Hotel Scams to Watch For: The €360 TV Damage Charge We Didn’t Cause

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The Checkout That Turned Into a Standoff

Most hotel stays blur together in the best way — comfy beds, breakfast buffets, kids splashing in the pool.

But one experience in Greece at the Blue Lagoon Hotel still makes my blood boil years later.

We’d booked a package holiday through TUI, assuming everything would feel straightforward and protected. The hotel itself wasn’t officially a TUI property, but we didn’t think much of it at the time. The stay had been completely uneventful, and checkout morning felt routine. We packed up, left our bags with reception, and headed out for a last wander while we waited for our airport transfer.

Then we came back to collect our luggage. And suddenly… everything changed.

The €360 “Broken TV” We’d Never Touched

When we asked for our bags, the receptionist refused to hand them over. At first, we thought it was a misunderstanding. But then came the accusation: they claimed we had damaged the TV in our room and owed €360 before we could leave. The timing felt incredibly convenient — right before we were due to board a transfer bus, with a tired three-year-old and suitcases ready to go. We were completely blindsided. We hadn’t even turned the TV on during the whole stay.

When we asked to see the damage, they refused to let us back into the room. They showed no photos, no proof, nothing. They even suggested our toddler might have caused it, which honestly felt ridiculous and a little insulting. After nearly 45 minutes of back and forth, they finally let us see the TV. There was a tiny dent that looked like normal wear and tear — something that could easily have happened through the cleaning staff knocking the TV with a broom or by previous guests.

But by that point we were exhausted, stressed, and watching the clock tick down with a child who was melting down in reception. The hotel made it clear: pay, or you’re not leaving with your bags.

So we paid.

Because sometimes, when you’re travelling with kids, you simply don’t have the luxury of fighting on principle. As the conversation dragged on, the staff started mentioning the police, and suddenly it felt like the situation was escalating far beyond a simple disagreement. They clearly held all the cards. We were in their country, didn’t speak the language, and had a tired three-year-old waiting for a transfer bus. To make things worse, TUI refused to get involved and told us it was a matter between us and the hotel. In that moment, feeling like you have no backup or support from your holiday rep is incredibly disappointing — and honestly, quite intimidating. Paying felt less like agreeing and more like the only way to get our bags and leave.

What Happened After We Got Home

Once we were home, with a clear head and time to breathe, I sat down and wrote a detailed complaint to the hotel manager. I outlined exactly what had happened, included the timeline, referenced the lack of proof they’d provided, and explained how uncomfortable the situation had felt — especially with a young child and the threat of police involvement. I also attached our booking details and made it clear we would escalate the issue formally through TUI and our card provider if it wasn’t resolved.

Eventually, after a bit of back and forth with management, they refunded half the money. It wasn’t a full win, but it felt like a quiet acknowledgement that we weren’t actually responsible after all. More importantly, it showed me that putting everything in writing and challenging unfair charges calmly but firmly really does make a difference. Interestingly, after I posted a review on TripAdvisor, a fellow guest reached out to say she had experienced something very similar — the hotel had accused her of ruining the bedding and asked her to pay. It seems we weren’t the only ones caught off guard by their approach.

The whole experience still left a bad taste — not because of the money, but because of how powerless it made us feel in that moment. And that’s when we realised something important: a little preparation and documentation goes a long way when it comes to protecting yourself in hotels.

Family-Friendly Tips to Avoid Hotel Scams and Damage Charges

We don’t travel expecting the worst, but we’ve learned that a few small habits can save a huge amount of stress. These days, we treat them like part of our normal check-in and check-out routine. Nothing dramatic — just simple documentation and awareness.

Check everything when you arrive

As soon as we enter a room now, we do a quick walkaround and take photos or a short video. It takes less than a minute but can make all the difference later. We capture the TV, walls, appliances, bathroom, furniture, and anything that already looks scratched or worn. It might feel overly cautious, but if a hotel ever tries to blame you for damage, having time-stamped proof protects you instantly.

Do a final sweep before you leave

Before checkout, we always do one last slow scan of the room. We check drawers, the safe, chargers in sockets, under beds, and inside wardrobes. This started as a way to avoid forgetting things (tired parent brain is real), but it also means we notice anything unusual before we leave — rather than being surprised at reception. One quick sweep can save a lot of stress.

Keep receipts and proof of bookings

For tours, upgrades, extras, or anything paid locally, we keep confirmation emails or quick screenshots. If there’s ever confusion about charges, having proof ready makes conversations much easier. It’s amazing how quickly disputes disappear when you can calmly say, “I have the receipt right here.”

Stay calm and assertive if something feels wrong

Hotel disputes are stressful, especially with kids watching everything unfold. We’ve learned that staying calm but firm works far better than getting angry. Ask politely for a manager, request evidence, and reference your photos if needed. Being organised and confident often shifts the tone straight away. You don’t need to argue — just stand your ground calmly.

Keep kids close during checkouts or disputes

This one sounds small, but it helps more than you’d think. Trying to handle a disagreement while a child is wandering off or melting down adds unnecessary pressure. Keeping kids nearby makes it easier to focus and avoids anyone using distractions against you.

Trust your instincts and document everything

If something feels off — an unexpected charge, vague explanations, or staff being evasive — pause and document it. Take photos, write notes, or record times. It’s always easier to prevent a problem than fix one later. And if everything turns out fine? You’ve lost 30 seconds of your day.

Final Thoughts: A Few Photos Can Save a Lot of Stress

We don’t travel expecting scams, and most hotels are absolutely wonderful. But experiences like this remind us that documentation and preparation are your best protection, especially when travelling as a family.

A couple of quick photos at check-in.
A calm attitude at checkout.
A bit of proof saved on your phone.

Those tiny habits can save you money, time, and a whole lot of stress.

Perhaps the hotel staff weren’t intentionally trying to scam us, I do not think I will ever know. Yet, regardless of intent, the way we were treated was completely unacceptable. No guest—especially one traveling with children—should be made to feel like a criminal from the moment they arrive at reception. Family holidays are meant to end with laughter and memories, not disputes over a TV you never even switched on.

👉 Read more on: Family Holiday Mistakes to Avoid: Credit Card Scams, Food Bugs, Hotel Charges & Cancelled Flights