The bottom line is that according to the terms of your purchase, the resort was well within its righ

Travel Solutions: Consider insurance when making nontraditional travel plans | cheapesttravelinsurance.org
I think this is one of those times when travel insurance would have been helpful. If you were able to make a successful claim, the insurance would have covered all of your costs, including the $400 charge from the hotel.
Yours is a cautionary coupons for rental cars tale for anyone booking travel in a nontraditional way, such as a membership organization, scuba diving store or yoga center. These are not professional travel agents or tour operators, so they may leave out a few details when it comes to the terms and conditions.
You need to be extra careful when you re booking coupons for rental cars a trip in this way. Ask about the cancellation policy, and if possible, get it in writing. And do that before you make your reservation; that way, if the terms seem unreasonable, you can ask a question or decline to book the trip.
The bottom line is that according to the terms of your purchase, the resort was well within its rights to keep your money. But as I mentioned earlier, they should have told you about it before you made your reservation.
Christopher Elliott coupons for rental cars is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service coupons for rental cars in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals (Wiley). He s also the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine and the co-founder of the Consumer Travel Alliance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for travelers. Read more tips on his blog, elliott.org , or email him at chris@elliott.org