What Happens If a Hotel Forgets to Charge You?

It can be surprising for a hotel guest to realize they’ve checked out without an apparent charge. While it might seem like an oversight, hotels have established financial processes to ensure payment. This situation usually involves delayed processing, and guests remain financially obligated for their stay.

Hotel’s Ability to Charge Later

Hotels commonly secure payment authorization at check-in, rather than processing the full charge immediately. This involves placing a temporary hold, known as a pre-authorization, on a guest’s credit or debit card. The pre-authorization verifies the card’s validity and reserves an amount covering the estimated room rate plus potential incidentals. This temporary hold ensures funds are available without immediately debiting the account.

After checkout, the hotel converts this pre-authorization into a final charge, adjusting for incidentals or changes. Delays can occur due to system glitches, manual errors, or late reconciliation of expenses. While pre-authorizations typically last for 5 to 7 days, some holds can remain for up to 30 days, depending on the card issuer’s policies. The pre-authorization demonstrates the hotel’s contractual right to collect payment for services rendered.

Guest Liability for Uncharged Stays

Receiving a service, such as a hotel stay, inherently creates a financial obligation for the guest to compensate the provider. This principle applies even if a hotel’s administrative oversight or a delay in processing the transaction occurs. A hotel’s temporary failure to charge does not nullify the guest’s underlying debt for the accommodation and any additional services utilized.

The legal concept of “unjust enrichment” supports this obligation, meaning one party should not unfairly benefit at another’s expense without providing appropriate compensation. If a guest receives a hotel stay without paying due to an error, they are considered unjustly enriched. Therefore, the guest remains legally and ethically responsible for the cost of services received, irrespective of the hotel’s billing timeline.

Common Scenarios and Resolution

A delayed charge from a hotel typically appears on a credit card statement days or even weeks after checkout. While some charges process within 24 to 48 hours, others, especially those involving incidental expenses or system backlogs, can take longer to finalize. Credit card networks allow merchants a window of several days to submit charges, and pre-authorization holds can remain active for an extended period.

If a guest notices a charge has not appeared, contact the hotel directly to inquire about the bill. This proactive communication helps resolve the matter efficiently and ensures proper payment. Should a charge appear unexpectedly after checkout, verify details with the hotel.

A delayed charge does not automatically mean it is incorrect or unauthorized; it often reflects standard processing times or final expense reconciliation. Disputes should only be initiated if the charge is genuinely inaccurate or unauthorized, not merely because it was delayed. Maintaining clear communication with the hotel is key to resolving any discrepancies.