To spend this amount of money

[Mindycindy]

Basically I've had the year from Hell. My dog passed away, I had a major health scare and was admitted to hospital, I was diagnosed with a chronic serious illness and then most recently my dad passed away.

I want to do something special this Christmas.

I have been left a small amount by my dad, a few thousand.

I have found a 3 night stay in a really luxury place that includes all food (three courses etc) for Christmas eve Christmas day and boxing day. It really is a special place.

It costs 1800. Is that just a total waste of money? It's over half of what my dad left me and I'd hate to think I'm wasting it. I know its all relative but do you think that's what you'd expect that to cost for 2 people at Christmas time in a luxury place with all food included for 3 nights?

Do you have any savings?
if so then go but otherwise I'd keep it for an emergency or book something more worthwhile like a nice holiday abroad. But if this is what's going to make you happy then go for it

Sounds like a great thing, one of those things you'll only do once a lifetime. My only caution is to read reviews or speak to someone who's done it. In fact, maybe just drop in for a look-see this Christmas and then book it for the following if it looked ok. My ex's family once took us out to a local good hotel for Christmas day meal and it was atrocious. Sadly, although that was only one of many decades of Christmas's that I've had, I've never forgotten it!

No I would not do this because Christmas deals in hotels can be very disappointing.

This. 100%.

I think I'd save the money to buy another dog. The dog would bring you years of companionship and joy.

It’s all relative.

im spending £3000 on a week in Italy over Christmas. No one is missing out because I’m spending the money, It doesn’t put me in debt, it will make me incredibly fucking happy. So therefore it’s well worth it.

You sound like you’ve had an incredibly difficult year and deserve some time out. If this is what you want to do then it’s SO worth it

I would do the hotel stay before Christmas to make sure I have the r&r I deserved but avoiding the special price.
Also because, if the cost is a niggle it just won’t leave my head and I’d expect perfection in the stay. I won’t enjoy the break.

I have been away over the past three years and spent similar amounts, it’s well worth it in my opinion. No cooking, food shopping or tidying up.

Yes I was going to say this.

I don't think anyone can say whether it's a reasonable use of your inheritance, because that's a personal decision for you and depends on what else you would spend the money on otherwise. And also on things like your financial circumstances more generally.

But if it were me, I'd spend that on a foreign holiday (not necessarily over Christmas, but possibly) and not one a short UK stay.

Having said that, I've never really appreciated luxury resorts and hotels, and I never feel that I've got my money's worth out of them (even when I've been on someone else's money). You might well enjoy that style of place more than me, which is another reason no one else can make this choice for you.

It's not that much to be honest. I would spend more if I were you.

I'd go abroad for a week over Christmas for that amount.
Can often get good deals Christmas week as many people prefer to be at home.
3 days will go so quickly

I think if you’re worried enough to post about this then you possibly won’t have the relaxing break you’re after, as you’ll be thinking about whether the price was worth it throughout your stay.

I’d absolutely go, I understand people saying if you’re in debt or no savings etc but frankly you could be hit by a bus tomorrow, savings can’t help you then.
If you’re financially in dire straits about to lose your home then obviously not but if it’s treat money then yes, treat yourself. Treats are not supposed to be economically viable, it’s an extravagance, a luxury. Sometimes after a hugely shit time we just need a reset and if this will do it for you then you go right ahead and enjoy. If you feel you need permission to do this, tell yourself your dad would love you to use his gift this way.

Also you may be able to get longer away abroad somewhere for the money which you could look into but I’d certainly go away somewhere.

it's your money and only you can decide what you want to do with it. People can say it's expensive or you can a week abroad for that price until they're blue in the face but only you know what you want to do. You've had a rough time of things and you deserve to treat yourself. There will always be bills to pay, you don't always have the opportunity for something special.

I mean, it’s what these things cost. It is a lot but I’d be suspicious of anywhere they said they could offer what you describe for less over Xmas.

I would do it if it won’t leave you short later on.

I'm so sorry you lost your dad.

I wouldn't use his money for something like that - I'd want to keep it as security.

Its a lot of money OP, so I'd be thinking carefully about whether the enjoyment I'd be likely to get would be worth spending it. I'd factor in how much that money meant to me in the context of the rest of my finances, because there's a big difference between being extravagant with some extra money when you're fairly wealthy, and using up half of what might be your only nest egg. I'd factor in that I would be paying a huge premium because its Xmas, and think about whether it had to be then or whether I'd get as much pleasure from it at a cheaper time. I'd consider my other options for Xmas and whether there was as much enjoyment likely to be had at less cost. I'd think about what else that money might buy holiday wise, you could go further for longer, and decide if this hotel really was my top choice for treating myself to a break.

It sounds lovely but personally I couldn't get past 1800 for 3 nights and so I would prefer a week in the sun in dark January or like someone above says pay half out of your pocket and it isn't eating up 1800 gift. However if you're comfortable financially no debt etc savings then maybe you should go for it

I'd go away for a week abroad in January instead. In fact I might do it in Jan 2026 instead and let it sit in a high interest bank account until then.

The drawback with Christmas in a hotel is you get to do what some planner decided you’d like at Christmas ( I’ve done it a couple of times).
Do you not want to be at home because of the memories? If it’s for that reason then go or look at something maybe a bit cheaper.
If you’re ok at home for Christmas look at a week’s holiday somewhere warmer than Britain for January or February.

It's a lot of money but for all food over Christmas it sounds quite reasonable. I just checked our local 5* hotels and one is £780 room only per night for the cheapest room 24th-27th December (based on 2 adults sharing) and the other is from £300 without any meals. Christmas Day dinner at one of them is £195pp. Is there anything to do at or around the hotel?

For real luxury at that time of year it doesn't sound unreasonably priced but if it is worth it to you only you can really gauge.

I would rather book an Air bnb type cottage over that period and take my own favourite foods and drinks with me and just veg out.

@Mindycindy sorry! I can afford it but I still would not waste that amount of money on a three day break!! there are more important things, I am sure, which you should be using the money for!