A couple who spent $630 to reserve a room at Yosemite National Park a year in advance found themselves in a frustrating dispute with Citigroup after discovering the hotel had a rodent problem. Days before their planned trip, they learned about the infestation and attempted to dispute the charge with their Citi credit card, only to be told it was too late for a refund.

Credit card disputes typically have strict time limits, often ranging from 60 to 120 days from the transaction date. In this case, the year-long advance booking meant the couple's payment fell well outside standard dispute windows. The incident highlights the challenges travelers face when booking accommodations far in advance, particularly for popular destinations like Yosemite where rooms sell out months or even years ahead.

For consumers, this case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of advance bookings and the importance of understanding credit card dispute policies. While Citigroup and other major issuers offer protections for billing errors and fraudulent charges, these protections have clear limitations. Travelers booking well in advance may want to consider travel insurance or other safeguards beyond standard credit card protections.