DEAR HARRIETTE: I stayed at a hotel over the New Year’s holiday and thought I was lucky to even get a room, considering the time of year. I was told that there were no additional rooms when I booked mine. When I got to my room, I was horrified. While it looked clean, it smelled horrible. Really, it smelled like homeless people had been camping out there. Now – I am not meaning to disparage people who are homeless, but I also don’t expect to pay top dollar for a hotel room that is rank. I didn’t know what to do, given that I was told it was sold out, so I just sucked it up. But I’m mad. What should I have done? Is it too late to complain? – Disgusted, White Plains, New York

DEAR DISGUSTED: I’m sorry you didn’t speak up immediately. There may have been a cancellation or another room available, even though the agent told you otherwise. At the very least, you could have asked to have your room thoroughly cleaned before you occupied it. You also could have requested a refund or discount based on the inconvenience.

What you can do now is alert hotel management to your extreme disappointment with your room. You can write a note, naming the room number and including all of the details that you recall. At the very least, you will be informing them, but you may end up receiving a discount card for another visit. It is doubtful that you will receive a refund.

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DEAR HARRIETTE: I have loaned money to people over the years, and rarely has anyone paid me back. I was clear that these were loans and not gifts, but somehow that hasn’t prompted them to give me the money. To be honest, I haven’t followed up. Now I am in a pinch, and I could really use the money that is owed to me. What do I say to try to get it back? – Friend in Need, Jackson, Mississippi

DEAR FRIEND IN NEED: Be honest with your friends. Tell them that you are in a financial pinch and need help. Remind each of them individually that you loaned them a particular amount of money that they have yet to repay. Ask them to repay it now. It is unlikely that everyone will be able to respond to your request, but you can definitely make it clear that this is your hour of need. Ask your friends to give you whatever they can and to give you the balance as soon as possible.

If you end up short, you may need to actually borrow money from someone who is liquid. Just make sure you pay that person back. Also, know that when you loan money to someone, it is wise to consider it a gift – for your own good – because many people do not repay loans.

— Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to [email protected] or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.