Planning a family vacation can be stressful, especially when expectations aren’t clearly communicated. That was exactly the case for one couple who ultimately decided to cancel their trip after discovering they were expected to sleep in a bunk bed while their niece got a queen bed.
The situation began when the wife’s sister-in-law (SIL), who is 41, invited the couple—ages 36 and 34—to join her for a vacation at the end of summer. She booked a three-bedroom Airbnb and sent photos, and the couple agreed to pay for half of the rental. At first, everything seemed straightforward. The couple assumed the third bedroom was necessary because the SIL might be bringing her boyfriend. When asked about the need for three rooms, the SIL simply responded that it was the only option available, and they took her word for it. Things took a turn, however, when the SIL and her boyfriend came over for dinner and casually revealed that his 6-year-old daughter would be joining the trip. The couple had no problem with the child’s presence.
But then came the real issue—the boyfriend mentioned that the third “bedroom” was actually just a small office space where bunk beds had been added, and that’s where the couple was expected to sleep. They were stunned to find out that the two queen bedrooms were reserved for the SIL and her boyfriend, and for the six-year-old girl, simply because her room was closer to their own. The couple found this setup unfair, especially considering they were paying half of the Airbnb cost and expected to sleep in a cramped room clearly intended for children. Though they didn’t immediately express their dissatisfaction during the dinner, they later decided it didn’t make sense financially or personally to go through with the trip.
They respectfully asked to cancel and even offered to cover any cancellation fees. The SIL, however, was furious, accusing them of ruining the vacation for the child. The couple stood their ground, believing they were being taken advantage of and treated unfairly. The husband was initially torn but eventually sided with his wife, admitting the entire situation was unreasonable. To make matters worse, another detail emerged. The couple had planned to board their two small dogs, which is quite expensive in Florida, and believed everyone else was doing the same. But the boyfriend let it slip that they were planning to bring their small dog along to avoid kennel costs, something they hadn’t shared with the group. This revelation made the couple feel even more disrespected, as they were going out of their way to follow the agreed-upon rules, only to discover that others were bending them for their convenience.
@people Would you and your spouse sleep in separate #bunkbeds? 🤔 #Marriage #SleepTok @Virginia Chamlee ♬ original sound – People Magazine
The wife couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being asked to “suck it up” and go along with everything while the SIL and her boyfriend continuously made exceptions for themselves. Reddit users were quick to support the couple. Most agreed they were not at fault, pointing out that bunk beds are typically meant for children, not paying adult guests. Many highlighted how dishonest it was for the SIL to withhold critical details like room arrangements and the presence of the boyfriend’s daughter and their dog, knowing these factors might have influenced the couple’s decision. Some suggested the boyfriend had intentionally revealed these things to give the couple a chance to back out before it turned into a bigger conflict during the trip. Others shared similar stories of being tricked into unfair accommodations or being asked to subsidize someone else’s vacation. The consensus was clear: the couple was being manipulated and made the right call by backing out. They were praised for being polite, even offering to pay the cancellation fee. As one Redditor put it, “If you’re paying half, you should get one of the queen bedrooms. Giving a six-year-old her own room while putting two adults in a bunk bed is ridiculous.” Another user pointed out that if the child couldn’t sleep alone, her mattress could be moved to her parents’ room. After reading the overwhelming support, the wife updated the post to say she had officially canceled and received confirmation from the SIL. Her husband, though he felt bad for the little girl, recognized that the setup was completely unfair. They both agreed they were being used to fund the SIL’s trip and had no regrets walking away. In the end, honesty and fairness matter more than going along with plans that clearly put one party at a disadvantage.
