A Traveler’s Unexpected Dilemma: A Hotel’s Request to Cancel a Confirmed Booking

In an unusual turn of events, a traveler found herself in an unexpected situation after booking a hotel room through Expedia. She had stumbled upon a special deal, made the booking, and received a confirmation. However, a few days later, she was surprised to receive a message from the hotel via Expedia’s messaging system. The hotel requested her to cancel the booking, citing that the rate she had secured was too low for them. This unexpected request left her in a quandary, unsure of how to proceed.

The Traveler’s Experience: A Confirmed Booking and a Hotel’s Plea

The traveler, who shared her story on the subreddit r/travel, explained that after booking the room and receiving confirmation, she was contacted by the hotel. They asked her to cancel the reservation because the rate she had booked was not favorable for them. She reached out to Expedia, and an agent confirmed that her booking was valid. The agent assured her that the hotel should honor the reservation unless she decided to cancel it herself. Feeling assured, she informed the hotel of Expedia’s response. However, the hotel’s reaction was far from understanding. They grew upset and even threatened that if she did not cancel the booking, they would not accommodate her upon arrival.

Expedia’s Response: Support and Expectations from Hotels

Expedia stepped in to address the situation, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring travelers have a positive experience. A spokesperson stated that hotels are expected to honor bookings unless extraordinary circumstances, such as force majeure, prevent them from doing so. In such cases, Expedia’s Relocation team would assist in finding alternative accommodations. The spokesperson also mentioned that if a traveler is asked to cancel a booking due to the rate, they should contact Expedia’s support team through their 24/7 Virtual Agent for assistance. However, in this particular case, Expedia noted that they lacked the necessary hotel information to conduct their usual follow-up.

Reddit Community Offers Advice and Cautionary Tales

The traveler took to Reddit to seek advice and share her experience. She asked fellow users if they had encountered similar situations and requested guidance on how to handle the situation. The responses were varied, but many users advised her not to cancel the booking herself. They warned that if she canceled, she could face penalties from Expedia, and the hotel would no longer be liable for providing accommodation. Instead, they suggested that if the hotel decided to cancel, she would not be held liable, and the hotel would bear the responsibility.

Several users also cautioned her about the potential risks of arriving at a foreign hotel, especially in a region like the Middle East, only to find that she had been denied check-in. One commenter astutely pointed out, "You don’t want to turn up at a hotel in a foreign country and find that they don’t have a room. Being in the right doesn’t help in those circumstances." The advice was clear: it might be wiser to avoid the hassle and rebook elsewhere.

One user shared a similar experience, recounting a situation where a hotel owner attempted to cancel a booking at the last minute, citing that the traveler had not pre-paid, despite having a receipt proving otherwise. Upon arrival, the owner demanded an additional payment of 200% of the original amount, leading to a heated argument. The traveler eventually managed to stay, but without the breakfast that was supposed to be included. This story highlighted the potential for further complications and emphasized the importance of being cautious when dealing with hotels that seem reluctant to honor bookings.

A Lesson in Caution: The Risks of Third-Party Bookings

This incident underscores the importance of understanding the risks involved when booking through third-party platforms like Expedia. While such platforms offer convenience and often competitive rates, they can also lead to situations where hotels and booking agencies find themselves at odds over pricing and policies. Travelers may find themselves caught in the middle, facing unexpected challenges that can add stress to what should be an enjoyable experience.

In conclusion, the traveler’s experience serves as a reminder to be vigilant when booking accommodations, especially at discounted rates. It highlights the value of understanding the terms and conditions of bookings and knowing your rights as a consumer. While platforms like Expedia provide support, it is crucial for travelers to be aware of the potential pitfalls and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from similar situations. As one Reddit user wisely suggested, "You have no practical recourse to force this agreement, so you should take your money and rebook somewhere else."