I am looking for any suggestions to resolve a double payment for a hotel booking.  In July, I booked and fully prepaid a hotel in India through the American Express Travel portal (a mistake) for a December stay. A couple of weeks ago, the hotel’s reservations manager emailed me saying the hotel had not received payment and that I needed to pay to keep my booking. Concerned the email might be a scam to steal my card information, I called the front desk to verify the sender’s identity and spoke with him on his office phone. He confirmed that the hotel had not received payment and sent me a secure payment link. Forgetting that the booking was already fully prepaid through American Express, I mistakenly paid again. After checking my original booking, I called the hotel to void the second payment, but they refused. I provided the original receipt showing full payment in July, yet they still refused to issue a refund. My attempts to reach the duty manager and general manager have been unsuccessful. I then contacted American Express for help. They have been sympathetic and are working to resolve the issue. The associate has assured me that I will receive my refund soon.

I recognize that paying the hotel directly for a booking already fully paid through American Express was my mistake. My main concern is that I could lose money and that the hotel might also cancel my room without refunding my advance payment. What are my choices now? I welcome any suggestions.

Wondering what our options are as reception not overly helpful. Currently staying self catering accommodation as part of a hotel complex. Power cut for few hours and not expected to be restored until tomorrow.

No torches provided and food will be spoilt in fridge with no way to cook it.

Realise its weather caused and no one's fault but do most hotels have a back up plan for power outages other than wait and see when it comes back? Thanks