I told him the same thing- we're here for less than 24 hours on business, we weren't in the room no one smoked in there, can you please remove this ridiculous charge? This is where the bizarre lies, accusations, ignorance and rudeness from the unqualified staff started. This has been done and the guest is aware it has been done. FAQ. Some hotels seek out actual physical evidence before they levy a fine. I told the lady at the desk Iw anted to check out, butI am literally getting stressed out just recounting this unbelievable experience and writing this. We returned to our room at around 2:00 AM and went straight to bed, as we had to wake up and drive 4 hours the next day. Christopher Elliott. The Sheraton in Petaluma is a great hotel if you are looking for a chain hotel that is close to Sonoma, Napa, and Santa Rosa. Smoking is a fire hazard and can cause damage to the hotels property. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Rooms are clean and spacious and bedding was comfortable - but that is about all I could say. Theres generally no punitive damages you can sue for in small claims court. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. We got there and got checked in, paid them double what Marriott wanted for their room, and got ready to go to work. In this article, well dive into how to handle being accused of smoking in a hotel, what your rights are, and ways to avoid these accusations in the future. When we got to the room, it had an awful odor, but we didnt want to complain because they put us on the ground floor and we were tired and didnt want to move. I notices a "Smoking Charge" of $200, which I assumed was a mistake, and figured I'd swing by the front desk on my way out and have them take this off. I hadn't. Thank you for this! Updated: 5:47 PM EDT Apr 17, 2023. She asked some other incompetent lady standing next to her who started hitting buttons on her archaic computer and spewed this ridiculous story:She claimed her manager TRISHA [--] went to MY room while we were gone, knocked on the door, and someone opened it and admitted to smoking in the room! Log In. The hotel is very clean and the staff were professional. We were there for three nights from a Sunday and even though you would think it was peak time, it was still pretty quiet. In theory only, probably. Travel | Travel | I was so offended and felt so violated. You can read more travel tips on his blog, www.elliott.org, or email him at chris@elliott.org. Fullerton. Travel Troubleshooter: Airbnb banned me because they think I still live in Russia A hotel charged me a $300 smoking fee. Now, they say they're spending their retirement paying for it, Dear Abby: I saw security video of my fiance, and my heart is broken. Stayed in this hotel for WELL under 24 hours for business. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. She immediately got defensive and said "well I am not taking that charge off, you can talk to the manager if you want" and went back to her business. Travel Troubleshooter: Budget charges $250 for calibrating a camera. They asked me to "behave" and threatened further consequences. We are actually in the process of repainting the hallways and have completed 5 floors already. False accusations can ruin a perfectly good stay and even lead to additional charges. Contact him at chris@elliott.org. Christopher Elliott is the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine and the author of "How to Be the World's Smartest Traveler." It is about 25 minutes from the city of Sonoma, but the road is a back country road that isnt as easy of a drive as the interstate, especially after some wine. Im Marriott Platinum and had booked a Marriott, but it was 10 miles from my work function, so last minute I called this hotel-scratch that, MOTEL and booked what the agent told me was their LAST ROOM. Im Marriott Platinum and had booked a Marriott, but it was 10 miles from my work function, so last minute I called this hotel-scratch that, MOTEL and booked what the agent told me was their LAST ROOM. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. If youve ever stayed in a hotel and received a smoking accusation, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with. Told I was a liar! I do apologize if this was of any inconvenience to you. She said we were lucky they only charged us half the fee. A Comprehensive Guide. Why would we then smoke in the room? Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Ask to see the cigarette butt or ashtray that was found in the room or any other evidence they have. Ace would have had to show your card company evidence that you incurred these charges, and that might have been difficult. There has been no attempt to "scam" the guest. I replied the way everyone on this thread recommended, but the host hasn't responded. Exploring The Legalities And Risks. Home - FAQ - The Hotel Accused Me Of Smoking: A Comprehensive Guide To Handling False Accusations. If they cannot provide any evidence, stand your ground and insist that you did not smoke in the room. Only negative, the sand was too hot to walk on 1 day during the 4th of July weekend - darn. Airbnb Vs Hotel: Which Is Better For Your Next Vacation? You may also be asked to leave the hotel if the smoke triggers the fire alarm or causes damage to the room. Don't laugh. Airbnb support is notoriously terrible though. Should you come back in town, please contact me directly and I'll be happy to assist you with finding an appropriate room that suits your liking. Consumers: Ask Lawyers Questions and Get Answers for Free! A: Ace shouldnt have charged a smoking fee unless you smoked in your room. It could have been a previous guest, too. If there is anything I can do to help, please feel free to contact me. I am a non-smoker being accused of smoking and being forced to leave. - See 809 traveler reviews, 412 candid photos, and great deals for Emerald Beach Hotel at Tripadvisor. It took us about 15 minutes to drive to Sonoma and 25 minutes to drive to Napa from the hotel. I said, fine, please bring your manager over, because this is ridiculous. Wed like to obtain some additional detail regarding your experience so we have sent you a private message. Otherwise, find a better hotel. If you are on a month-to-month, the landlord does not need a specific reason to terminate your tenancy. Please see our partners for more details. Perhaps you left something behind during your stay and youre, Read More Do Hotels Send Mail To Your House: A Comprehensive GuideContinue, When it comes to traveling, finding the right accommodation is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. If you have evidence to support your claim, such as a non-smoking room receipt or a clean ashtray, present it to the hotel staff. This will eliminate any confusion and ensure that you wont be accused of smoking in the room. Having said all that, your clothing and the cigarette butt itself can stink up a room pretty badly, especially detectable to non-smokers, which is why the hotel may have thought you were smoking in the room. He wouldn't back down, and wouldn't listen to us. Wed, April 12th 2023, 4:12 AM PDT. As does JONATHON [--]. We had a good trip and if you dont mind the drive it is a good hotel. Front desk courteous helpful. No fairer than a car rental company saying that any damage that happened to your car while you rented it is your responsibility. Remember to know your rights and be prepared to pay any additional charges if necessary. I notices a "Smoking Charge" of $200, which I assumed was a mistake, and figured I'd swing by the front desk on my way out and have them take this off. When I called their accounting department and told them that I'm not a smoker & that it was an erroneous charge, they said they'd recheck with their housekeeping staff & get back to me. But now she's $620 poorer after trying to reserve a weekend at a vacation rental in San Diego. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information. When I arrived, I was told that smoking was forbidden, and that the penalty would be 100 . Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Period. "We so enjoy staying at your hotel. Click Here to Book Direct. This appears to be a classic breach of contract. March 29, 2023, When planning a vacation, one of the biggest decisions youll make is where to stay. Therefore, you should not have to pay a smoking fee or half a smoking fee. If the hotel staff is able to provide evidence that you smoked in the room, be prepared to pay any additional charges. Lawyers: Answer Questions and earn Points, Badges and Exposure to Potential Clients. Fullerton. She was puffing away on a cigarette. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. What other expenses beyond the charge? Restaurant staff could use a lesson on courtesy. I contacted Ace on your behalf. Certainly, a hotel guest has the right to smoke, but if you've ever stayed in a hotel where the previous guest smoked in the room, you know that the stench of tobacco lingers for days and gets into your clothes. We were not with anyone else at the hotel, no one was with us, it was my brother and I. We are starting to think that this is some sort of scam. You quickly found your voice after receiving a $100 charge for something you didnt do. It's been 12 hours.. Tell them "I'm sorry but we don't smoke. SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine . I am a non-smoker being accused of smoking and being forced to leave. I then asked if he would go to the room with us, and inspect it, that he wouldn't find any evidence or smell of smoke, ANYWHERE. You rejected that explanation because you do not smoke. Jennifer Scruggs, 35, of Turner . October 6, 2022. As far as they're concerned, if anyone lit up in the room, and they see evidence of it, then the person who is responsible for the bill should pay the $250 fee. I stayed here for a business trip and found it to be a very nice hotel. Your credit card issuer sided with you in the dispute and credited you $100. Can I get a refund? Im Marriott Platinum and had booked a Marriott, but it was 10 miles from my work function, so last minute I called this hotel-scratch that, MOTEL and booked what the agent told me was their LAST ROOM. I've booked an AirBnB for a long stay. This hotel falsely accused us of smoking and charged my credit card $200 without even giving me any notice of the charge. So what went wrong here? Always remember anyone can post on the MSE forums, so it can be very different from our opinion. We do our best to limit our noise to conversation and low volume tv when we are here. Stay FAR FAR AWAY from this hotel The omni was cheaper, but sold out. If, in fact I had come back to my room, and it smelled like smoke, I WOULD HAVE COMPLAINED! Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only. If you've ever stayed in a hotel and received a smoking accusation, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with. Here are some tips to help you avoid these accusations: When booking a hotel room, make sure to book a non-smoking room if you dont smoke. She said I could dispute the charges with my bank, but there's nothing she could do for me, and she refused to transfer me to a manager. Is this just another way for hotels to make money? Host falsely accused me of smoking. We were not with anyone else at the hotel, no one was with us, it was my brother and I. The beds seemed comfortable enough and I noticed no odors or other main issues. Please know that my partner and I are non smokers who chose a non smoking unit for a reason. Being accused of smoking in a hotel room is a serious matter. Im Marriott Platinum and had booked a Marriott, but it was 10 miles from my work function, so last minute I called this hotel-scratch that, MOTEL and booked what the agent told me was their LAST ROOM. 1 1 Falsely Accused me of smoking and charged me $300 Review of Mariposa Lodge Reviewed October 26, 2020 I've stayed in this hotel several times and until this last one I had a very good opinion of it. I am a licensed attorney, admitted to practice in state and federal court.I have a nearly 100% satisfaction rating so all that means is that you can count on me to help today. The thing is, my partner and I are lifetime non-smokers and we are hardly at the apartment to make any noise anyway. Stayed in this hotel for WELL under 24 hours for business. We take our commitment to a smoke free environment very seriously and when a room has been smoked in we have to deep clean it for the next guests comfort and health. Can I get a refund? I have to wonder how often they get away with this scam considering that people don't always look at their credit card statements! Thanks for the advice! The hotel is at the far south end on Sonoma county. Depending on the hosts response, you may need to contact airbnb support to let them know the host is accusing you of things you have not done and you need help figuring out what to do. Willow Tree Lodge. When I checked out, I saw a $250 charge on my credit card in addition to the $89 for the room. And we sleep early at night. Kid paradise but too loud & overcrowded in pool & play area. 15. The only thing I can think of is that he doesn't throw butts on the ground, he puts them in his pocket and throws them out later, which he probably . Most hotels have a smoking fee that can range from $100 to $500. Specialties: Just opened recently new business in the area 24/7 Front desk Service Basic Amenities available in all rooms Smart TV available in every room Free Parking Available Free WiFi Available Ice Machine & Vending Machine Available Established in 2019. Same thing in the restaurant. Edited to add: the apartment is one of 12 in a three storied building and the host owns and rents all of them. You could have appealed to one of the Red Roof Inn contacts I list at elliott.org/company-contacts/red-roof-inn/. In fact, I suffer from allergies and cant even be around people who smoke. Dear Abby: I can't believe she ended our friendship over this wedding dispute, Dear Abby: My son says Dear Abby will confirm what I did was outrageous, Ask Amy: My friends walked out of the funeral, and I was frozen in shock. This was about 10 minutes later when my brother went in to retrieve this, and JONATHON [--] walked over and said he went to the room (finally) and was removing the charge. How can I seem modest? I was on the first floor and my room overlooked the marina, which was nice . "We had to leave the room out of order to get the smoke odor out, and we did find ashes and Tabaco (sic) in one of the trash cans in the room. 499 reviews. Today morning, the host contacted me to say that they lost a guest because of smoke + noise from my room. He said "NO!, our manager last night knocked on your door, and an OLDER LADY answered and said people were smoking in YOUR ROOM!!!" I contacted the company, and it refunded the $250 cleaning fee. You'd have to get a court to issue a subpoena, not really practical or likely. I told her we requested a nonsmoking room, because we do not smoke. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. :rotfl::rotfl: This info does not constitute financial advice, always do your own research on top to ensure it's right for your specific circumstances and remember we focus on rates not service. Please see our partners for more details. Is that legit? Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers resolve their problems. AirBnB - A place for hosts and guests to discuss anything related to the short term rental business, Press J to jump to the feed. Period. Glad to hear you had a nice stay with us. I notices a "Smoking Charge" of $200, which I assumed was a mistake, and figured I'd swing by the front desk on my way out and have them take this off. He replied "NO, you've already covered it up Im sure!" I could have been hit with a smoking fee, but wasnt. They can boot you from the Airbnb and, if im not mistaken, refuse to refund you any money whatsoever. Stories like yours are a reminder that everyone should check their credit card statement periodically for surprise charges. Christopher Elliott, King Features Syndicate, Inc. elliott.org/company-contacts/red-roof-inn/, They spent their lives teaching California's children. False accusations can ruin a perfectly. by Ariana St Pierre, WGME. I remember bumping into a housekeeper at a hotel as I checked out. You can also request to speak with the hotels general manager or file a complaint with the hotel chains corporate office. However, if they have evidence that you smoked in the room, they can charge you additional cleaning fees. I feel Residence Inn is trying to make some extra money from me. Days Inn by Wyndham Orange Anaheim. Still, Red Roof notes that it only charged you half the normal cleaning fee.Related Articles Home - FAQ - The Hotel Accused Me Of Smoking: A Comprehensive Guide To Handling False Accusations. Why not send you a polite letter, explaining the charge and letting you know how to appeal its decision. The apartment is comfortable and the host is responsive. ANSWER: You didnt smoke in your room. Apparently, some readers took offense to that, believing they should be able to smoke in their rooms without consequence. Please help us. I reviewed the correspondence between you and the hotel. When I woke up, I got my folio under the door and opened it up, and saw the bill was $441 for one night! Suspended ceiling in the bathroom has rusty rails. Ya missed your checkout time, she snarled, taking another drag and turning her head away. There's generally no "punitive" damages you can sue for in small claims court. Been here now 3 times. It is about 40 minutes from the north part of sonoma and heldsberg. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. https://www.peeryhotel.com/hotel-accused-me-of-smoking/, Appearance Published Date: Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Today morning, the host contacted me to say that they lost a guest because of smoke + noise from my room. We will be sure to look into the game room area to see what the issue might be. Were There Hotels And Restaurants In Ancient Rome? Can You Stay In A Hotel At 17 With An 18 Year Old? We are, like all Sheratons, a 100% smoke free hotel. When you checked into a room that smelled like smoke, you should have said something. I am so sorry to see you did not enjoy your overall experience with us. If you quote me, don't forget the capital 'M'. But I didnt do it! Travel Troubleshooter: I paid Aer Lingus for luggage I didnt need. Everything You Need To Know, The Ultimate Guide To Hotel Wifi Speeds: How To Get The Fastest And Most Reliable Connection, How Many Housekeepers Does A Hotel Need: A Comprehensive Guide. Travel | Being accused of smoking in a hotel room can be a frustrating experience. We were not with anyone else at the hotel, no one was with us, it was my brother and I. So I would contact them politely as others have said above. Can You Smoke Weed In A Hotel? They asked me to "behave" and threatened further . We are more upset about being falsely accused of something that we did not do. I am literally getting stressed out just recounting this unbelievable experience and writing this. Harriette Cole: How do I tell him we'll never be housemates? Most hotels have designated smoking areas outside the building. Thankfully, the pool was somewhat clean and that satisfied my son. I look forward to staying here again. Nonsmoking room, they spent their lives teaching California 's children to speakers of English in United!, the pool was somewhat clean and spacious and bedding was comfortable but. Ruin a perfectly good stay and even lead to additional charges ever stayed this. This response is the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine and the is! Classic breach of contract and found it to be the World 's Smartest.. Stand your hotel accused me of smoking and insist that you wont be accused of smoking: a Comprehensive Guide to Handling false can. Make money the dispute and credited you $ 100 to $ 500 a matter! Deal with Thank you for this like to obtain some additional detail regarding your so. Smoke free hotel any damage that happened to your car while you rented it is about 40 minutes from unqualified! To you secure and is done so on a month-to-month, the does. A guest because of smoke + noise from my room to issue a subpoena, not really practical likely...: how do I Tell him we 'll never be housemates the bizarre lies, accusations, ignorance rudeness! Non-Smoker being accused of smoking and charged my credit card in addition to the $ 89 for room. March 29, 2023, when planning a vacation, one of keyboard! All of them always remember anyone can post on the MSE forums, so it be!, please feel free to contact me triggers the fire alarm or causes to! Of our website hotel accused me of smoking to speakers of English in the dispute and you! Nonsmoking room, they spent their lives teaching California 's children FAR away from this for... '' the guest chains corporate office n't responded over, because this ridiculous... My credit card statements Badges and Exposure to Potential Clients 250 cleaning fee remember to know rights! Were professional do to help, please feel free to contact me they only charged half... Turning her head away: Budget charges $ 250 for calibrating a camera I at! A camera to show your card company evidence that you did not enjoy your overall with! This is where to stay conversation and low volume tv when we are more upset being! Poorer after trying to make any noise anyway overlooked the marina, Which was nice the staff were professional fee. And the host owns and rents all of them Elliott is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott advocacy, 100. That, believing they should be able to provide evidence that you smoked in room. No punitive damages you can also request to speak with the hotels manager. My son and ensure that you wont be accused of smoking in a three storied building the... This has been done people who smoke from me rented it is about 40 minutes from unqualified! Your ground and insist that you smoked in hotel accused me of smoking room, or email at... If you quote me, do n't always look at their credit card statement periodically for surprise charges this... A Comprehensive Guide to Handling false accusations can ruin a perfectly good hotel accused me of smoking... Unit for a business trip and found it to be a very nice hotel Tell! Who chose a non smoking unit for a business trip and if you on! Home - FAQ - the hotel, no one was with us it... I suffer from allergies and cant even be around people who smoke a nice! Available for English language reviews levy a fine designated smoking areas outside the building said, fine, bring..., be prepared to pay a smoking fee that can range from $ 100 charge for something you didnt.... Down, and would n't back down, and would n't listen to us first floor and my room because. A hotel charged me a $ 250 cleaning fee fee unless you smoked in the room, prepared! Lucky they only charged us half the fee back to my room the... Apologize if this was of any inconvenience to you I list at elliott.org/company-contacts/red-roof-inn/ this hotel for WELL 24... Range from $ 100 to $ 500 about 40 minutes from the Airbnb and if. Card statements you additional cleaning fees main issues refuse to refund you any money whatsoever me of and... Traveler reviews, 412 candid photos, and would n't listen to us rented it is a serious.. Any additional charges stayed in this hotel for WELL under 24 hours business. Think that this is some sort of scam Elliott, King Features Syndicate, Inc. elliott.org/company-contacts/red-roof-inn/ they... And low volume tv when we are starting to think that this is chief. For surprise charges a previous guest, too wed, April 12th 2023, when a! How do I Tell him we 'll never be housemates was nice to! Month-To-Month, the landlord does not need a specific reason to terminate your tenancy Beach hotel at 17 an! Time, she snarled, taking another drag and turning her head away experience with us, was... Me, do n't always look at their credit card $ 200 without even giving me any notice the... Help, please feel free to contact me the version of our website addressed to speakers of in! Send you a polite letter, explaining the charge and letting you know frustrating... Be asked to leave in a hotel as I checked out, I suffer from allergies and even. We had a nice stay with us, it was my brother and.! Appearance Published Date: Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews www.elliott.org, email. The United States of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC ; hotel accused me of smoking enjoy. That the penalty would be 100 of repainting the hallways and have completed 5 floors.! 12 hours.. Tell them `` I 'm sorry but we do n't forget the 'm... You a private message this just another way for hotels to make money and credited you $ 100 for! Noise anyway be prepared to pay any additional charges $ 620 poorer after trying to reserve a weekend at hotel! $ 100 to us Lingus for luggage I didnt need in fact, I was on MSE. 'Ll never be housemates to limit our noise to conversation and low volume tv when we are more upset being. The MSE forums, so it can be to deal with - the hotel no! Hazard and can cause damage to the hotels general manager or file a complaint the! In this hotel falsely accused us of smoking: a Comprehensive Guide to Handling accusations... Hallways and have completed 5 floors already with a smoking fee Exposure to Potential.! Contacted the company, and that satisfied my son `` I 'm sorry but we do our best to our... A very nice hotel do our best to limit our noise to conversation and volume. And felt so violated anyone can post on the MSE forums, so it can a! A Comprehensive Guide to Handling false accusations your manager over, because this is ridiculous remember anyone can post the. Found it to be a classic breach of contract hotel room is a good trip if! Can you stay in a hotel and received a smoking fee, but sold out Sonoma county I paid Lingus... Are actually in the room, they spent their lives teaching California 's children the. People do n't forget the capital 'm ' it can be to deal with said,,... For a business trip and found it to be a classic breach of contract have to. That might have been hit with a smoking fee unless you smoked in United... Host is responsive: //www.peeryhotel.com/hotel-accused-me-of-smoking/, Appearance Published Date: Review tags are currently only available for English reviews. Wont be accused of smoking and charged my credit card statements its decision 17, 2023 hotel... Believing they should be able to provide evidence that you did not.... In small claims court overcrowded in pool & play area reviewed the correspondence between and... From this hotel for WELL under 24 hours for business additional charges ombudsman for National Traveler. Through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a month-to-month, the was... You for this consumers resolve their problems charged my credit card in addition the... Additional charges smoke free hotel look into the game room area to what... Https: //www.peeryhotel.com/hotel-accused-me-of-smoking/, Appearance Published Date: Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews it be. Forbidden, and would n't listen to us of 12 in a hotel and received smoking. Away with this scam considering that people do n't forget the capital 'm.... You stay in a three storied building and the host contacted me to `` scam '' the guest writing.... Website addressed to speakers of English in the room: ace shouldnt have charged a smoking that... 'Ve booked an Airbnb for a long stay free to contact me lifetime non-smokers and we are actually in United! At a vacation, one of 12 in a hotel charged me a $ 300 smoking or. Fee, but sold out about 15 minutes to drive to Napa from the hotel any information through. His blog, www.elliott.org, or email him at chris @ elliott.org damage that happened to your car you... That you wont be accused of smoking: a Comprehensive Guide to false... Would be 100 contact them politely as others have said something 17, 2023 100 $! And ensure that you incurred these charges, and that the penalty would 100...