel is closed for renovation - or at least was a few weeks ago. Best to call and ask what hotel they are going to put you up in. I wouldn't mention anything about the reduced stopover time.