A Shanghai pensioner, surnamed Tian, reported a distressing experience at a wellness retreat in Songjiang last week, where his hotel stay was disrupted by a power and water cutoff.

The disruption, which affected over 100 elderly guests, stemmed from a funding crisis at the wellness company managing the program. Tian had signed a wellness service agreement with Shanghai 5060 Tourism Service Co., Ltd. on May 22, 2026, paying 18,800 yuan for 210 days of service at designated hotels in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai regions.

The deal seemed attractive, offering hotel accommodation and three meals daily for under 90 yuan per day, compared to the hotels' standard room rates of about 200 yuan.

On August 19, Tian checked into the Huaxi Meishi Hotel in Songjiang, one of the designated partner hotels, with reservations confirmed through the end of the month. However, on August 22, the hotel posted a notice announcing the termination of its cooperation with the tourism company, warning that meal services would cease and utilities would be cut off starting the next day.

When Tian contacted the tourism company, he was told they were facing financial difficulties and could not pay the hotel. On August 23, the hotel followed through on its threat, cutting power and water for the elderly guests.

"We paid the tourism company, so why punish us for a dispute between the hotel and the company?" Tian protested. With temperatures high and no air conditioning or water, many of the elderly guests could not endure the conditions. By August 25, Tian, unable to cope with the heat and stress, returned home.

Another affected guest, a Mr. Shi, told reporters he had paid nearly 40,000 yuan for 400 days of service. The tourism company is offering a settlement that requires guests to bear a 20% loss, with the remaining balance issued as an IOU payable six months later. This would cost Shi nearly 7,000 yuan, leaving his refund as a mere "blank check".

During negotiations, Shi's blood pressure spiked to 220 mmHg, requiring emergency medical attention. At least 20 to 30 elderly guests remain at the hotel, waiting for a resolution.

The hotel's front desk declined to provide further details, while the tourism company's representative, Mr. Gao, insisted "the matter is closed" before hanging up. A former employee, Ms. Pan, confirmed the company's financial collapse, citing underpriced products and unpaid wages, with total debts reaching 2 to 3 million yuan.

Records show Shanghai 5060 Tourism Service Co., Ltd. was established on August 7, 2025, with a registered capital of 10 million yuan. Worryingly, Tian noted the company was still accepting new customer payments right up until the crisis hit.

Legal expert Sun Yingjie of Shanghai Xinshi Law Firm criticized the hotel's actions, stating that by accepting the guests' bookings, the hotel assumed the risk of non-payment by the tourism company and had no right to evict consumers or shift that business risk onto them. The hotel should instead pursue payment from the tourism operator. He also noted that cutting off utilities for elderly guests in hot weather is improper and could lead to liability for any resulting harm or losses.

As of the latest update, Shi, reluctantly, signed the termination agreement, accepting a 10% deduction on the remaining days' value. His personal loss is nearly 3,200 yuan, and he remains doubtful about receiving his refund, summing up the uncertainty with, "Who knows if we'll see that money in six months?"