Hotel charged more than booking price: What to do?

Have you ever booked a hotel room online only to find out that the hotel charged you more than the booking price?

It can be frustrating and even ruin your travel budget. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: you can dispute the charges with your credit card company or negotiate with the hotel for a refund.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps of what to do when a hotel charges you more than the booking price and how to avoid it in the future.

Understand the reason behind the extra charges

It can be frustrating to see extra charges added to your hotel bill, especially if they were not disclosed at the time of booking. However, before jumping to conclusions and assuming that the hotel is trying to scam you, it is important to understand the reason behind the charges. Here are some common reasons why you may be charged more than the booking price:

Taxes and fees

One of the most common reasons for extra charges is taxes and fees. Depending on the location of the hotel, there may be additional taxes and fees that are not included in the booking price. For example, some cities have a tourism tax that is added to hotel bills. Additionally, some hotels may charge a resort fee or service fee that was not disclosed at the time of booking. To avoid surprises, it is always a good idea to research the taxes and fees that may be associated with your stay before making a reservation.

Room upgrades

If you requested a room upgrade or additional amenities, such as a balcony or a view, you may be charged extra for these services. While these charges should be disclosed at the time of booking, it is possible that they were not properly communicated or that you were not aware of the additional cost. If you are unsure about the charges, do not hesitate to ask the hotel staff for clarification.

Additional services

Hotels may offer additional services, such as room service, laundry, or parking, that are not included in the booking price. If you use these services, you may be charged extra for them. To avoid surprises, be sure to ask about any additional charges before using the service.

It is important to note that in some cases, extra charges may be the result of an error or mistake. If you believe that you have been overcharged, speak to the hotel staff and provide evidence to support your claim. In most cases, hotels will work with you to resolve any billing issues.

Dispute the charges with your credit card company

It can be frustrating to discover that a hotel has charged you more than the booking price. However, there are steps you can take to dispute these charges and potentially receive a refund. One option is to dispute the charges with your credit card company.

Gather evidence

Before contacting your credit card company, it’s important to gather evidence to support your claim. This may include the original booking confirmation, a copy of the hotel bill, and any other documentation related to the reservation.

If you notice the discrepancy while you are still at the hotel, speak with the front desk staff and ask for an explanation. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of any relevant documents or receipts.

Contact your credit card company

Once you have gathered your evidence, contact your credit card company to dispute the charges. You can typically do this by phone or online through your credit card account. Explain the situation and provide any documentation that supports your claim.

It’s important to note that you should only dispute the amount that exceeds the agreed-upon booking price. If there were any additional charges, such as taxes or fees, you may still be responsible for paying those.

Follow up with the credit card company

After you have filed a dispute, follow up with your credit card company to check on the status of your claim. They may require additional information or documentation, so be sure to respond promptly to any requests.

It’s also a good idea to keep a record of all communication with the credit card company, including dates and details of your conversations. This can help if you need to escalate the dispute or file a complaint with a regulatory agency.

Remember, it’s important to act quickly when disputing charges with your credit card company. Many credit card companies have a limited time frame for disputes, so don’t delay in taking action.

Negotiate with the hotel for a refund

Booking a hotel room can be a stressful experience, especially when you find out that the hotel has charged you more than the booking price. However, it is important to stay calm and approach the situation in a professional manner. Here are some steps you can take to negotiate with the hotel for a refund:

Stay calm and be polite

It is understandable to feel frustrated or angry when you realize that you have been overcharged by the hotel. However, it is important to remain calm and polite when speaking to the hotel staff. Getting angry or confrontational will not help resolve the situation and may make it more difficult to negotiate a refund.

Explain the situation

When speaking to the hotel staff, explain the situation clearly and calmly. Let them know that you have been charged more than the booking price and provide any evidence you have, such as a confirmation email or receipt. Be prepared to provide specific details, such as the date of the booking and the amount you were charged.

Ask for a refund

If you have been overcharged, you are entitled to a refund of the difference between the booking price and the amount you were charged. Ask the hotel staff for a refund and be firm but polite in your request. If the hotel refuses to provide a refund, you may need to escalate the issue.

Escalate the issue

If the hotel refuses to provide a refund, you can escalate the issue by speaking to a manager or contacting the hotel’s customer service department. You may also want to consider disputing the charge with your credit card company or filing a complaint with a consumer protection agency. Remember to remain calm and professional throughout the process.

Prevent future overcharges

Being charged more than the booking price can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening again in the future. Here are some tips:

Read the fine print

Before booking your stay, make sure to read the fine print carefully. Look for any potential fees or charges that may not be included in the advertised price. This can include taxes, resort fees, or other additional charges. By being aware of these fees upfront, you can avoid any surprises later on.

Double-check your booking details

When making your reservation, double-check all of the details to ensure that they are correct. This includes the dates of your stay, the number of guests, and the room type. Any mistakes or changes can lead to additional fees or charges. By verifying the details, you can avoid any unexpected fees.

Contact the hotel before your arrival

One way to prevent overcharges is to contact the hotel before your arrival. This can give you the opportunity to confirm all of the details of your reservation and ask any questions you may have. You can also ask about any potential fees or charges that may not be included in the booking price. By doing so, you can avoid any surprises when you check-in.

Remember, it’s always better to be proactive when it comes to preventing overcharges. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your next hotel stay is free from unexpected fees or charges.

Conclusion

Getting charged more than the booking price can be annoying, but it’s not the end of the world. By understanding the reason behind the extra charges, disputing the charges with your credit card company, or negotiating with the hotel for a refund, you can get your money back.

To prevent future overcharges, make sure to read the fine print, double-check your booking details, and contact the hotel before your arrival. With these tips, you can avoid the hassle of dealing with pricey surprises and enjoy your travels stress-free.