Spanish hotel security deposit - how do I get it back?

Woollie

Hello. My daughter, and 5 friends, recently visited a Spanish hotel and had to pay a security deposit (against damages) of euro €200. Payment was made by DEBIT card. Because they were checking out before Reception Desk opened, they were told to leave the key as they left, and that the deposit would be refunded to the debit card once the room had been checked for damages. This was 4 weeks ago. We have emailed - in both English and Spanish, but have received no response. Looking at the hotel reviews on Trip Advisor, the comments are extremely negative; and I suspect they will continue to ignore us. But I don't want to go down without a fight! Can anyone suggest how we should proceed. I know €200 isn't a 'king's ransom' - but it's a lot of money to my 19yr old daughter; and there's principle involved! Thanks in advance for your advice.

PeacefulWaters

If the money has been debited to the current account, ask the bank for a chargeback.

dj1471

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

If the money has been debited to the current account, ask the bank for a chargeback.

And do it fast - there's a time limit of 120 days.

Woollie

Hello everyone.
I sent a 'final' and quite punchy email to the hotel; and, to my absolute amazement, they have paid back the security deposit. Thank you all for your assistance.

agrinnall

dj1471 wrote: »

And do it fast - there's a time limit of 120 days.

Had it been needed it wouldn't have had to be that fast, given that the holiday was only 4 weeks ago.