Yes, seeing a solar eclipse can indeed be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But, not all of our wishes can be realized easily. There are many challenges that we will face as happened in the story above. Good thing @donkeypong has prepared several plans: plan A and plan B. Unfortunately, plan B just choose to stay home, how unpleasant.
Oh yes, the hotel reservation tricks done far away are good to try. At least we can get a cheaper price. What the hotel did (if it actually happened) that asked for a canceled reservation was outrageous and unjustified.