Hyatt Charged My Credit Card Without My Authorization

On February 10, I checked out of my hotel early in the morning. During the checkout process, I was not informed of any damage to the room, I was not asked to sign a damage report, and no concerns were raised about the condition of the room.

Several hours after I had already left the hotel, I was contacted and accused of causing a burn mark on a chair. The hotel initially claimed the damage amounted to €600, then reduced the amount to €400, and later to €300. The fact that the claimed damage amount changed so dramatically raises serious concerns about how the charge was calculated.

Although I was told that I would receive a payment link, the hotel instead processed an unauthorized mail-order charge of $277 to my credit card without obtaining my written approval or consent.

During the dispute, the hotel also referred to a previous stay approximately 10 days earlier, suggesting that the alleged damage may have been connected to that visit. If the damage actually existed at that time, why was I never informed, why was no charge requested, and why was no damage report prepared? Attempting to attribute an unreported issue from an earlier stay to a later reservation is a serious inconsistency.

There were also several operational issues during my stay. A staff member's cell phone was accidentally left in my room, which I reported to the front desk. In addition, I was initially charged for minibar items that I had never consumed, although those charges were later removed. These incidents raise questions about the hotel's room inspection procedures and recordkeeping.

In my correspondence with the General Manager, Mr. Z**, the focus was placed on his professional experience and "30 years of expertise" rather than on resolving the issue with objective evidence and proper documentation. I expected a factual and transparent review of the matter, not an appeal to seniority.

The hotel also stated that the incident had been reported to Hyatt. However, there is no damage report signed by me. Relying on an internal report created hours after my departure and attempting to hold me responsible based solely on that document is highly questionable.

This issue is about more than the $277 that was charged. Processing a payment without my authorization is unacceptable regardless of the amount involved. The size of the charge does not make the method legitimate.

From an international hotel brand, I expect transparent, timely, and well-documented procedures. Unfortunately, the way this matter has been handled demonstrates significant inconsistencies throughout the process.

I request an immediate refund of the $277 unauthorized charge and copies of all official documents, dated reports, photographs, and records supporting the hotel's damage claim. If this matter is not resolved, I will continue with my credit card dispute and pursue all available corporate and legal remedies.