Hotel Scams to Avoid Abroad (False Damage Charges & How to Protect Yourself)

If you’re planning a trip and looking to understand hotel scams abroad and how to avoid false damage charges when travelling, this guide is for families who want hotel stays to feel simple and stress-free — not something that turns into an unexpected dispute at checkout.

Most hotel stays do blur together in the best way — comfy beds, breakfast buffets, kids splashing in the pool. But what many families don’t realise is that hidden hotel charges and damage claims can happen, especially when you’re travelling abroad and under time pressure.

This guide is for families looking for practical advice on:

• how to avoid hotel scams abroad

• what to do if you’re charged for damage you didn’t cause

• how to spot hidden hotel charges at checkout

• and how to protect yourself without overthinking it

Quick Answer: Can Hotels Charge You for Damage You Didn’t Cause?

From our experience, yes — it can happen.

But most situations come down to pressure, timing, and lack of evidence rather than anything official. The biggest difference comes from a few simple things:

• documenting your room on arrival

• not rushing checkout decisions under pressure

• understanding how hotel damage charge scams work

• and knowing when to push back

We experienced this first-hand on a family trip to Greece at the Blue Lagoon Resort.

What should have been a simple checkout turned into a €360 dispute over damage we didn’t cause — with our luggage held at reception and a transfer bus waiting outside. It’s exactly the kind of situation that feels overwhelming when you’re travelling with kids, and not something you expect from a standard hotel stay.

From that point on, we changed how we approach hotels — not fearfully, just with a few practical habits that make situations like this far less likely. From our experience, hotel stays are easy — until they’re not. And knowing what to look for ahead of time makes the biggest difference.

For more insight into avoiding holiday drama, see: Family Holiday Mistakes to Avoid: Credit Card Scams, Food Bugs, Hotel Charges & Cancelled Flights

Where relevant, we’ve included the platforms, booking tips and tools we use or would recommend. Some of these are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend options that genuinely make family travel easier or more secure.

Hotel Scam Example: Being Charged for Damage You Didn’t Cause

If you’re wondering whether hotels can charge you for damage you didn’t cause, the short answer is yes — and it often happens in situations where you’re under pressure to leave.

This is exactly what happened to us.

At checkout, when we asked for our bags, the receptionist refused to hand them over. At first, it felt like a misunderstanding. Then came the accusation: we had damaged the TV in our room and owed €360 before we could leave.

The timing wasn’t random.

We had:

• a transfer bus waiting

• a tired three-year-old

• and no time to properly challenge it

exactly the kind of situation where hotel damage charge scams tend to happen

Why It Was So Hard to Challenge

We asked for proof.

• No photos

• No access to the room

• No clear explanation

Eventually, after pushing, they showed us a small dent — something that looked like normal wear and tear.

But by that point, the pressure had built.

The message was clear: pay, or you don’t leave with your bags

With a child and a deadline, the decision changed. It wasn’t about being right — it was about getting out of the situation.

So we paid.

What Happened After We Got Home

Once we were home — and had time to think clearly — everything changed.

We:

• documented everything in writing

• challenged the lack of evidence

• escalated the complaint

Eventually, the hotel refunded half the money.

Not a full win — but enough to confirm what we already suspected: the charge wasn’t legitimate

Interestingly, after sharing our experience, another guest reached out to say the same thing had happened to them.

How to Avoid Hotel Scams and False Damage Charges

This experience completely changed how we handle hotel stays. Not dramatically — just a few simple systems that make a big difference.

Take Photos of Your Room on Arrival

This is the single biggest protection.

We now:

• take a quick video or photos when we enter

• capture walls, furniture, TV, bathroom

• document anything already damaged

It takes under a minute — and gives you time-stamped proof if anything is questioned later.

Don’t Rush Checkout Under Pressure

Most of these situations rely on timing.

When:

• you’re leaving

• running late

• or managing kids

you’re more likely to accept something quickly.

If something feels wrong: pause, ask questions, and don’t rush the decision

Keep Proof of Payments and Bookings

For any extras, upgrades or local payments:

• keep screenshots

• keep emails

• keep confirmation details

Disputes become much easier when you can immediately show proof.

Stay Calm but Firm

This is harder in the moment — especially with kids — but it matters.

We’ve learned:

• ask for a manager

• ask for evidence

• stay calm and consistent

being organised is often more effective than being confrontational

Choose Reputable Hotels Where Possible

This doesn’t mean expensive — it means:

• well-reviewed

• consistent feedback

• fewer repeated complaints

Booking Local Tours & Hotels Abroad: Why Reviews Matter More Than Price helps you avoid situations like this entirely

The Key Lesson for Families

The hardest part of this experience wasn’t the money.

It was the feeling of:

• having no control

• being under pressure

• managing it all with a child in tow

That’s why this matters for families more than anything else.

Final Takeaway: A Few Simple Habits Prevent Most Problems

Most hotel stays are absolutely fine — but when something does go wrong, preparation is what protects you.

Now we always:

• document the room on arrival

• keep proof of payments

• avoid rushing checkout

• and trust our instincts

small habits, but they completely change how secure you feel

And honestly, that’s what matters most when you’re travelling with kids: Feeling calm, in control, and able to enjoy the trip — not stuck arguing over a TV you never even switched on

FAQs: Hotel Scams and Damage Charges Abroad

Can a hotel charge you for damage you didn’t cause?

Yes — and it usually happens at checkout under pressure.

From our experience, it’s less about proof and more about timing:

• you’re leaving

• transport is waiting

• and there’s pressure to resolve it quickly

That’s why having photos or videos of your room on arrival is your best protection.

What should you do if a hotel tries to charge you unfairly?

If it happens:

• ask to see clear evidence of the damage

• request access to the room if possible

• take photos and document everything

• stay calm and ask for a manager

If you’re under pressure to leave (as we were), you may need to resolve it later — but put everything in writing once you’re home.

How do hotel damage charge scams work?

From what we experienced, they often rely on:

• vague or minor “damage”

• no clear proof

• and pressure at checkout

Because most travellers are:

• tired

• short on time

• travelling with kids

they’re more likely to pay to avoid missing flights or transfers

How can families avoid hotel scams when travelling abroad?

The biggest difference comes from a few simple habits:

• take photos/video of the room on arrival

• don’t rush checkout if something feels off

• keep proof of bookings and payments

• stay in well-reviewed hotels

Booking Local Tours & Hotels Abroad: Why Reviews Matter More Than Price explains how we choose safer, more reliable places now

What are the most common hidden hotel charges to watch for?

From our experience, the biggest risks are:

• damage charges

• “extra cleaning” fees

• minibar or missing item claims

The issue isn’t always the charge itself — it’s the lack of evidence and pressure to pay quickly.

Should you take photos of your hotel room?

Yes — this is the single most effective thing you can do.

We now:

• take a quick video on arrival

• capture walls, furniture, and key items

It takes less than a minute and gives you time-stamped proof if anything is questioned later.

What’s the biggest mistake travellers make with hotel disputes?

Assuming they can resolve it quickly on the spot. From our experience, the mistake is: trying to argue without evidence while under pressure. That’s why preparation matters more than reaction.

Do package holidays protect you from hotel scams?

Not always. In our case, although we had booked through a package provider (TUI), they did not intervene at the time. Their reps refused to get involved and when we returned home and complained directly we were told there was nothing they could do as this was not their own brand hotel. It was very disappointing.

Which means you should still:

• protect yourself

• document everything

• and not rely on external support in the moment

How does this fit into wider travel mistakes?

This is one example of a broader pattern — small things that catch you off guard.

Family Holiday Mistakes to Avoid: Credit Card Scams, Food Bugs, Hotel Charges & Cancelled Flights shows how these situations fit into the bigger picture of family travel planning

plan your next family trip with kids

If you’re planning your family trip, these guides will give you inspiration:

About Plan Family Escapes

We’re a UK-based family sharing real, experience-led travel guides based on trips we’ve taken with our school-age son Joshua across destinations like Lapland, Turkey and India.

Everything we share is based on what we’ve personally experienced — with honest advice on what actually works when travelling with kids, focusing on making family travel easier, more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable.