Why Did I Get Double Charged for My Hotel Stay?

Dealing with unexpected or unnecessary charges can be stressful, especially when staying at a hotel. One common issue is double charges, where you see two charges for the same hotel stay. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind these charges and provide a step-by-step guide on how to address the issue.

Common Reasons for Double Charges

Double charges for a hotel stay can occur due to several reasons:

1. Authorization Holds

A hotel may place a hold on your credit card for incidentals such as mini-bar purchases, spa services, or housekeeping tips. If the hold is not released properly, it might appear as a charge, leading to a double charge.

2. Booking Errors

It's possible that you made multiple reservations or accidentally booked the same room twice. This can result in an unexpected double charge on your statement.

3. Payment Processing Issues

Technical glitches in the hotel's payment system can sometimes cause duplicate charges. If this is the case, the hotel's internal system may not properly recognize the initial charge, leading to a second charge.

4. Different Charges from Third-Party Sites

If you booked through a third-party site and then paid directly at the hotel, you might see two separate charges: one from the third-party site and another from the hotel.

5. Taxes and Fees

Sometimes, what is perceived as a double charge is simply the combination of taxes and fees that were not included in the initial charge. These additional amounts can sometimes appear separately from the main booking cost.

Resolving the Issue

The first step in resolving double charges is to carefully review your booking confirmation and payment statement. If you still see a double charge after reviewing the details, contact the hotel's customer service for clarification.

Below are the steps to follow when contacting the hotel:

Verify the booking details and the charges with your confirmation and statement. Provide your booking reference number and any relevant details to the customer service representative. Request an explanation of the charges and ask for any necessary corrections to be made.

Credit Card Authorization Holds

It's important to note that if you paid via a debit card, most banks will show the money withdrawn separately from the initial authorization at check-in. The authorization typically won't be removed from your card for at least 3–5 days after check-out. This is a common point of confusion and a likely reason for perceived double charges.

Additional Considerations

There's a chance that you were double charged due to:

Booking the same room twice accidentally. A glitch in booking software between different services. Incorrect billing by the hotel if you booked through a third-party site like Expedia, especially if you booked same-day.

In such cases, contact the hotel's customer service to determine the cause and rectify any mistakes. If the issue persists, it may be worth checking with the third-party booking site to ensure they are not incorrectly charging you.

Conclusion

Double charges can be a source of frustration, but understanding the potential causes and following the steps to resolve the issue can help minimize stress and ensure a hassle-free experience. If the problem persists, it's advisable to seek assistance from both the hotel and the third-party booking site.

For further assistance, here are some additional resources:

Consumer Affairs Guide on Double Charges TripAdvisor article on Hotel Authentication Scams Guide to Double Charges