To not pay for guest accommodation

[WindInThePussyWillows]

Having a christening at our local church and a bit of a party afterward, approx 30 guests and 10 children.
We live in a relatively expensive town in the South where unfortunately hotels and b&bs are very busy so charge a fair bit per night.

A few uni friends who are coming have messaged me saying the hotels are more expensive than they had anticipated and would I be paying all/ a contribution towards their accommodation for the night.

They are live 2 hours away, no children. The christening starts at 11 and I imagine the after celebrations will end about 5.

After the cost of the party, cake..etc I just can't afford to pay towards their accommodation.

WIBU to say no?

I'd completely understand if they couldn't afford to come and aren't able to make it.

I wouldn't pay for accommodation, but I would make it really clear that I didn't expect any kind of gift as I realised the price of an overnight stay was a lot for most families.

I'm not sure their definition of friendship and mine are quite the same thing.

Send them an Airbnb referral link so you can get the ref feral bonus.

Surely they are winding you up.

No way.
I wouldnt be paying for someone elses piss up on a sat night with their mates either. If thats their reason for staying over let them pay for it themselves, cheeky gits.

Friends dont take advantage of your good nature, there is no reason for them to stay over just to come to the christening, its just a few hours out the whole day.

They are being unreasonable. It's a christening, not a piss up. I'm appalled at them asking you to pay for accommodation!

Tell them if they're that skint you'll pay them to babysit on the Sat night while you go out with friends!

"it's a church and afternoon tea, should finish around 5, no need to book accomodation"

Just laughed out loud at the sheer brass neck of them!!
No, you really don't need to pay or to feel guilty.

"No can do. Shall I check with the vicar if there's room at the vicarage for a tent in the garden? You'll have to be up to help deck the church for choir practice at 7am, mind..."

Not really, just messing!

Ridiculous! Never heard of that cheek before. If they were good friends, I'd explain there was really no expectation to spend a fortune staying over, as it was just a one-day affair. At a push, I'd offer up the back garden for them to pop their own tent up in if they genuinely wanted to stay all weekend.

A.simple 'are you taking the piss?' should clear that up!

*I find this hard to believe was it really a few uni friends who asked this
*
I invited the three of them together as a little group, we have a group chat which is where they asked.

I replied

The christening doesn't start till 11 and should all be done and dusted by 5 latest so don't worry about needing somewhere to stay it's not a super early start.

And now we wait..

Well done!

Well done!

This would honestly make me re-evaluate my friendship with them. Such an odd thing to ask.

There's three of them?

Surely a triple room somewhere would be affordable between them?!

Travelodge family rooms have a double bed and sofabed.

That's nuts! They could cycle home and still be back in time for Poldark and pick up a takeaway on the way through.

Not place marking at all..

Dont forget to update us Windin.

Did one of them ask on behalf of them all? Or just raise it and then the others agreed?

I cannot believe they would all think this is a reasonable and legitimate request!!

They must have been angling to stay, that's the only benign explanation. If they ask again, suggest the local campsite.

"That's nuts! They could cycle home and still be back in time for Poldark and pick up a takeaway on the way through."

Do let us know when you receive a reply! I cannot believe their cheek.

Yea it's one of them bringing it up and the others just going along with it I think, she was always bloody tight at uni too, but the best off out of all of us by far!

They initially said, we just want to enjoy the twins special day and not have to worry about rushing in the morning or unexpected traffic.

• errr it's a Sunday the traffic won't be bad, they could leave at 9 and get here with time to mingle before the service.

They have since said they've also looked at b and bs near my house (there are loads) and apparently they are all full

• I've had a look and sent them 4 links to available ones

They then said they want to stay as they think staying the night before will give us more time to spend together as I'll be busy between guests on the day

• fair point but I have so much to do, plus we have family coming over for a lunch the day before and god parents and their children who are really out of town ( 6 hours+ ) coming.

They've now said surely it'll just be easier for everyone if hey stay at mine and they can help me.

• I haven't replied. I'm going to sound super rude here but they're going to hinder more than they'll help, it's already going to be a bit hectic.

I think we can safely ascertain they are just after an invite to crash with us. Help!