Money Moral Dilemma: Should I pay my friend to stay with her?

Lousleep

Can't be much of a friend if she's asking £150 to stay with her to celebrate her 40th seems like she doesn't value your friendship very much ,make an excuse not to go 

lagom_1

True friendship is about the person, not about a moneymaking opportunity.  There are so many ways to be with someone that do not cost £150, and I suspect that this is just the start of the material things she expects from you - presents, wine, flowers aren't included in her price, I'm guessing.  She would choose one of those cheaper options, or swallow the cost, if she were interested in spending time with you.  As she clearly sees her birthday as a business opportunity, you could do likewise?  Ask to see her occupancy rates for that time of year - chances are she isn't fully booked, especially with the virus - and offer her a price that is commensurate with the alleged lost business, which might be zero.  Alternatively, you could ask for tenders for friendship and find a cheaper one?  I suspect that some people would be happy to pay you to be their friend, rather than the other way around.  Either way, I think you could find a cheaper one, who might actually value you more.

KJSMT

I'd rethink who my friends were!

Clive_Woody

Ask her to cover your taxi costs each way to come to her birthday. Seems fair.

elsien

If you were going down for the week end, where would you stay otherwise and how much would it cost?
If you're using one of her holiday cottages that she would otherwise be getting rental money for, of course you're not going to get it for free. There is always the option of booking into a hotel or local b&b instead. Personally, £150 for a good weekend away in a cottage with friends sounds reasonable to me.

johnwnormington

Don’t lie. Be honest with her. Does she pay when she stays with you?

Husbandofstinky

No way Jose!
I think the above post says it all.
Yes, she has some small overheads on the cottages (cleaning etc.), but really.......
Suffice to say she has a cheek.
Some people would say, that is where a person like this achieves her financial goals, big country pile, property (the cottages) etc. However, I say you don't have to be mercenary to be financially successful in life. I have dealt with many financially successful individuals over a long time as an accountant and although these mercenary types exist, fortunately, they are in the minority

[Deleted User]

Where were you planning to stay?  Did you ask to stay in one of your friends business cottages?  If so, for a weekend  £150 feels like mates rates, so you could be grateful, if not, then make your own arrangements, although it would probably cost more and be less convenient. Otherwise, ask what the payment is for, and don't go if you don't agree with it.  

an1179

If you have asked her to provide accommodation then expect a bill, if she invited you and said you could stay if you pay I would kindly decline 

MrsT1

I used to own a small hotel and pub and had a few get togethers with family and friends but I never charged them to stay ever, if your friend has invited you to her party at her home which happens to be a business she should not be charging you that’s terrible and you should tell her so too!!