Originally Posted by flyerCO

Why did you lose hotel? If it was paid, it was yours regardless of time got there.

Also who said had to stay? Yes in general one must clear bags through customs. However there is procedures in place for when bags don't appear.

File a missing bag report. This doesn't even need be done at airport, if agent refuses/line too long. You can call reservations the next day and get transferred to baggage.. They can open report.. Your bags will be treated the same as if they hadn't been loaded on the flight..