On first reading I would think its not a scam as he has been in contact with you for so long, My thoughts as an English guy is that maybe he is not comfortable with you paying as the male role is normally the one of the provider and he embarrassed that he is not able to take that role. Yes it is possible that he has a wife or girlfriend that he hasn't told you about but the fact that he is asking you help at the time your going to be there with him makes me think he is just a little uncomfortable with the situation.
You will know when you get there if he still has the money you sent or if he has paid the hotel as planned and you will have a gut feeling inside when your together. Try not to think to much about other peoples scam stories and trust your own judgment.
Have a great trip
