I booked a day use reservation at an IHG-flagged property in California through Dayuse.com. When I arrived, the manager, who also seemed like the owner, refused to provide a room key on the grounds that the room was needed for overnight guests (indeed, the overnight room rate had jumped to multiples of the day use rate). Yet I had a confirmed reservation, and needed the room. I called Dayuse, who contacted the manager and spoke to him at length, but nothing doing. I then called Dayuse and they issued me a 15%-off code for a future stay, agreeing that the hotels's position violated their T&C. I checked into another hotel.

Imagine my surprise when I was billed for the room I wasn't allowed to occupy. I disputed the charge with Chase. They initiated a full investigation, which took several months. Unfortunately, the dispute has been resolved with Chase agreeing with the hotel that I did check in. As evidence, they sent me a record of the reservation with my signature. All I can think of is that the desk assistant had me sign that form before the manager refused me a room. In my surprise, I probably forgot I'd signed such a form moments before.

This evidence would seem to prevent me from taking the matter to Small Claims Court, which I'd otherwise intended to do. I happen to live in the same court jurisdiction as the hotel, so it wouldn't have been that inconvenient.

Any thoughts?