I signed a contract over 9 months ago to reserve a banquet room at a very well known reputable hotel and was told verbally by the banquet manager that if I cancelled I would lose the 500 deposit. 1 week ago I received a bill for $5000 stating it was in the contract that if cancelled, I would be responsible for entire charge of 150 people $34 per person which is over 5000! This was very very fine print, and I have to admit I signed without reading since the woman working me was so friendly and told me what was "basically" in the contract. I know this was stupid on my part, but I am very young and naïve, and I trusted her word. Is there a way I can get out of this $5000 bill? I don't have a penny to my name, let alone $5000. The company recently changed ownership if that matters.

Unfortunately I don't see anyway out of this. A contract is a contract regardless of the size of the print. I know it sucks, and sometimes people can be decieving in and effort to win your business. But bottomline is that you signed the contract agreeing to all the terms.

Hello nikki:

It doesn't look good. However, never say never….

How long before the event did you cancel? If they didn't have to prepare food, and could have booked the room again, I don't think they're entitled to get paid for the entire event. They shouldn't get paid for food they still have in their freezer, and for wages that they didn't have to pay. Nope. That's why they have a deposit.

I think you have a shot at winning this if they sued you. Although, the devil is in the details.

excon

How long before the event did you cancel? If they didn't have to prepare food, and could have booked the room again, I don't think they're entitled to get paid for the entire event. They shouldn't get paid for food they still have in their freezer, and for wages that they didn't have to pay. Nope. That's why they have a deposit.


Very true... I know in my contract for my wedding the only "fine print" was that if I cancelled less than 6 months before the event I would lose my deposit and any payments made.

I agree with excon, that it is worth trying to fight... BUT it is going to be hard to argue the contract that stated such, and you signed agreeing to it.