Having booked via Expedia and received confmation, the hotel texted us direct to say because we had opted to pay at the hotel, rather than up front, they had accepted another booking that was being paid for in advance.
As Expedia had my credit card details, I don't understand why the hotel thought there was any risk to them. At the time it was too late for us to cancel the booking for free.
Expedia's 'virtual assistant' is beyond useless and despite saying it would get someone how could help, we never heard anything.
It was the first time i have used Expedia, and it will certainly be the last.
It remains to be seen if Expedia have charged my credit card.