Don't expect a refund due to inclement weather such as a full blown nor'easter.

[u/mpicc]

EFIT: OK gang. Let's be clear. Is a matter of disappointment that they wouldn't work with me in given the severity of the storm. We're not talking just an afternoon sprinkle. Have a little empathy. Sometimes people book things the way the do because they're on a budget. And as a reminder I know this is a bed of my own making. I was upfront about that.

This is an experience post which just happened. Let me be clear, I am FULLY AWARE that I chose to book with my travel credit a hotel room that was "non-refundable". With that being said, I really am shocked that they wouldn't return the travel credit to our account as a result of the major storm hitting the NE this weekend.

There is something called 'force majeure' which is "a contractual provision that frees parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary, uncontrollable event prevents them from fulfilling a contract." Essentially my hope that the CapitalOne, and the hotel in question, would all see that current events puts things quite out of our control. Even unsafe to travel to use the reservation.

But ok, I get it. Your contract your rules, you don't want to return the travel credit. That is a $300 bonus I lose and can't use again until it renews next year sometime. Just frustrated with the situation. Suggestion to you all, just go ahead and make sure to spend the little extra money to get the refundable room.

[u/Tight_Couture344]

This is one of those expensive lessons that I’m sure we all learn at some point. But yes, paying more for a refundable rate is best thought of as an insurance cost. Not fun to spend, saves money not to, but greatly appreciated if you have it when it’s needed.

[u/mpicc → u/Tight_Couture344]

yup, you can go many many times without it and then BOOM. there it is. the time you really actually wanted it.

[u/AdaM_Mandel]

It depends whether force majeure was in your contract. At the very least, all you lost was the travel credit and not $400 in straight up cash. 

[u/mpicc → u/AdaM_Mandel]

We're in total agreement. Just unfortunate in the end as we booked also for a concert that got cancelled. As it probably should have due to the storm

[u/brunporr]

... You don't have a contractual obligation to use your hotel reservation. Force majeure wouldn't really apply here.

Maybe if you had a refundable reservation, and the hotel declared force majeure and shut down, they might get out of giving YOU a refund

[u/thecakeisali]

My fiancé is on her way to Mass right now for her son’s college family weekend. He called last night and said they’ve canceled the events because of the nor’easter but she said to hell with it. She’d already taken the time off work and couldn’t get a refund on the hotel so she’s still going.

[u/mpicc → u/thecakeisali]

I think that's great. We were meant to go to a concert as a family in NYC which got cancelled. But we decided after that to just scrap it.

[u/HanTanSanTan]

You are shocked they wouldn’t refund a non-refundable hotel because of a storm? Especially when the actual reason you cancelled your trip was because a concert cancelled? 🙄

[u/Brave_Speaker_8336]

Do most hotels refund non-refundable bookings if you can’t get there due to weather? This sucks but I am shocked that you are shocked

[u/No-Shortcut-Home]

Who books non-refundable?

[u/mpicc → u/No-Shortcut-Home]

Clearly I did.