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When a friend invites you to stay with them, you normally expect it to be an offer out of the goodness of their heart - and not an opportunity to make some money.

Which is why one woman was left feeling "deeply upset" when a close pal sent her a huge bill for her upcoming visit to her home.

In a post on Mumsnet, the shocked mum-of-two revealed that her old friend lives in Southern Italy, and they'd arranged for the whole family to go and visit.

They'd planned to stay at their house for five days and the mum had expected to chip in and do her fair share while there - but she never expected to be charged an accommodation fee.

(Image: Getty)

She explained: "Old friend and godmother to my daughters, we arranged in January to visit her and her hubby who live in Southern Italy with our two children.

"We are staying for five nights. We spoke today to make final arrangements and she has asked us to pay her £800 plus food for the stay.

"I'm shocked and deeply upset as it seems so callous and commercial, not the visit to friends we had expected, plus we can't really afford it."

The mum goes on to say she'd be happy to pay £100 per head plus food, but double that amount seems a lot.

She wondered if she should cancel the trip but her daughter is so excited.

She added: "We are staying in their house, so not even an annex or separate apartment! I should have got this clear at the outset but I did not expect this five days before we go!

"I have always said I was happy to contribute and we were not looking for a freebie but...!!!!"

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Fellow parents were divided over who was in the wrong in this scenario.

One person replied: "Four people staying in her home for five days? I think she's trying to let you know she doesn't want you to stay."

Another said: "It's outrageous to charge guests to stay with you. Just appalling. And how would it ever come to £800 anyway? The whole thing is making me cringe for you."

A third thought the whole thing was "cheeky".

She commented: "That's beyond cheeky. I'd be very upset. I would never dream of charging friends to visit, especially as they are the ones paying for travel, etc."

A fourth posted: "I live abroad and am always happy when visitors contribute to food/drink but it isn't expected and would never charge for lodgings."

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? Email yourmirror@mirror.co.uk