To not prioritise cheap on a weekend away

[luckygreeneyes]

So... we’ve agreed to go away for a weekend with DH friends on a couple of months. I was looking at air b&b options but they seemed quite pricey and I know DH friends are quite careful spenders. Not skint just think always have a coupon or a loyalty programme and talk about how much everything costs all the time.

In the end I suggested a cheap but cheerful 3* hotel chain we’d used before at around £70 per couple per night and suggested that.

They’ve found one that looks grim, 2* at £55 a night.

I don’t know how to deal with it without seeming spoilt? I see weekends away/holidays as a treat not necessarily about doing it as cheap as possible. I thought I’d ‘compromised’ enough.

So AIBU? Should I suck it up? Hate being put in this position.

Can you just say you're happy to have KFC or fish and chips for dinner if they want to save money but you've stayed in cheap hotels before and it wasn't pleasant?

Nope, I'd stick to my guns. 'Let's just meet up for breakfast, my days of kipping on the floor in hostels is over. I'm going with Premier Inn.'

My suggestion was a premier inn- cheap, cheerful and comfy beds

I am with you. Premier Inns are not at all bad for the odd night away. Is the one your friends have chosen a Travelodge? They are a bit grim. We stayed in one recently because we just wanted a really basic bed for the night before an early holiday start.

Is theirs a chain?

If not, I'd go back and sell the PI to them. Better beds, showers, good night sleep guarantee, free WiFi etc.

You’re better off in a YHA hostel than a 2 star in most cities.

Just say no. It’s your weekend away too & no point being unhappy. I’d rather not go away than stay in a mank hotel.

Fuck that. I have never and would never stay in a 2*. I'd rather not go away
I don't give a shit if I sound spoiled.

I really like PI and stay in one in particular ( in my son's Uniy town) Very spacious rooms and great customer service ( in my experience) Definitely make your own accommodation requirements and then catch up, as and when.

Nope, I'd be at the Premier Inn. I won't go away with a friend of mine anymore because she's so bloody tight. Always wants to stay in cheap nasty b&b to save £10, eat in shitty greasy spoon cafes etc. I swear she gets some thrill from seeing how little she can spend. A weekend away is a treat and I'd want to enjoy myself, eat in nice places etc. Don't compromise. If they want to penny pinch let them, dont be afraid of doing your own thing and meeting up with them later. If they are that hard up they should stay at home.

What is the point of a weekend away? To enjoy yourself and have a bit of a treat! If they can’t afford it then they shouldn’t be considering it.
And I don’t like the idea of cheap meals out to compensate either. Fish and chips on the beach is fine for lunch but KFC is gross. If they want to stay in a cheaper hotel that’s their choice but you don’t have to.

As you say they are a treat then hold firm with them and tell them it’s a treat for you, and you are happy with the Premier Inn and it’s up to them if they book the same hotel as you, or just meet up with you. Tell them you work hard for these treats and want to enjoy it

Well it’s all personal preference isn’t it I suppose but if I’m going away for the weekend I would love a spa/swimming pool etc so neither would do me 😬 but yes I would go for the premier inn (even though I stayed in one once) when our car broke down near one and I had the worst sleep ever!

I’m with you. I’m all about getting a good price but will always research (pictures and reviews) and spend a bit more for quality.

Do you have to stay in the same hotel? You could always just meet up at some designated place instead.

Have you looked up reviews of the one they want? Are they positive or negative? How much time do you plan on spending in the actual room/hotel- will you be having drinks there and is there a bar? If it's got crap reviews I'd use that- we want enjoy the weekend and that option is dire, hence this one will give us all a better time with a ice bar to catch up casually in the evening in. Stand firm. And if they say no- stick to your own pick, or the more expensive one and agree to meet in the mornings.

I can understand where the penny pinching friends are coming from because I am very "frugal" myself. Even for a holiday. But for the sake of £15 a night? That's going to be a whopping grand total of an extra £30 per couple for the whole weekend.

I think if you put your foot down and argue about it you will just look stroppy/princess like. I'd just say to them that you two are going to go with X hotel because you really like the look of it, and if they don't want to join you and are going with Y hotel then not to worry because you can meet for breakfast early doors and still spend lots of time together.

If they kick up a big fuss about this then they are the ones being princess like and stroppy. Pressure taken off you lol.

@5foot5 got it in one

@Childcar12 me too but I though I was being nice as I knew they’d baulk at my usual choices