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

Matt8888

Always book with free cancellation even if it costs a bit more... Or, if you choose not to, then just suck up the odd occasion like this when things don't work out. So go anyway and do something fun.

Matt8888

You could also send a little group message like, "Thanks a lot guys... Turns out I can't cancel the hotel. Let's arrange something again soon, and this time the cost of the hotel's on you!" They can't really argue with the sentiment if it really is all their fault, so you are unlikely to lose them as friends. And you never know, they might just agree to pay for your room next time. But if they don't, they don't. You've raised it but not pursued it aggressively.

Pete59

No, it’s just life. However if you can, go anyway and see some sights, fit in a film or a show and enjoy yourself. Make something positive out of it. ENJOY

LightFlare

nero33 said:

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!

In the abscence of more info and detail and as the OP doesn’t have the chance to reply and respond, then I don’t see a problem with the post

It’s what makes these “dilemma” posts almost fun.

I reckon most are made up and just designed to create discussion and strong replies

Tree_Lover

Ron246235 said:

The question in the title is "should they pay for my hotel?" and the answer to that is yes. They should have told the person sooner and they have caused him/her to waste a lot of money. If I had arranged a trip like this and then cancelled quite late, I would feel an obligation to give the person the money. 

In reality they might not pay, because they don't care and they can get away with not paying. But this is supposed to be a money moral dilemma, and I think morally they should pay. 

There are some really unkind and unsympathetic responses to your dilemma but I agree with Ron. 

I was someone who unfortunately had to cancel group plans due to unforeseen circumstances. I would have felt a moral responsibility to pay towards a friend’s hotel bill if they were in a similar situation to you, had we all not discussed beforehand that something of this nature may happen and we should each assume personal liability should the planned event not take place.
If I were you I would consider all options. Talk to your friends first to find out if anyone else has been left in the same position and what they intend to do, and then decide from there. You could approach the group for donations, go with another friend or on your own, or ask the hotel if they would exchange your booking for a voucher to use at a later date. However, please DO consider going on your own if all other options fail. I booked 2 nights at a hotel in the Lake District for a job interview, but my interviewer changed my in-person interview to a video call, on the day! I was really annoyed as I was already at the hotel having breakfast so too late to cancel, but I left the company a negative review on all media platforms and enjoyed an impromptu break away, sightseeing and chatting to other hotel guests. I also found a much better, higher paid job elsewhere!
I’m sorry you’ve been left in this position. I hope that something better is also on the horizon for you.

Beadyjanet

They are obvioulsy not friends worth having anyway so go ahead and ask them to bear the cost. Above all tell them how let down and upset they have made you feel.

jan140160

Just go and enjoy yourself, let them know you went on your own, next time get a free cancellation booking

baldypaul76

While it is unfortunate, I don't believe the other people should or would reimburse you. 

The reason for cancellation might have been unavoidable. They also may be out of pocket for cancelling, or they might have booked refundable accommodation. 

If you were (and financially, you are) committed to the trip, I would go on it anyway, and make the most of it. If you do not wish to do this, you could see if any of your other friends can use the booking and claw some of your money back that way.

It is difficult to comment further without knowing the full circumstances.

whydoineedone

Probably not, but I would certainly let them know I wasn’t happy, and depending on the reason for their drop-out, reconsider my friendship with them. 

[Deleted User]

I've been astonished at the number of people on here who think it's acceptable to let down a friend, without at least making sure they weren't out of pocket.  It absolutely isn't, and anyone who thinks it is should be avoided.   You shouldn't need to ask for reimbursement, they should automatically have offered it, immediately, at the same time as they cancelled.  If they didn't do that they are not decent people, let alone friends, don't waste your time asking them to do the right thing, because they won't, they don't know what decent is and aren't interested.  Drop them like hot potatoes, hope it's a long time again before you see them, and congratulate yourself on getting them out of your life.