Originally Posted by
hotelboy
The hotel does not get paid in points until the guest arrives. If the guest does not arrive the hotel is not paid.
But the OP did arrive—OP simply did so later than expected due to an unforeseen and unexpected delay that was not OP's fault. I don't see why the hotel couldn't have checked OP in when OP called, or advised OP to check in via the app.
Also, do the cancellation terms and conditions actually disclose the charge for arriving late, or do they simply disclose the amount for a complete no show? If only the latter, I'm not sure there's a leg to stand on for charging $1000/night for arriving a day late.