The tour operator started taking summer 2018 bookings last year for the Jupiter Albufeira Hotel, which had been due to reopen on June 1 following major renovation works.

However, the Algarve hotel is still yet to reopen, forcing Jet2holidays on Wednesday (June 20) to issue a statement publicly reassuring holidaymakers it had sought guarantees from the hotel it would be fully operational by July 1.

The 400-room former Montechoro Hotel was taken over by the Jupiter Hotel Group following the summer 2017 season, with Jupiter pledging to transform it into the brand’s first five-star hotel.

Hundreds of concerned travellers though have contributed to a TripAdvisor discussion dating back to June last year, many now warning their travel plans had been affected by the delay.

Some respondents even claim they were able to book the hotel through Jet2holidays as early as July 2017 for holidays departing the following Easter.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Jet2holidays said: “We appreciate many of you have had ongoing concerns regarding the late opening of the Jupiter Albufeira Hotel, and we would like to offer our sincere apologies to anyone who has been affected.

“Situations such as this are extremely rare and we have been working hard with the hotel to understand the reasons behind the delay, and to ensure the facilities are completed to the high standards we and our customers expect.

“On this occasion, we accept we have not kept customers as informed as we should have, so we hold up our hands and assure you this is not our normal standard of service. Again, we apologise for this.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the hotel management team have confirmed Jupiter Albufeira Hotel will be open for business from July 1 with a fantastic range of facilities, including a swim-up bar, pool bar, lobby bar and rooftop bar, all of which are included in the all-inclusive package, as well as three restaurants, a waterpark, splash park, indoor spa with hydro circuit and a fully-equipped gym.”

A Jet2holidays spokesperson told TTG: “We would like to sincerely apologise to any customers who have been affected by the late opening of Jupiter Albufeira Hotel, which is a brand new addition to our programme for summer 18.

“We have been assured by the hotel management that the hotel will be open for business from July 1. Situations such as this are extremely rare, and we have closely monitored works at the hotel to ensure the facilities are completed to the high standards that we and our customers expect.”