Well 2b - even if you had written confirmation showing the later checkout date, wouldn't they just (rightly) say "here's the card you husband signed at check-in verifying the (earlier) checkout date and rate"? So I'm not sure the lesson is to make sure you have a written confirmation - isn't the lesson (perhaps for your husband) to carefully examine what he is signing on check-in - or suffer the consequences (i.e. explaining to you what he screwed up this time). Or maybe the lesson is for you - not to trust your husband to check in!!! Anyway, sorry you had any aggravation at the hotel!