What to do if a hotel keeps your deposit for no reason?


What to do if a hotel keeps your deposit for no reason? First, contact the hotel directly and explain why you think they should return your deposit. Be sure to provide any evidence that supports your claim if possible. If this doesn't work, consider filing a complaint with a consumer protection agency or small claims court in order to get justice for yourself.


How long does a hotel hold your deposit?

No federal law limits how long a hotel can keep a guest's deposit. Most state regulations allow hotels to keep guest deposits for 30 days after check-out. Call the hotel if you're worried about your deposit. Yes, a hotel can hold a deposit after check-out.


How long can you stay in a hotel without paying?

If a stay in a hotel for less than a month you can be locked out of your room if you do not pay the daily rate or if you break some rule of the hotel. On the other hand, it is an entirely different game if you stay for a month or more. In this case you become a tenant and the tenant/landlord law applies.


Why did my hotel charge me before check in?

Most hotels no longer take a deposit for a check-in. They now process a pre-authorization of a fixed amount to your nominated credit card, usually at check-in. This will not be billed to your account and in most instances is reversed when you check-out from the hotel.


Why did the hotel keep my deposit?

Each hotel will have its own specific hold amount, generally $50-$200, on top of your room rate (including taxes and fees). While the hotel won't officially charge you until after you check out, the issuer will put aside the hold amount in the interim to ensure you are able to cover a potential charge.


Can hotels refuse to refund?

Many hotel stays are refundable as long as you cancel within at least 48 hours. But some aren't. If you leave without making any arrangements, the hotel will probably charge you for the full stay. Experts say hotels consider refund requests on a case-by-case basis.


How do I dispute a hotel resort fee?

She urges friends to file an online consumer complaint with the attorney general in their home state or the state where the hotel is located. Attorneys general often send a letter to the hotel about the charge, she says.


Can I refuse to pay resort fees?

You cannot simply refuse to pay resort fees, but — just as some hotel employees are occasionally empowered to compensate you — the employee might have authority to remove your resort fee. Just understand that this is the exception, not the norm. And while it doesn't hurt to ask, it helps to ask nicely.


Are hotel incidentals refunded?

When staying at a hotel, it is common to pay incidentals such as room service, minibar purchases, and damages. These fees are held as a deposit by the hotel and are usually refunded after check-out. However, it can take some time for the refund to be processed and returned to the guest's account.


Do hotels always ask for a deposit?

Some hotels require a deposit for each night you stay, while others ask for a flat fee. Moreover, some hotels may charge a higher deposit for certain room types or peak seasons.


Can I cancel a hotel after paying?

Many hotel stays are refundable as long as you cancel within at least 48 hours. But some aren't. If you leave without making any arrangements, the hotel probably will charge you for the full stay. Experts say hotels consider refund requests on a case-by-case basis.


Can a hotel take money from your account without permission?

No, hotels are not allowed to charge a credit card without your signature. This is because it is against the law for any business to process a payment without the customer's authorization. Furthermore, it would be considered fraudulent activity and could result in serious legal consequences for both parties involved.