Money Moral Dilemma: Friends cancelled our reunion at short notice - should they pay for my hotel?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

Last year, a group of friends I'd lost touch with arranged a get-together with me. We decided to do it again this year, agreed the dates and location, and said we'd book our own accommodation. Three weeks before, however, they pulled out - this left me extremely sad for the lost friendships and because no one had told me earlier. I'm now left with an expensive hotel booking I don't need and can't cancel. Should I ask the rest of the group to foot my bill?

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elsien

You can ask.

I would expect a firm no in response. 

Can’t you just go and have a nice long weekend away anyway? 

This is where it’s a shame that the person themselves doesn’t post because I’d be wondering why the friends cancelled and what else has happened. 

Either way, they’re not going to reimburse you so move on. And maybe next time book a refundable room if that is possible.

LinLui

I afraid I'm with @elsien. Oddly something similar happened to me last weekend. Spent a good amount of money on a hotel for four days - friend flaked for half of them. Decided to make the best of it.  Had an absolutely fabulous time... without my friend! Now reconsidering the friend... but loved the hotel! 

LightFlare

Go anyway - make a night/weekend/break out of it

Hoenir

The answer is no. We are all responsible for our own choices. By doing so you probably terminate the relationship permanently as well. 

Bridgetanna

That's what travel insurance is for.  Go anyway and enjoy iy

rsharp

Bridgetanna said:

That's what travel insurance is for.  Go anyway and enjoy iy

Someone deciding not to go on a trip simply because their plans have changed is not an insurable reason to claim on the vast majority of travel insurance policies.

Just_An_Opinion

The fact that you're thinking of asking them to re-imburse you might be part of the reason they've cancelled on you. 

They've probably booked elsewhere and not invited you.

P.s. Free Cancellation on hotel bookings is available for a reason.

nero33

Just_An_Opinion said:

The fact that you're thinking of asking them to re-imburse you might be part of the reason they've cancelled on you. 

They've probably booked elsewhere and not invited you.

P.s. Free Cancellation on hotel bookings is available for a reason.

Nice bit of making stuff up in the absence of any facts!

primrose_penguin

 I agree with most of the others, I wouldn't ask them to foot your bill and they probably wouldn't anyway,  but I would think twice before making a hotel booking again if they suggest another reunion, and if you decided to go I would book with one of the online booking sites that let you cancel near the date without charging. In the meantime I would ask a real friend to go with me if you have booked a double/twin room and enjoy the weekend, you have nothing to lose as you cannot get a refund. Have a great time.

Gosportmum

No. Still go away yourself. Alot of hotels give you the option to cancel when you make the ( more expensive) reservation or offer free cancellation.