Playbooks / Hotel

How to complain about a hotel

Hotel disputes are booked, charged, and confirmed in writing, which makes them among the easiest complaints to prove.

What goes wrong most often

  • Room not as booked, with no comparable substitute
  • Resort fees not disclosed at booking
  • Charged for damage you did not cause
  • Prepaid reservation cancelled on arrival

The evidence that decides it

  • The booking confirmation with the rate
  • Photos of the room
  • The folio and card statement

Quote the booked rate, the final folio, and the difference.

The regulator most people never use

State attorney general; the brand's corporate guest relations for franchises

For a franchised property, the brand's corporate escalation frequently produces a refund faster than the property will.

Your state's channel is listed in the state complaint guides.

Where to post it

Wording that survives moderation

Start from a review template, keep every claim tied to a document, and read the wording rules before you post. If it comes down anyway, there is an appeal path.

Other industries