Hotel Complaint Letter
Dear [Hotel Manager Name],
My family and I had the misfortune of staying at your hotel from [check in date] to [check out date] in room number [804]. During our stay, we encountered a number of unsatisfactory service levels that I think you should know of and hopefully do something about.
First, it took more than an hour to check us in even though we had a confirmed reservation. Why it took so long is beyond my comprehension. When I asked the reception staff about the reason of the delay, they said it was because the previous guest checked out late! Well that is not my problem.
Second, when we entered the room the beds were not properly done, our mini-bar was empty, and the bathrooms were still dirty. I wonder what do the housecleaning people at your hotel do exactly to prepare the room for the next guest? Do they have a checklist or do they just randomly go through stuff?
[Other complaints go here]
I hope you agree with me that this type of service is completely unacceptable at so many levels. It is not the kind of treatment I would have expected from a five star hotel of your state and caliber. I am very disappointed from this bitter experience.
I would like to hear your thoughts about my complaint and the steps that you are willing to take to prevent such incidents in the future.
Regards
Hotel Complaint Letter
Dear Manager,
I am writing to express my disappointment and dissatisfaction with my recent stay at your hotel. I believe it is important to bring to your attention the issues I encountered during my visit, as they significantly impacted the quality of my experience.
First and foremost, upon arrival at the hotel, I was greeted by a long queue at the check-in desk. Despite having made a reservation in advance, I had to wait for an extended period before being attended to. This not only created unnecessary inconvenience but also resulted in a delay in accessing my room, which was particularly frustrating after a long journey.
Furthermore, when I finally entered my room, I was taken aback by its poor condition. The cleanliness standards were far from satisfactory, with dust and dirt clearly visible on various surfaces. The bathroom, in particular, was in a state of disrepair, with a broken showerhead and a leaking faucet. The lack of maintenance and attention to detail was evident and detracted from the overall comfort of my stay.
In addition to the substandard room conditions, I encountered noise disturbances throughout the night. The walls seemed to be poorly insulated, as I could hear conversations and activities from neighboring rooms, making it difficult for me to relax and get a good night's sleep. This issue persisted despite my attempts to raise it with the front desk staff.
Moreover, the breakfast service provided by the hotel was disappointing. The limited selection of food items and the poor quality of the offerings left much to be desired. The lack of freshness and variety was a letdown, and it did not meet the expectations I had for a hotel of your reputation.
I must emphasize that my purpose in bringing these concerns to your attention is not to be unduly critical but rather to provide constructive feedback. As a paying guest, I had anticipated a comfortable and enjoyable stay at your establishment, and unfortunately, my experience fell far short of that.
I kindly request that you take these matters seriously and address them promptly. I believe it is crucial for your hotel to reassess its cleanliness standards, conduct necessary maintenance and repairs, and improve the overall level of service provided to guests. I trust that appropriate measures will be taken to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
As compensation for the inconveniences I experienced during my stay, I kindly request a partial refund of the accommodation charges. I believe this would be a fair resolution considering the numerous shortcomings I encountered.
I appreciate your attention to this matter and expect a prompt response. Please consider this letter as an opportunity to rectify the issues and to enhance the overall guest experience at your hotel. I hope that my next visit will be a more pleasant one.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Complaint About Room Cleanliness
Subject: Urgent: Room Cleanliness Issue
Dear Hotel Manager,
I recently stayed in your hotel, and unfortunately, I found my room not up to the expected standards of cleanliness. The bedding appeared unwashed, the bathroom was unhygienic, and dust was noticeable on surfaces. This made my stay uncomfortable.
I request immediate attention to this matter and a formal apology for the inconvenience caused. I also expect a resolution, such as a room change or partial refund.
Thank you for your prompt response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Complaint Regarding Noise Disturbance
Subject: Noise Issues During My Stay
Dear Front Desk Team,
I am writing to express my concern regarding excessive noise levels during my recent stay at your hotel. The ongoing construction and loud parties made it difficult to rest, despite my booking a quiet room.
I kindly request that the management address this issue and provide compensation for the disturbance experienced.
Looking forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Complaint About Poor Customer Service
Subject: Disappointing Customer Service Experience
Dear Customer Service Manager,
During my stay at your hotel, I encountered several instances of poor service. Staff were unhelpful, responses to my requests were delayed, and my concerns were not properly addressed. This level of service is not acceptable for a hotel of your reputation.
I expect an explanation and appropriate remedial actions to ensure future guests do not face the same issues.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Complaint About Billing Errors
Subject: Incorrect Billing Charges
Dear Accounts Department,
I recently received my hotel bill, and I noticed discrepancies in the charges. I was billed for services I did not use, including minibar items and extra fees not mentioned during booking.
I request a corrected invoice and an immediate refund for the overcharged amounts.
Thank you for your prompt assistance.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Complaint About Food Quality
Subject: Concerns Regarding Food Quality
Dear Restaurant Manager,
During my stay, I found that the meals provided did not meet the expected hygiene and quality standards. Some dishes were undercooked, and others appeared stale. This was disappointing and unsafe.
I request that you address these issues to ensure the safety and satisfaction of future guests. Compensation for this experience would also be appreciated.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Complaint About Reservation Issues
Subject: Reservation Not Honored
Dear Reservations Team,
I arrived at your hotel with a confirmed booking, but my reservation was not honored, and no suitable alternative was offered. This caused significant inconvenience and disruption to my travel plans.
I request a formal apology and assurance that this issue will be resolved, along with compensation for the inconvenience.
Thank you for your attention.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Complaint About Safety Concerns
Subject: Safety Concerns During Stay
Dear Hotel Management,
I am concerned about several safety issues observed during my stay. The fire exits were blocked, emergency protocols were unclear, and the room locks were faulty. This posed a risk to my safety.
I urge the management to immediately address these safety concerns and provide reassurance to your guests.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
What / Why: Purpose of a Hotel Complaint Letter
What / Why: Purpose of a Hotel Complaint Letter
A hotel complaint letter is a formal or semi-formal communication written by a guest to express dissatisfaction with services, facilities, or experiences at a hotel.
The purpose of the letter is to:
- Inform the hotel management about specific problems.
- Request resolution, compensation, or corrective actions.
- Document the incident for accountability.
- Ensure that future guests do not face similar issues. It is both a feedback mechanism and a tool to seek redress.
Who Should Send a Hotel Complaint Letter
Who Should Send a Hotel Complaint Letter
- Hotel guests who experienced unsatisfactory services.
- Corporate clients who booked group stays or events.
- Travel agencies representing clients with grievances.
- Anyone directly affected by the hotel’s negligence, safety lapses, or service failures. The sender should be the person who can accurately describe the issue and provide evidence if available.
Whom the Hotel Complaint Letter Should Be Addressed To
Whom the Hotel Complaint Letter Should Be Addressed To
- Hotel General Manager or Resident Manager.
- Front Desk or Customer Service Manager.
- Accounts Department (for billing issues).
- Food and Beverage Manager (for restaurant-related complaints).
- Safety or Security Manager (for safety issues). Addressing the right department ensures faster resolution and accountability.
When to Send a Hotel Complaint Letter
When to Send a Hotel Complaint Letter
- Immediately after noticing a problem during your stay.
- After your stay, if issues were unresolved or overlooked.
- Following unsafe incidents, hygiene complaints, or billing errors.
- When booking errors, noise disturbances, or poor service negatively affect your experience.
- For recurring issues observed across multiple visits. Timely complaints increase the chances of prompt action and compensation.
How to Write and Send a Hotel Complaint Letter
How to Write and Send a Hotel Complaint Letter
- Identify the exact issue and gather evidence (photos, receipts, booking confirmations).
- Decide the tone: formal, polite, or serious depending on the gravity.
- Begin with a clear subject line stating the problem.
- Use a structured format: greeting, issue description, impact, requested resolution, closing.
- Include your stay dates, room number, and contact information.
- Choose the sending method: email for speed, printed letter for formality.
- Keep copies for your records.
How Much / How Many Issues to Include
How Much / How Many Issues to Include
- Focus on one major issue per letter for clarity and resolution.
- Minor related problems can be briefly mentioned if relevant.
- Avoid overloading the letter with unrelated complaints; it reduces effectiveness.
- If multiple major issues exist, consider separate letters to relevant departments.
FAQ: Common Questions About Hotel Complaint Letters
FAQ: Common Questions About Hotel Complaint Letters
Q: How long should a hotel complaint letter be?
A: Ideally, one page, concise and focused.  
Q: Can I request compensation?
A: Yes, politely state your expectations, whether refund, replacement, or upgrade.  
Q: Should I attach evidence?
A: Always, if available, to support your claims.  
Q: Is email acceptable?
A: Yes, especially for faster response; printed letters are more formal.  
Q: Can I escalate if no response is received?
A: Yes, escalate to higher management, corporate office, or regulatory authorities.
Requirements and Prerequisites Before Writing
Requirements and Prerequisites Before Writing
- Verify your booking details and services used.
- Collect evidence such as photographs, receipts, or witness statements.
- Identify the correct contact person or department.
- Determine your desired resolution (refund, room change, compensation, apology).
- Keep calm and document facts objectively.
- Check hotel policies and terms for complaints and service standards.
Formatting Guidelines for Hotel Complaint Letters
Formatting Guidelines for Hotel Complaint Letters
- Length: 1–2 pages or concise email.
- Tone: polite but firm; formal for serious issues.
- Style: structured with clear headings or paragraphs.
- Mode: email for digital communication, printed for formal submission.
- Wording: avoid aggressive language; focus on facts and impact.
- Etiquette: start with greeting, end with appreciation for attention.
- Use bullet points for multiple issues if needed.
After Sending a Hotel Complaint Letter: Follow-up
After Sending a Hotel Complaint Letter: Follow-up
- Confirm receipt by phone or email.
- Keep all correspondence for reference.
- Set a timeline for expected response; follow up if ignored.
- Escalate to higher management if unresolved.
- Evaluate resolution and respond with acknowledgment or further action.
- Use feedback to decide whether to continue patronage or report publicly.
Pros and Cons of Sending a Hotel Complaint Letter
Pros and Cons of Sending a Hotel Complaint Letter
Pros:
- Provides a documented record of issues.
- Increases likelihood of resolution or compensation.
- Helps improve hotel standards for future guests.
Cons:
- May require persistence and follow-up.
- Some complaints may not be resolved satisfactorily.
- Time-consuming if evidence gathering is needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing in anger without facts.
- Including too many unrelated complaints.
- Failing to provide evidence.
- Addressing the wrong department or person.
- Ignoring hotel policies and procedures.
- Using aggressive or insulting language.
- Forgetting to include dates, booking references, and room numbers.
Key Elements and Structure of a Hotel Complaint Letter
Key Elements and Structure of a Hotel Complaint Letter
- Subject line specifying the issue.
- Greeting addressing the correct manager or department.
- Introduction stating your stay and reason for writing.
- Detailed description of the issue with dates, times, and evidence.
- Impact statement describing inconvenience or discomfort.
- Request for specific resolution or action.
- Polite closing thanking the recipient for attention.
- Contact information and any attachments or references.










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