Hoteliers Rights to Debit from a CC

CluelessJock

To cut a long story short a friend has had his credit card debited for a disputed amount by a hotelier following a telephone discussion after departure advising he did not accept the disputed amount. On contacting his credit card company he was advised that hoteliers retain the right within the t's & c's to charge outstanding amounts without the card holders specific authorisation. Examples of reasons given were to allow the hotelier to charge for damage or drinks taken from a bar, only discovered after departure.

Frankly I find it difficult to accept that the word of a hotelier is sufficient and that a credit card provider would allow this payment,

I don't need advice on how to deal with either the credit card company or hotelier but would appreciate anyone who can simply expand on the rights of hoteliers and point me in the direction of the relevant law.

Many thanks,

CJ

Catsmam

As far as I am aware it could be considered as theft if your friend left without paying a bill even though he was disputuing it & in some cases the police have been involved.

newsseller12

I can't answer your question but would like to add that this has also happened to me.
The thieveing hotel in my case was the Gables Hotel, Gretna green. I got back from my honeymoon to find they had charged £150 to my card which I disputed I owed them. My card company would do nothing to help so I ended up paying the bill.

CluelessJock

thanks newsseller, what reasoning did the cc company give for paying an unauthorised amount and not refunding?

If this is indeed acceptable to cc companies it gives any hotelier the ability to fabricate reasons for charging after guests have departed.

exel1966

CluelessJock wrote: »

To cut a long story short a friend has had his credit card debited for a disputed amount by a hotelier following a telephone discussion after departure advising he did not accept the disputed amount. On contacting his credit card company he was advised that hoteliers retain the right within the t's & c's to charge outstanding amounts without the card holders specific authorisation. Examples of reasons given were to allow the hotelier to charge for damage or drinks taken from a bar, only discovered after departure.

Frankly I find it difficult to accept that the word of a hotelier is sufficient and that a credit card provider would allow this payment,

I don't need advice on how to deal with either the credit card company or hotelier but would appreciate anyone who can simply expand on the rights of hoteliers and point me in the direction of the relevant law.

Many thanks,

CJ

Maybe you could elaborate as to what tthe dispute is actually over ? The hotelier may be within their rights, maybe not, but based on what you've advised it's impossible to answer.

CluelessJock

I don't need help in sorting the dispute, I just need more information on the rights of hoteliers to make unauthorised debits.

withabix

They generally have that right, as you WILL have agreed to their terms & conditions when you signed that chit at check-in and when you signed your account when you checked out..and additionally when you booked if you did it online.

Given that most hotel guests check out and scarper before the hotel can check a room for damage, minibar usage etc, it's hardling suprising.

neilwootton

We have a merchant's handbook from Barclaycard at work and there is something in there about charging to a credit card.

I shall check it tomorrow about what they can and can't do, and get back to you.

exel1966

CluelessJock wrote: »

I don't need help in sorting the dispute, I just need more information on the rights of hoteliers to make unauthorised debits.

But it's only unauthorised in your/his opinion ! The hotelier obviously thinks otherwise !

When checking in and leaving a card imprint/swipe you are in effect giving them authorisation to charge that card for extra expenses/incidentals inccurred. Those expenses have been obviously been incurred, therefore you've been charged, otherwise it could be considered as theft.

Now if you don't want to elaborate, fine, but don't expect a difinitive answer from anyone here. I think you'll find that most areas of consumer law/legalities give examples of what is considered just or unjust.

withabix

CluelessJock wrote: »

I don't need help in sorting the dispute, I just need more information on the rights of hoteliers to make unauthorised debits.

Pay per view !!!!!! film then....:rolleyes:

A.Jones

CluelessJock wrote: »

I don't need help in sorting the dispute, I just need more information on the rights of hoteliers to make unauthorised debits.

Hoteliers do not have the right to make any unauthorised debits to a card. They are allowed to make authorised debits though. People staying in the hotel give them authorisation to make debits for items / damage not paid for on checkout when they sign the agreement and let their card be swiped.