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?

I wouldn't go asmy dad wouldn't have hated me to fritter money away on something like that. You dad may be the opposite though, only you know how he would feel.

If you think of it as a gift from your father, what do you think he would like you to do?

Do it! You deserve it and in the grand scheme of things, it's not a huge amount of money. Your dad would be pleased his money is going towards something special for you.

@Mindycindy Life is for living, one minute we are here, next we are gone. You wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do this if your Dad hadn’t left you the money, so I’d say go.

You’ve had a rubbish year, treat yourself to a relaxing Christmas, you deserve it xx

Given your updates, OP, I would absolutely go. It sounds like it would be a lovely time to raise a glass to your dad and remember him fondly.

I rescind my earlier comment; it sounds really festive and just the break you need from "real life." Do go and enjoy.

Yes, I'd go. You know the hotel so it's unlikely to be a let down. It would be nice not to try to do the usual Christmas without your father.

I would advise you to do it, it will be a lovely end to the year from hell, treat it as your dad's Christmas gift to you something you need and will enjoy in his memory,

Have a lovely time.

Is there the possibility of going for 2 nights and would there be a significant difference? Xmas Eve and Xmas day or is it a 3 night only package? is there also anyway of seeing if they do discounts - NHS/Expedia etc? I find booking direct and saying I have Expedia Gold discount still works on 5 star as they often are still on sales platforms. Obviously not all take this approach but I always check!

That said, for a special holiday trip I don’t think it’s too bad. We will likely be spending that for 2 nights at Disneyland Paris mid level hotel stay without travel, our toddler stays and eats for free as she is under 3 so that’s just the standard price for 2 adults! I know it has theme park access but I think the festive holiday sounds much more relaxing with the carols and spa access for activities and much better quality food (sadly we have 15 years until we can relax again!)

I wouldn't for many reasons, but I'm not you, and if that is what floats your boat absolutely go for it. I am sure you dad would want to see you enjoy it your way.

It’s all relative.

if you’re doing ok else where in life, meaning you don’t have a big debt to pay off, you’re not struggling to pay the mortgage etc then I would 100% go for it!

If I had unpaid bills then no.
if not I would go and toast my Dad whilst I was there. Go for it

In the grand scheme of things, £1800 is nothing, but that experience and memories will be priceless for you and your DH.
Life is for living, not just surviving. None of us get out alive anyway, no matter how dull and sensible we are. Spend the money. Go the place. Do the thing.
You are worth it 🌺

Personally, I wouldn't dream of it. I would hate to be disappointed if it wasn't superb and I always feel sorry for staff who have to work over Christmas and they can often be distracted and their heart isn't in it, because they want to be home with their families, not serving turkey and champagne to rich people!

I would so much prefer to splash out at home. Buy some really luxury food and drinks/champagne and toast your Dad in familiar surroundings.

This is just me and my opinion. My comiserations on your loss.

What hotel? Lots of us go away at Christmas and someone might have been there in the last year or two to tell you if it's worth it or not.

Personally, I think you should book it anyway

Agree with others saying they’d rather spend it on a longer holiday abroad BUT if you would rather the 3 days over Christmas then absolutely do it. Life can be really shit sometimes and we all deserve a treat and to just leave everything behind for a bit x

Christmas cruise.

How proportionate is it to your usual income or spending habits? Will you be expecting the most mind blowing luxury and then be a bit disappointed if you don't have an amazing room, a good table or the service is a bit slow? What about if the people next to your are loud and obnoxious?
I always like the thought of going away for Christmas but fear that it would never actually be amazing enough to live up to my expectations and I would feel under pressure to be on sparkly form all of the time. And I really like leftovers!

We have spent Christmas at PennyHill park and it really was something very special. Already booked for this Christmas though. Definitely go to your chosen hotel and enjoy 😊

Even if you have been before, it is certainly possible to have a sh*t time in a very luxury place either because they are having an off day/you get unlucky with staff and rooms OR because ownership/managerial staff have recently change and its all gone to pot.

I had this experience recently where in a very lovely place I went to get some rest I was given a really shitty room that was roasting hot at night and right next to some kitchen fans so there was loud noise until about 1am when the kitchen closed.

The hotel was fully booked so I couldn't move rooms despite complaining. It was expensive but a shitty time because the sleep quality was so poor.

So I would think of it like this, if you spent this money and had less than the fabulous time you expect, how would you feel? Sounds like you couldn't really afford (or want to) write it off because it's a lot of money for you. Would you feel like you'd wasted your father's money.

So you maybe better (if you are set on time away) shifting your dates. Christmas is alwasy insanely expensive.

It honestly sounds lovely OP. I totally understand the idea of ringfencing this money for something special and whilst I may have suggested a week somewhere warmer in January, I think creating a new Christmas tradition makes sense and sounds wonderful. The way you described it above really does sound very cosy. I think you should go for it.

I also have a terrible habit of talking myself out of spending on luxuries for myself. I'd happily do it for others but for me, I always think the money can be better spent but I never know on what. Change your perspective - this isn't just money spent on a holiday; this break marks a heartwarming end to a tough year, a special Christmas treat from your dad and the start of a new tradition.

And honestly, considering UK prices and the meals and events included for 2, I don't think the price sounds bad.

Go OP and have a great time!

I actually think for 3 nights over Christmas that’s a reasonable price. Go and enjoy yourself.

I’d go for it. You need a change of scenery the first Christmas without a parent and it’ll be a lovely way to toast your dad’s memory. You’ll always remember the experience, whereas if you buy stuff or soak it into savings it doesn’t seem as meaningful somehow (disclaimer being if you’re struggling in debt then obviously it would make more sense to sort out finances!).

I would go. I understand the need to get away somewhere different the first Christmas after a death. My Mum and I spent the first Christmas after my Dad died in Marrakesh. In the following years, we went to Madeira, Barbados and Dubai. It was really important for us not to be sitting around thinking of times past. If you don't need the money for debts or other costs, then I thinking spending some on a stay like this is a good idea. I also don't think that is that bad a deal for two people at Christmas, all meals included.

You’ve had a tough year. Yes it’s a lot of money, but it’s bonus/extra money and it sounds like you need it. Go for it.