What do hotels actually do if a person runs out on a bill?
Im talking about hotels outside of England, I was just curious as to what they can actually do if anything?
Sorry, lets say for arguments sake they have your passport number and a name, but no other details.
Was just curious as to the processes they would go through?
Of course, what instantly comes to mind is a bunch of people jumping up and down, waving their arms in the air, yelling obscenities in your general direction as you run out onto the street.
Then they come to their senses and quiet down and chase you down the street until they catch you. They then twist your arm and you yell "Uncle!" and pay them.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:32 am
In the US, you have to give them a valid credit card before they give you a key. If you run out, they charge your card.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 1:49 am
If they don’t have your credit card info, I don’t think they can do anything. They might call the police. If you used your real name you could get tracked down and charged with theft or fraud.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 2:35 am
They may either mail you a bill (since you give them your address when you check in) or just leave it alone. A few years ago, a friend of mine ran out on a hotel bill that was in my name (I almost killed him for that), but they didn’t do anything about it.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 2:49 am
If you are a stranger in strange lands, it is normal (in fact dé rigeur) for your passport and ID details to be taken in full. In Europe, especially, your details get updated with the local police on a regular basis. In many countries, a referee is required (especially if travelling on business).
I had one contractor run out on his hotel in Germany and they were on to me PDQ, as his referee. Silly boy! They got their money, which I deducted from his wages, before giving him the boot.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 3:11 am
Of course, what instantly comes to mind is a bunch of people jumping up and down, waving their arms in the air, yelling obscenities in your general direction as you run out onto the street.
Then they come to their senses and quiet down and chase you down the street until they catch you. They then twist your arm and you yell "Uncle!" and pay them.
References :
Actually, it is fairly straightforward and almost totally devoid of any rabid theatre as described above. They simply use the sign-in information you have given them to track you. They can also sometimes call the police and give a description of you quickly enough so you have nowhere to run and hide. As they say, "You can run, but you can’t hide!"
Sent with a smile from Chris in South Portland, Maine, U.S.A. I am 65 and have learned over the years that it is true, "Honesty is the best policy." There is a reason this is true… it is connected directly to your karma. Cause & effect. Whatever you give out comes right back to you.