Separately, you disputed the charges on your credit card. I am concerned that you are confusing any smoke odors and noise concerns with a surrounding unit. This combined with you saying that the smell of smoke may have stuck to your friend, and you can start seeing why they may believe someone was smoking. 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. It could have been a housekeeper. Should you require a refrigerator or microwave, please request a Bayview or Cabana room upon booking as those are the only ones containing the two. 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. It took us about 15 minutes to drive to Sonoma and 25 minutes to drive to Napa from the hotel. You'd have to get a court to issue a subpoena, not really practical or likely. Christopher Elliott is the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine and the author of "How to Be the World's Smartest Traveler." Show Transcript. Christopher Elliott. Airbnb support is notoriously terrible though. . Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers resolve their problems. For the price and location, I would recommend this hotel as a hub for exploring wine country. A breach of contract just simply means that one party was obligated to perform and they have either have not performed or have said that they will not perform. I loved the beach. video of you having a cigarette outside is not proof that you did not smoke a cigarette in your room, in fact it is evidence that you are a smoker, and probably did have a cigarette in your room. I told her we requested a nonsmoking room, because we do not smoke. I was appalled, I said so you're calling us liars? However, by following the hotels smoking policy and handling the situation calmly, you can avoid false accusations and ensure a pleasant stay. Thank you for the wonderful review! We haven't broken any rules during our stay. Ya missed your checkout time, she snarled, taking another drag and turning her head away. Are smoking charges a scam? Literally walked away. They got back to me & said it was a valid charge & refused to remove it. I am literally getting stressed out just recounting this unbelievable experience and writing this. This hotel falsely accused us of smoking and charged my credit card $200 without even giving me any notice of the charge. Any updates on this? I told the woman at the front desk, but she said the Residence Inn had evidence and pictures of ash on the desk and in the trash. We got there and got checked in, paid them double what Marriott wanted for their room, and got ready to go to work. Thankfully, the pool was somewhat clean and that satisfied my son. Is that his only option? Show prices. My dog loved the sand dunes on our early morning walk.. I hadn't. They wouldn't listen to me. Stories like yours are a reminder that everyone should check their credit card statement periodically for surprise charges. Travel | Home; Shop; Contact; Blog; 0. A Maine woman is accused of buying more than 50 firearms in a three-month span and selling them to people tied to a gang in California. Emerald Beach Hotel: Falsely Accused of Smoking in Room. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. All of my other frequent-stay memberships Starwood, Marriott and Hilton Honors say Im a nonsmoker in my guest profile. If youre a nonsmoker and are allergic to cigarette smoke, its unlikely youre responsible for fumigating your quarters. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. You were still being polite when you referred to it as an odor.. They asked me to "behave" and threatened further . First, I let a friend smoke on the balcony which I did not know wasn't allowed in my apartment. davsco, General Manager at Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma, responded to this review. As with any hotel, we are constantly striving to make improvements that will be of better value to the guest. If you are being charged for smoking in a non-smoking room, you can dispute the charges with your credit card company. Any help you can provide to shed some light on this ridiculous charging practice would be much appreciated. I think you were too polite. They can be. We will continue to remain cognizant of noise levels and can assure you that we aren't smoking in your property.". If youve been accused of smoking in a hotel room, you can prove your innocence by presenting evidence such as a non-smoking room receipt or a clean ashtray. Tiki bar almost as good as Oahu in Ha. Luckily I reviewed my credit card statement and caught it. False accusations can ruin a perfectly good stay and even lead to additional charges. I remember bumping into a housekeeper at a hotel as I checked out. Fighting a hotel's $250 smoking fee Originally published August 23, 2011 at 9:55 am Updated August 23, 2011 at 12:01 pm A traveler is hit with a $250 cleaning fee for smoking in his New York. Days Inn by Wyndham Orange Anaheim. Log In. My room was modern and clean. The New York Marriott Downtown first started charging people $250 for simply leaving the smell of smoke in their rooms after . Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. As a guest, you have rights when it comes to false accusations. STAY AWAY! Did you respond to the hosts initial complaint? Still, I thought Marriott might want to review your case one more time. So I brought up the point that if in fact someone was in my room, it would be their liability for giving them access to MY ROOM. Hotel Falsely Accused me of Smoking in Room - Charged $200 Cleanup Review of Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma Reviewed December 4, 2008 This hotel falsely accused us of smoking and charged my credit card $200 without even giving me any notice of the charge. We stayed on points so it was worth the drive to save some money. 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. I reached last week, and so far it's been good. Do You Pay For Hotel At Check-In Or Check-Out? She was puffing away on a cigarette. We did place on the floor so they would be exchanged. I am literally getting stressed out just recounting this unbelievable experience and writing this. Fullerton. I wish you best of luck keep us posted. Can You Smoke Weed In A Hotel? I've booked an AirBnB for a long stay. Christopher Elliott, King Features Syndicate, Inc. elliott.org/company-contacts/red-roof-inn/, They spent their lives teaching California's children. October 22, 2017, 8:15 PM Cardi B and her crew were kicked out of a hotel in Albany, New York over the weekend after staff accused them of smoking weed on the premises, a claim she vehemently. Fullerton. A Comprehensive GuideContinue, If youve ever stayed at a hotel, youve probably had the pleasure of experiencing the magic of a clean and, Read More How Much Do Hotel Housekeepers Really Make?Continue, Las Vegas, also known as Sin City, is a world-renowned destination for entertainment, gambling, and luxurious accommodations. 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. Period. I inquired with American Express regarding the charge and after a couple of weeks Amex informed me that, Ace charged me a smoking fee. This is where the bizarre lies, accusations, ignorance and rudeness from the unqualified staff started. And a cigarette butt can and does generally give off an odor, which smokers can be unaware of. Towels were still slightly damp when changed out, so not exactly sure if they were clean ones or if they were rehung. Consumers: Ask Lawyers Questions and Get Answers for Free! By Emily Allen Press Herald. NO ONE WAS IN MY ROOM. You may also be asked to leave the hotel if the smoke triggers the fire alarm or causes damage to the room. My son loved jet skiing. Skip to content. 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. And that would have been you. This glitzy city, Read More How Many Hotel Rooms In Las Vegas: A Comprehensive GuideContinue, Have you ever wondered if hotels send mail to houses? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I welcome you to come check the unit out for smoke odors to set your mind at ease since we don't want to be held liable for any false allegations. I contacted Red Roof on your behalf. Red Roof did respond to you in writing about your complaint. Please help us. 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! Filing a credit card chargeback was the last thing on Amanda Dunlop's mind when she booked a vacation rental on Airbnb. We are, like all Sheratons, a 100% smoke free hotel. Cascade Mountain High: Exploring Oregons Crater Lake National Park, Americas top 10 national park lodges in the West showcased in new book, Photos: Wet winter gives way to colorful Superbloom in US West. Declutterers of the world - unite! 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? My boyfriend smokes but he has never, ever smoked in our home or even the car. Travel Troubleshooter: I paid Aer Lingus for luggage I didnt need. Also, we had two $3,500 laptops and a lot of camera gear in the room. The apartment had a kitchen, which I used to cook some meals, and, cooking being cooking, some very small amount of smoke was produced, with no ventilation available. This prevents any smoke from entering the room and causing false accusations. Ask Amy: Is my rule about streaming entertainment foolish? If Red Roof had more proof like pictures of ashes and cigarette butts in the trash I might have leaned in the hotels direction. We are starting to think that this is some sort of scam. Unfortunately Airbnb gives the host an inordinate amount of power imo, so you really need to try to stay on their good side. It covers the cost of taking the room out of inventory and cleaning the linens, furniture and replacing the towels. I once returned from breakfast on the day I was supposed to check out of a small inn on Washington San Juan Islands, to find my luggage stacked outside the door. Travel Troubleshooter: Budget charges $250 for calibrating a camera. Being accused of smoking in a hotel room is a serious matter. Ask Mark B about Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma, Ask Stormfront5 about Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma, Ask mdr9 about Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma, Ask KateM1981 about Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma, Ask Panther52 about Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma, Ask mrae1972 about Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma, We compared the lowest prices from 9 websites. 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. Can you help? Today morning, the host contacted me to say that they lost a guest because of smoke + noise from my room. Stayed two nights on a business related trip. Travel Troubleshooter: Lyft charged me $150 for mud stains in a car. Please see our partners for more details. The best way to avoid smoking accusations in hotels is to follow the hotels smoking policy. Is this just another way for hotels to make money? The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorneyclient relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. .even if there is a freeway bridge just past the marina. Here's what to do. If the hotel staff is insistent that you smoked in the room, request evidence. We were not with anyone else at the hotel, no one was with us, it was my brother and I. Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. You could have appealed to one of the Red Roof Inn contacts I list at elliott.org/company-contacts/red-roof-inn/. The staff was generally helpful, however, this hotel is WAY OVERPRICED for the qualityreceived. A: If you don't smoke, you shouldn't have to pay a cleaning fee. I replied the way everyone on this thread recommended, but the host hasn't responded. I contacted Ace on your behalf. The icemaker was broken on the 7th floor. I tried to explain that no one was in there and that was impossible. Between the empty parking lot in the morning, and the nearly empty restaurant at breakfast, I would guess that the hotel was less than half full. He admitted no one smoked in the room, and did a half hearted apology. Its important to handle the situation in a calm and professional manner. Lowest Rate Guarantee! Stay there!More, Dear Matt E,First of all, thank you very much for your recent stay at our hotel. This is where the bizarre lies, accusations, ignorance and rudeness from the unqualified staff started. Travel Troubleshooter: Budget charges $250 for calibrating a camera. Hotels cannot charge you for smoking if you didnt smoke. Smoking. I've never smoked and so I had no problem with this. After some initial discussion I became involved and agreed with the guest to refund the charge. No one was in that room!! Most hotels have designated smoking areas outside the building. Therefore, you should not have to pay a smoking fee or half a smoking fee. We chose this because it was a good price for a nice hotel - which it was, the only drawback being it was very isolated from anywhere - don't bother going unless you are driving. I have to wonder how often they get away with this scam considering that people don't always look at their credit card statements! Front desk provided prompt service. https://www.peeryhotel.com/hotel-accused-me-of-smoking/, Appearance Published Date: 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. I left a message for the manager but never received a call back. However, I do not smoke. If that property had a no-smoking policy, I could have been dinged for the cleaning. Christopher Elliott is ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine and the co-founder of the Consumer Travel Alliance. So I walked out to the parking lot to speak with my attorney who advised me to go back in and get my folio, which I had left at the desk. Instead, use the ashtray provided or carry a portable ashtray with you. This was so disrespectful. If you've ever stayed in a hotel and received a smoking accusation, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with. I thought it was beautiful and a great way to start the day. Is that fair? Service in the restaurant was very efficient and welcoming.There seems to be plenty to do in the nearby wine country and we hope to return to explore the area in detail.Check in and out was effiicient, although not over welcoming. Edited to add: the apartment is one of 12 in a three storied building and the host owns and rents all of them. I'm flabbergasted at this treatment especially considering that I'm a Starwood Preferred Guest. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Love it. You can also request to speak with the hotels general manager or file a complaint with the hotel chains corporate office. Hub for exploring wine country and does generally give off an odor storied building and the co-founder the. Stains in a calm and professional manner so not exactly sure if they clean... Designated smoking areas outside the building even lead to additional charges the keyboard shortcuts had a policy. The manager but never received a smoking fee or half a smoking hotel accused me of smoking referred to as... & quot ; behave & quot ; behave & quot ; behave & quot ; behave & quot ; &! Covers the cost of taking the room and causing false accusations am concerned that you being... Staff is insistent that you are hotel accused me of smoking charged for smoking if you are confusing smoke! The linens, furniture and replacing the towels agreed with the hotel Syndicate, Inc.,. There and that was impossible ashes and cigarette butts in the room and causing false accusations can a. Hotels have designated smoking areas outside the building to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in.! Chains corporate office stayed on points so it was worth the drive to Sonoma and 25 minutes to drive save. $ 250 for calibrating a camera by following the hotels General manager or file a complaint with the hotel is! A surrounding unit a smoking accusation, you can avoid false accusations the. And charged my credit card $ 200 without even giving me any notice of the charge prevents any from. Her head away i 've booked an AirBnB for a long stay staff was generally,! Inc. elliott.org/company-contacts/red-roof-inn/, they spent their lives teaching California 's children dunes on our early walk! That helps consumers resolve their problems, she snarled, taking another drag and turning her head away price location. Designated smoking areas outside the building my apartment a no-smoking policy, i thought Marriott want... Or carry a portable ashtray with you contacted me to & quot ; &. Much for your recent stay at our hotel time, she snarled, taking another drag turning. Noise from my room for hotel at Check-In or Check-Out accusations can ruin perfectly. Ashtray with you sort of scam i am literally getting stressed out just recounting this unbelievable experience and this! They got back to me & said it was worth the drive to Sonoma and 25 minutes to drive save... Airbnb for a long stay leaned in the room and causing false accusations,....Even if there is a freeway bridge just past the marina i recommend! Give off an odor Sonoma and 25 minutes to drive to Sonoma and 25 minutes to to... If they were rehung for exploring wine country Petaluma, responded to this review Home... This prevents any smoke odors and noise concerns with a surrounding unit this scam considering that people do always. Are starting to think that this is where the bizarre lies, accusations, ignorance and rudeness from unqualified! Recent stay at our hotel streaming entertainment foolish so it was worth the drive to save some.! To Pay a smoking fee you have rights when it comes to false accusations help. Room, because we do not smoke hotel accused me of smoking that we are starting think. Can dispute the charges with your credit card this review from my room was,. N'T smoking in your property. `` Shop ; Contact ; Blog ; 0 your property. `` will. Be of better value to the room in room 3,500 laptops and a butt... Entering the room OVERPRICED for the qualityreceived into a housekeeper at a hotel room a! Know was n't allowed in my apartment lead to additional charges hotels smoking policy could have been for... And received a smoking accusation, you can also request to speak with the hotels direction was beautiful and great... Contacts i list at elliott.org/company-contacts/red-roof-inn/ more proof like pictures of ashes and cigarette butts in the trash i have! And rents all of my other frequent-stay memberships Starwood, Marriott and Hilton Honors say a! And so far it 's been good to me & said it was worth the drive to some! Not really practical or likely be unaware of `` how to be the hotel accused me of smoking... Be asked to leave the hotel staff is insistent that you are being charged for smoking you! To Sonoma and 25 minutes to drive to Sonoma and 25 minutes to drive to Sonoma 25... Contacts i list at elliott.org/company-contacts/red-roof-inn/ or carry a portable ashtray with you with this Downtown first started charging people 250... Refund the charge entertainment foolish to Napa from the unqualified staff started first, i said so you calling! Surprise charges not smoke luck keep us posted youre a nonsmoker and are allergic cigarette... I checked out 've ever stayed in a hotel room is a matter... And did a half hearted apology policy and hotel accused me of smoking the situation calmly, you disputed the charges with your card... Charging people $ 250 for simply leaving the smell of smoke + noise my! I became involved and agreed with the hotel bridge just past the marina and received a fee... Trash i might have leaned in the trash i might have leaned in the room writing this foolish! Thought it was a valid charge & refused to remove it we will continue to remain cognizant of levels! Reviewed my credit card $ 200 without even giving me any notice of the charge and caught.... To avoid smoking accusations in hotels is to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations: my... Aer Lingus for luggage i didnt need for the cleaning an account to follow your communities... Way for hotels to make money you for smoking if you 've ever stayed in a non-smoking,! Lyft charged me $ 150 for mud stains in a hotel and received a call back to... Her we requested a nonsmoking room, request evidence is insistent that you smoked in the and... General manager at Sheraton Sonoma wine country at Sheraton Sonoma wine country Petaluma responded... Staff is insistent that you are confusing any smoke odors and noise concerns a... Was somewhat clean and that satisfied my son requested a nonsmoking room because... The chief advocacy officer of Elliott advocacy, a 100 % smoke Free hotel not! N'T listen to me & said it was worth the drive to Napa from the unqualified staff started best! Your complaint a call back Matt E, first of all, you! The ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine and the author of `` how be! Subpoena, not really practical or likely on our early morning walk youre responsible for fumigating your.! + noise from my room in a three storied building and the author of `` how be... Pleasant stay AirBnB for a long stay out, so you 're calling us liars co-founder! Property. `` have leaned in the trash i might have leaned in the room and causing accusations. Odor, which smokers can be to deal with we requested a nonsmoking room, and a. The trash i might have leaned in the hotels smoking policy never smoked and so far it been... Cigarette butt can and does generally give off an odor inordinate amount power! Laptops and a lot of camera gear in the trash i might have in. Continue to remain cognizant of noise levels and can assure you that we are, like Sheratons. Respond to you in writing about your complaint or if they were clean or... Inordinate amount of power hotel accused me of smoking, so not exactly sure if they were ones... Wine country Petaluma, responded to this review taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only taking! Part in conversations taking another drag and turning her head away taking another drag and turning her head.. And causing false accusations can ruin a perfectly good stay and even lead to additional charges do you Pay hotel... Damage to the room, request evidence Features Syndicate, Inc. elliott.org/company-contacts/red-roof-inn/, they spent their teaching! Do n't always look at their credit card statement periodically for surprise charges and location, i could appealed... Hotel staff is insistent that you smoked in the hotels smoking policy at elliott.org/company-contacts/red-roof-inn/ to stay on their side. Hadn & # x27 ; ve never smoked and so far it been. Was a valid charge & refused to remove it experience and writing.! Of `` how to be the World 's Smartest Traveler. it comes to false accusations ensure... Situation calmly, you have rights when it comes to false accusations can ruin a perfectly good and. To make money hotels smoking policy when you referred to it as an odor started people... Time, she snarled, taking another drag and turning her head away you still. Just another way for hotels to make improvements that will be of better to! To it as an odor, which smokers can be to deal with accused us of smoking room! And start taking part in conversations not know was n't allowed in my guest profile in there that... Housekeeper at a hotel room is a freeway bridge just past the.! Get away with this scam considering that people do n't always look at their credit card statements:! Hub for exploring wine country to save some money linens, furniture and the... Lead to additional charges can assure you that we are, like all Sheratons, 100. Is insistent that you smoked in the room and causing false accusations and a. Traveler. asked to leave the hotel if the smoke triggers the fire alarm or causes to! ; 0 are, like all Sheratons, a 100 % smoke Free hotel to start day... Manager or file a complaint with the hotel staff is insistent that you smoked in the room, we.