Marriott $250.00 Smoking Violation Charge & How To Get Your Money Back! Gahanna Ohio

 Thank you so much for posting. I was told when I went to get my keys for my room(I had to stay another night due to work meetings) that I was going to be charged 200 for smoking in my room. The housekeeper told them. I was very upset since this was untrue, and because I was there on my employers dime. I called the corporate number you listed and spoke to someone that was so nice and got on it right away. She called and told the hotel that they cannot do this, they need evidence. So I didnt see the charge when I checked out. Will keep making sure they dont add it after the fact. Thanks so much Monmikf!!!

Hotels can take pictures.  Unless a picture shows a person actually smoking in a room that will be seen as circumstancial in any court of law. 

The law states innocent until proven quilty. 

I am a General Manager of a Marriott hotel. I wanted to state some facts regarding this issue.  I have never heard of housekeepers getting a bonus for finding smoking proof in a room (I have seen people mention this on-line). Marriott does not have a standard for giving out bonuses for finding smoking proof.  We do not want people smoking in our hotels. Neither do our guests. We do thank our staff for finding proof before they clean the room, so that we can take pictures of the proof.  We do not charge a smoking fee unless we have picture proof of smoking in the room. We take the pictures after the guest checks out. We do not have cameras or videos in the room (I have seen this accusation on blogs).

Here are some of the most common places that we find smoking proof: I have had guests leave butts in the toilet, ashes and butts in a bottle, bowl, cup and the like. I have found proof when there are ashes on the window sill (most common), the window open and a chair next to the window, on the coil of the stove, on the bedside table, on the coffee table and on other surfaces in the room. Finally, we do look through the garbage in a room that reeks of smoke. We find ashes, butts and spent matches.

Usually, the staff or other guests let us know that someone in the hall is smoking in their room. The housekeepers are then notified to let us know if they find smoking proof in the rooms around the reported area.  Again, there are no bonuses for the staff finding smoking proof.

I wanted to let this site know that we do not go out looking to charge the $250 fee to our guests. There is a lot of work for us in charging this fee, keeping the proof and talking to the upset guest on the phone. We try to collect for the cost to complete the work needed to be done to attempt to get rid of the smell (professionally cleaning the carpets, chairs and sofas, dry cleaning the drapes and washing down the walls). In addition, being unable to sell that room for days costs us money. We lose revenue from being unable to sell that stinky room.

In regards to the cash conversation that I have seen on-line, that is true. All hotels require a deposit if you pay cash (up to $300 in some cases). Some hotels do not let you check-in, unless you have a valid credit card. You would need to check-in with the room rate and tax covered and then the $300 cash on top of that.  We do call the Inspectors and ask them to check the room for any damages or signs of smoking before we give the cash back.

For the original poster, I would have picture proof that you smoked in the room, Mr. Marriott's office would support that proof, and the credit card company would support that proof and the registration card. The chargeback would then be reversed in the hotel's favor.

I hope that these hotel facts help in this blog topic.

General Manager

Marriott's (and other hotel chains') policy of charging guests after the fact for alleged smoking in the hotel room should be of concern to all consumers, smokers AND nonsmokers.

I would liken this to returning a rental car, paying the bill, and then being informed two weeks later that your credit card was being charged because the car supposedly had a scratch on it when you returned it.  No one would stand for thatit's the rental car company's responsibility to check the car for damages when you return it and notify you of charges at the time, so you have a chance to dispute them at the scene.  Yet some people seem ok with a hotel chain being able to post charges to a guest's credit card with no prior notification for an event that they say occurred during the guest's stay.

It's not implausible that the hotel could make an error here.  Several reports of nonsmokers being charged are available on this forum and others.  It's also not a huge stretch that disgruntled hotel staff could manufacture a smoking charge against a guest who angered them for other reasons-- rudeness, failure to leave a tip, etc.  Because the charge seems to be based solely on the word of the housekeeping staff, this policy seems ripe for both inadvertent and willful abuse.
 
The result for the guest is either a hefty fee, or lots of time and energy spent fighting a charge that has no clear standards for enforcement, procedural safeguards, or dispute resolution process.
 
To those who would say, If you dont like it, dont stay at the hoteltry telling that to yourself when your flight was late, its the middle of the night, all the hotels for 50 miles around are booked, and youre being asked to initial a policy that the hotel can fine you for suspected behavior at some undefined time AFTER you check out.  Nobody in their right mind would sign off on something like that if there were another reasonable option.  The fact is, when you show up at the hotel you pre-booked a room at, often your options are to take what they give you or be severely inconvenienced.  Thats pretty close to being considered under duress.

To those who would say, "Smokers are the only ones affected by this policy, so who cares?"try telling that to yourself when you get a $250 charge on your credit card bill because someone was smoking on the balcony below you or in a designated outside smoking area near your open window, or because the maid was having a bad day and you left shaving cream in the sink.
 
IMHO, some serious questions need to be raised in order to protect consumers:
 
- By what specific standards and procedures does the hotel determine if, in fact, smoking has occurred in the room?
Any policy used to essentially fine a customer should have well-documented standards and procedures in place, so the customer can review them prior to agreeing to be bound by the policy.  In the case of hotel chains where policies are made at the corporate level (as with Marriott), the policy and procedures should be standard across all hotels in the chain and available for review on the hotels website, since customers often book in advance online.
 
- What, exactly, does the hotel consider "evidence" to support the charge, and what safeguards against errors or abuse are in place?
For instance, if the hotel considers cigarette pack wrappers or butts in the trash can as evidence of smoking, that should be clearly indicated in their written policy.  If the decision is based on the arbitrary opinion of hotel staff, as it seems to be in most cases, the hotels policy should document who is responsible for contributing to the decision (e.g. at least one member of hotel management, or better, independent verification by someone not financially impacted by the decision).  There should also be clearly-defined consequences for hotel staff who report a false or unsupported violation.
 
- What, if any, training do hotel employees receive in regards to enforcement of this policy?
How does the hotel determine that someone is qualified to report or decide on an allegation of policy violation?  Is there industry-standard training for employees in the industry, or even across all hotels in a chain?  Or is it left up to each hotel to create its own procedures?  Again, in cases where a policy is put in place at the corporate level, it seems reasonable that training should be standardized at least across all hotels in the chain.
 
- How and when are customers notified that they are in violation of the policy, and what recourse do they have to prevent a potential charge or dispute an incorrect charge?
The policy should spell out what is considered a "timely manner" for reporting the alleged violation and charging the customer.  Notification by means of simply charging the guests credit card several days or weeks after the event was supposed to have occurred is not reasonable.  The customer should be informed of an alleged violation prior to being charged, and should be provided with a documented course of action to dispute the allegation.
 
To me, this is the biggest problem with this type of policy, and the area that smokers and nonsmokers alike should take issue with.  Most people who purchase a product or service expect that all charges will be settled at a specific timeupon purchase of the product or completion of the services rendered.  I cant think of any other situation in which someone would knowingly agree otherwise.  The hotel should determine and notify you of these charges prior to checkout, and if they cant, they should not charge you.  You should have the ability to dispute additional charges at the scene and not be forced into a he said, she said situation with your credit card company and the hotel.
 
Guests could, if they so chose, request that the hotel sign off in writing on the condition of the room before checking out.  I would suggest that anyone patronizing the Marriott chain or other hotels that have a similar policy do thiswhether they smoke or notto avoid unpleasant surprises on their credit card bills.  Sure, it might be inconvenient to have to wait for the hotel staff to certify your room as smoke free while youre trying to wolf down breakfast and get the car packed, but it beats finding out they charged you $250 a couple of weeks later.
 
A better way would be to have hotels instituting this policy certify EVERY room as part of the checkout process, unless a guest waived that right.  This could involve the hotel arranging a check of the room at a predetermined time the morning of the guests scheduled checkout.  Maybe the person who slips the bill under your door could do a sniff check and initial an area on the bill that indicates whether or not you are deemed to have violated the policy.
 
Hotels may argue that settling these charges upon checkout would constitute an unfair financial burden, since they would have to maintain the staff required to check and sign off on each room when each customer checks out.  To that, I would respond that they are imposing a financial burden on their customers, and they should be willing to assume the responsibility of ensuring their policies are fairly and consistently applied.
 
Realistically, I don't see any hotel chain undertaking the expense of documenting procedures, training employees etc. in place until they're forced to.  Why would they bother?  Right now, there is no cost to the hotel to levy a charge.  There is no consequence to hotel staff and very little financial impact to the hotel (a chargeback fee, big deal) if allegations are found to be unsupported or blatantly false.
 
If you were wrongfully charged under Marriott's or another chain's policy, you can and should file complaints with the BBB, consumer protection agencies, state's attorney general offices, etc.
 
However, my advice to anyone charged in this manner, whether or not you actually violated the policy, is to SUE THEM.  Find a greedy, hungry lawyer who will work for a percentage of the award (try the personal injury lawyers, there are scads of them) and sue the crap out of them.  Better yet, find a lawyer who is willing to start a class-action lawsuit--those frequently run into the 10's of millions of dollars.  The only way big hotel chains like Marriott will document their policies and implement safeguards against wrongfully charging customers is if it becomes more expensive for them NOT to.

I enjoyed reading this rip-off report because it shows just how polarized this issue truly is. I am one of those people who have a hard time breathing around smokers, and, yes, I can tell if you smoked in a room. As someone who experiences a physical reaction to this habit of others I appreciate Marriott taking steps to make sure my room is a clean and fresh as possible. I have also worked for several different hotel chains, including Marriott, and I've heard the arguments from both sides.

With that said I take issue with this argument of semantics. I don't sign something when I enter a store that says if I drop the glass cougar sculpture on the northeast end of the store I will have to pay $754.32 + applicable taxes, the crested rooster blown glass sculpture 3rd shelf from the eastern most wall will cost $432.99, etc. In other words the sign says "you break it you buy it". The same thing happens at a hotel. You mentioned that people who piss in the room in places other than the toilet or pour beer somewhere don't get charged. I have a newsflash for you, they do. I have personally won several chargeback inquiries for cleaning fees, especially when my responses are accompanied by pictures. It would be foolish of you to believe that you would be allowed to destroy a room and not be charged for it, just as it is foolish for you to believe that you can walk through the fictional store mentioned above and break the glass cougar sculpture and not get charged for it.

...destroy a room...that's a broad phrase, but it does encompass smoking in that room. When you checked out of that room that day you destroyed that room for a guest like me. I cannot even begin to tell you how many complaints hotels have to deal with regarding smoking. You have not lived until you've seen a mother, child in a full blown asthma attack, beat down the door of a smoker because he refused to put it out. You have to realize that smoking affects others not just you. Whether you like it or not the hotel has a responsibility to other guests as well. Just because no one caught you, cigarette to lips, in your room does not mean you didn't smoke in that room.

I am happy that you are happy and full of pride over winning your chargeback case. You should know that what you recommend in your post and the subsequent updates rarely works now. Not only is evidence collection and documentation better, but credit card companies are recognizing "chronic offenders". Flagrant disregard of a stated policy (break it and buy it or otherwise) at any merchant resulting in a chargeback is taken very seriously by your credit card company.

I do not agree with the fact that the Marriott hotels charges these fees at a whim and we must take the word of the employees that we indeed smoked in the room. I have never ever smoked a cigarette or anything else for that matter and Marriott claims to have pictures of the room after I left. I asked to view the pictures and they said no. I was ripped off by this company and I have spoken to several co-workers regarding thi matter at AT&T and advised them never stay at another Marriott as long as they live. We usually hold our family reunions at Marriott hotels every 2 years and my family and my husband's family have stopped using this chain all together. I was ripped off and Marriott did nothing to assist me. They stole money from me and probably thousands of other customers. If there is ever a class action lawsuit filed against them I am going to be the first to respond. I personally hope they go out of business and all of its corporate staf go on welfare.

I worked at the hotel when you were both a guest and when you disputed the charge. I won't go into detail regarding your behavior toward our staff nor will I detail the amount of time you spent harrassing our general manager.

I will say that the room was out of service for the three hours it took to reclaim the room. The drapes were removed and replaced with extras that we had on hand for such a situation as yours. The drycleaning of the drapes from your room was over $60. The sheers were laundered along with the bedding, the mattress pad(s), all the towels and the pillows. Yes, we washed the pillows to get the smell of your smoke out of the room. The upholstery and carpeting were cleaned with the portable cleaning machine. The lampshades, shower curtain, and bed skirt were all replaced and then cleaned. The walls were washed down to remove the scent of your smoke. All paper products such as coasters, tissues, toilet paper, and writing pads were thrown away to eliminate the scent. As a final measure, the room was ionized to counter the smell of your smoke in the room.

To say that a can of Lysol would have done the trick is insulting to the procedures Marriott has in place to take care of all its guests and also indicative of your knowledge in proper cleaning procedures.

Your money was refunded. Slandering business practices that are in place for a good reason is just vindictive.

And just so you know, the group contact for your family reunion let us know that you DID smoke in your room and are famous for the kind of behaviors you have exhibited here.

Being a smoker, though not a heavy one, and a person who believes in equal rights for all, including smokers, and gun owners, i take exception when socialist/liberal/commie/marxist utopian factions try to ram their ideas down everybody's throats, especially here in the USA. Yes, i know that a business has a right to set their own policies, and i say," have at it!" However, it is my right to decide not to patronise said businesses if i do not agree with their policies. That said, i stage my own personal boycott of businesses who are 100% Smoke Free. That includes hotels-Hell, if i'm to spend at least $70,00-$200,00+ a night for a room, i should be able to have a room for smokers.

I have extended my boycott to Canadian provinces and U.S. states who have statewide/provincewide smoking bans, who i call "little Soviet Socialist Republics" after the province/states' names, as well as countries who have nationwide bans. Besides, Calif. has too much congestion, pollution, and high costs, as does New York and all of New England; FLA has too much humidity, bugs, and mosquitoes, as does, Georgia and Arkansas; forget OR and Wash., they're just like California; Utah, Montana, Idaho, Colo., and Ariz.-if i wanted to see mountains and scenery, I'd go to either Alaska, PA, WVA, NC, Western VA, or to Eastern KY and Tenn. At least, i won't encounter alot of rude, s****.> Thank you for the opportunity to speak out, and my suggestion to other smokers and others who disagrees with Marriott's Smoking Ban--Let's all stage a boycott of any and all of Marriott's facilities, stateside and abroad, and send them a message that we also help finance their operations, not just the nonsmoking lot. The same thing goes for all Westin Hotels as well.
As for the other things i've mentioned above, remember folks, dictatorship/socialism starts out small. All it needs is a cause that could get everyone riled up to get started; which is allegedly step 1 in the Communist/Socialist Manifesto-get the people to not only want it, but, to loudly demand it. Left unchecked, it could spiral out of control. There are good examples of this out there today-Russia and eastern Europe Between WWII and 1989, North Korea, China, Cuba, Vietnam and Indochina, Western Europe, Burma, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and Singapore. And God help us, if one day, The United States is included in that list-when, at that time, the stars and stripes of Ol' Glory will lose their true meaning! I continuosly pray that that day will never come. Be Good, Y'all.

I thank you for your response. After reading your comment several times, you repeatedly wrote the same thing over and over again in each sentence. Let's see if you can find it Mr. or Ms. Marriott employee. Pay close attention. Your brain may need to be used a little. I copied and pasted your sentences word for word from your previous comment. You wrote the following # 1-5 (SEE BELOW)

1. The very registration card that is signed states pre-printed that 'A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in your guest room'.

2. That very same registration card is then stamped with the same universal non-smoking symbol with statements 'This is a SMOKE-free hotel... A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in your guest room'.

3. 'Our hotels are now 100% smoke-free' and on the back it states AGAIN 'A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in your guest room'.

4. Now the key pack for Marriott Rewards members, on the inside (because it is a folded key pack) it states where the keys are placed AGAIN 'A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in your guest room'.

5. When you enter your room, either on the dresser or the desk is a sign with the universal symbol for non smoking and the words 'this is a smoke free hotel.... A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in your guest room.'

Do you notice what you wrote repeatedly in each sentence # 1-5?

In every single sentence you stated the following: 'A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in your guest room'.

Again, pay close attention to what you wrote. 'A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in your guest room'.

The policy is clear and I agree with you. A hotel guest will be charged $250 for (SMOKING) in your guest room.

I have the following few questions for you.

1. Can you provide the Marriott policy to me that states that a $250 room recovery fee will be charged if a room smells like smoke?

2. Can you provide the Marriott policy to me that states if you leave evidence that you are a smoker, that a $250 charge will apply?

3. Can you provide the Marriott policy to me that states if smoking could have occurred in your hotel room, that a $250 charge will apply?

I still have one of my key pack's from last year. It states the following. 'A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in your guest room'.

It states nothing more and states nothing less than that. My room key pack states nothing about (if the room smells like) (evidence) or (could have occurred), ect. ect. ect.

Please stick to your policy. 'A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for (SMOKING) in your guest room'.

If you don't want smokers to stay at your hotel, than don't invite them at all. Please state a new policy that if you smoke, you are not welcome at all. PERIOD!!

Have a great day !!

As a Marriott employee, and a smoker... I know a bit about this subject. I honestly don't know about other Marriott properties, but I would assume that we have the same materials at hand. Our Front doors are posted with the "100 % Smoke Free" labels on them with the univeral symbol for non-smoking. At check in, we here, do in fact, electronically swipe the credit card, imprint it and get a signature at check in. The very registration card that is signed states pre-printed that "A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in your guest room". That very same registration card is then stamped with the same universal non-smoking symbol with statements "This is a SMOKE-free hotel... A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in your guest room". Then we issue you a room key. We have 2 types of key packs. One for Marriott Rewards members and one for non members. Starting with the key pack for non rewards members on the front it states "Our hotels are now 100% smoke-free" and on the back it states AGAIN "A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in your guest room". Now the key pack for Marriott Rewards members, on the inside (because it is a folded key pack) it states where the keys are placed AGAIN "A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in your guest room".

When you enter your room, either on the dresser or the desk is a sign with the universal symbol for non smoking and the words "this is a smoke free hotel.... A $250 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in your guest room." Now, with all the warnings that have been made perfectly clear that Marriott's are a smoke free facility. Why on God's green Earth would you want to even present the slightest form of evidence that smoking COULD have occurred in your guest room? And for all of you that say "well it didn't SAY that we couldn't deposit the cigarette butts in the garbage"... "No one TOLD us that if the smoke SMELL was in the room we'd be charged, it just said if you smoked in there". This is the reason why you see the most absurd warnings and rules and laws that dictate exactly what we can and can't do and the consequences involved. Because people like to play games, play ignorant and stop using common sense.... "well no one TOLD me ________, they just said ______ so I thought it would be ok"Evidence is just that... evidence. Don't leave it there if you don't want to be charged. The whole purpose of having a SMOKE FREE hotel is so it will not SMELL like smoke, nor will it bring in the allergens that many people are now having problems with. The reason (at least from my observation) why Marriott went smoke free is because the majority of people who patronize the hotels are NON smokers.

When a non smoker is told that all we have is a smoking room available, they will go elsewhere until they obtain the ever so important non smoking room. Marriott stands firm on the policy that we will remain smoke free. And obviously, because some people may think that the rules don't apply to them, they want to be sure that everyone is on the same page. if your room smells of cigarette smoke, you will be charged. Case closed. I know that if I were warned that I could possibly render a $250 charge for a hint of smoking. I would do it elsewhere and leave evidence of it ELSEWHERE! With that being said. I'm going OUTSIDE to have my cigarette. TYVM

Don't waste your time arguing with Tallulah-phoebe . He or she is so hard headed and does not seem to understand this matter at all. The hotels policy has been posted here several times and here it is again.

This policy will be part of our Quality Assurance process. We are training our associates to respond. For example, housekeepers will be taught to look out for signs of smoking in the hotel. Guests will be reminded at the point of reservations and upon arrival that smoking is not allowed. Pre-arrival email notifications will also include a reference to the policy. There will be a significant room recovery fee for guests who do not comply in order to cover the extensive cost of restoring guest rooms to a smoke-free condition.

Tallulah-phoebe states A nonsmoking room is a nonsmoking room! That means it should be free of smoke smell, smoking paraphernalia, and anything else to do with smoking.

This may be your policy and definition but it is not the Marriott's policy or definition (at least for now). The Marriott's policy as stated above states - We are training our associates to respond. For example, housekeepers will be taught to look out for signs of smoking in the hotel. Guests will be reminded at the point of reservations and upon arrival that smoking is not allowed.

Does the policy state anywhere that lighters, packs of cigarettes, smoking paraphernalia or smoke odors from one's self or clothes are signs of smoking? The associates are to look for signs of smoking in the hotel. The signs of smoking mean that a cigarette is taken out of a pack, put up to a person's mouth, held between two lips and lit with a match or a lighter and the person inhales and exhales the smoke.

A stench as you call it, is not a sign that smoking occurred. My lighter is not a sign that smoking occurred. My Marlboro Man smoking paraphernalia t-shirt that I wore is also not a sign that smoking occurred.

Anyone who smokes or does not smoke can usually agree on one thing. It is a bad habit and it does smell. If this is such a huge problem for the hotel, you or other's to accept, then the Marriott should not invite smokers to stay at their hotel at all or they should add your definition of a non smoking room is to their policy above. If they accept your definition of what a non smoking room is then it would make the above policy perfectly clear. No arguments. Until the policy changes, I could care less what the room smells like after I leave. Deal with it!

You also come across as a smoker hater. It's people like you who complain about smokers, yet reap the rewards of what smokers leave behind for you to take advantage of.

For example, here in Ohio we have what's called the Sin Tax. Tobacco and alcohol is priced very high and is specially taxed to help cover the cost of building materials. Jacob's Field, the home of the Cleveland Indians was primarily built solely on the Sin Tax alone. Voters in Ohio were told in the beginning that a Sin Tax would be used to build the new stadium. We approved, the stadium was built but one thing was left out. No Smoking allowed except for small designated areas. Believe me, if that was told to voters in the very beginning, I highly doubt that the vote would have passed at all.

Smoke Hater's like you reaped the reward of a new stadium with virtually no out of pocket cost. The next time you complain, check your surroundings. You may be standing or sitting on something paid for by smokers!!

Don't waste your time arguing with Tallulah-phoebe . He or she is so hard headed and does not seem to understand this matter at all. The hotels policy has been posted here several times and here it is again.

This policy will be part of our Quality Assurance process. We are training our associates to respond. For example, housekeepers will be taught to look out for signs of smoking in the hotel. Guests will be reminded at the point of reservations and upon arrival that smoking is not allowed. Pre-arrival email notifications will also include a reference to the policy. There will be a significant room recovery fee for guests who do not comply in order to cover the extensive cost of restoring guest rooms to a smoke-free condition.

Tallulah-phoebe states A nonsmoking room is a nonsmoking room! That means it should be free of smoke smell, smoking paraphernalia, and anything else to do with smoking.

This may be your policy and definition but it is not the Marriott's policy or definition (at least for now). The Marriott's policy as stated above states - We are training our associates to respond. For example, housekeepers will be taught to look out for signs of smoking in the hotel. Guests will be reminded at the point of reservations and upon arrival that smoking is not allowed.

Does the policy state anywhere that lighters, packs of cigarettes, smoking paraphernalia or smoke odors from one's self or clothes are signs of smoking? The associates are to look for signs of smoking in the hotel. The signs of smoking mean that a cigarette is taken out of a pack, put up to a person's mouth, held between two lips and lit with a match or a lighter and the person inhales and exhales the smoke.

A stench as you call it, is not a sign that smoking occurred. My lighter is not a sign that smoking occurred. My Marlboro Man smoking paraphernalia t-shirt that I wore is also not a sign that smoking occurred.

Anyone who smokes or does not smoke can usually agree on one thing. It is a bad habit and it does smell. If this is such a huge problem for the hotel, you or other's to accept, then the Marriott should not invite smokers to stay at their hotel at all or they should add your definition of a non smoking room is to their policy above. If they accept your definition of what a non smoking room is then it would make the above policy perfectly clear. No arguments. Until the policy changes, I could care less what the room smells like after I leave. Deal with it!

You also come across as a smoker hater. It's people like you who complain about smokers, yet reap the rewards of what smokers leave behind for you to take advantage of.

For example, here in Ohio we have what's called the Sin Tax. Tobacco and alcohol is priced very high and is specially taxed to help cover the cost of building materials. Jacob's Field, the home of the Cleveland Indians was primarily built solely on the Sin Tax alone. Voters in Ohio were told in the beginning that a Sin Tax would be used to build the new stadium. We approved, the stadium was built but one thing was left out. No Smoking allowed except for small designated areas. Believe me, if that was told to voters in the very beginning, I highly doubt that the vote would have passed at all.

Smoke Hater's like you reaped the reward of a new stadium with virtually no out of pocket cost. The next time you complain, check your surroundings. You may be standing or sitting on something paid for by smokers!!

Don't waste your time arguing with Tallulah-phoebe . He or she is so hard headed and does not seem to understand this matter at all. The hotels policy has been posted here several times and here it is again.

This policy will be part of our Quality Assurance process. We are training our associates to respond. For example, housekeepers will be taught to look out for signs of smoking in the hotel. Guests will be reminded at the point of reservations and upon arrival that smoking is not allowed. Pre-arrival email notifications will also include a reference to the policy. There will be a significant room recovery fee for guests who do not comply in order to cover the extensive cost of restoring guest rooms to a smoke-free condition.

Tallulah-phoebe states A nonsmoking room is a nonsmoking room! That means it should be free of smoke smell, smoking paraphernalia, and anything else to do with smoking.

This may be your policy and definition but it is not the Marriott's policy or definition (at least for now). The Marriott's policy as stated above states - We are training our associates to respond. For example, housekeepers will be taught to look out for signs of smoking in the hotel. Guests will be reminded at the point of reservations and upon arrival that smoking is not allowed.

Does the policy state anywhere that lighters, packs of cigarettes, smoking paraphernalia or smoke odors from one's self or clothes are signs of smoking? The associates are to look for signs of smoking in the hotel. The signs of smoking mean that a cigarette is taken out of a pack, put up to a person's mouth, held between two lips and lit with a match or a lighter and the person inhales and exhales the smoke.

A stench as you call it, is not a sign that smoking occurred. My lighter is not a sign that smoking occurred. My Marlboro Man smoking paraphernalia t-shirt that I wore is also not a sign that smoking occurred.

Anyone who smokes or does not smoke can usually agree on one thing. It is a bad habit and it does smell. If this is such a huge problem for the hotel, you or other's to accept, then the Marriott should not invite smokers to stay at their hotel at all or they should add your definition of a non smoking room is to their policy above. If they accept your definition of what a non smoking room is then it would make the above policy perfectly clear. No arguments. Until the policy changes, I could care less what the room smells like after I leave. Deal with it!

You also come across as a smoker hater. It's people like you who complain about smokers, yet reap the rewards of what smokers leave behind for you to take advantage of.

For example, here in Ohio we have what's called the Sin Tax. Tobacco and alcohol is priced very high and is specially taxed to help cover the cost of building materials. Jacob's Field, the home of the Cleveland Indians was primarily built solely on the Sin Tax alone. Voters in Ohio were told in the beginning that a Sin Tax would be used to build the new stadium. We approved, the stadium was built but one thing was left out. No Smoking allowed except for small designated areas. Believe me, if that was told to voters in the very beginning, I highly doubt that the vote would have passed at all.

Smoke Hater's like you reaped the reward of a new stadium with virtually no out of pocket cost. The next time you complain, check your surroundings. You may be standing or sitting on something paid for by smokers!!

Don't waste your time arguing with Tallulah-phoebe . He or she is so hard headed and does not seem to understand this matter at all. The hotels policy has been posted here several times and here it is again.

This policy will be part of our Quality Assurance process. We are training our associates to respond. For example, housekeepers will be taught to look out for signs of smoking in the hotel. Guests will be reminded at the point of reservations and upon arrival that smoking is not allowed. Pre-arrival email notifications will also include a reference to the policy. There will be a significant room recovery fee for guests who do not comply in order to cover the extensive cost of restoring guest rooms to a smoke-free condition.

Tallulah-phoebe states A nonsmoking room is a nonsmoking room! That means it should be free of smoke smell, smoking paraphernalia, and anything else to do with smoking.

This may be your policy and definition but it is not the Marriott's policy or definition (at least for now). The Marriott's policy as stated above states - We are training our associates to respond. For example, housekeepers will be taught to look out for signs of smoking in the hotel. Guests will be reminded at the point of reservations and upon arrival that smoking is not allowed.

Does the policy state anywhere that lighters, packs of cigarettes, smoking paraphernalia or smoke odors from one's self or clothes are signs of smoking? The associates are to look for signs of smoking in the hotel. The signs of smoking mean that a cigarette is taken out of a pack, put up to a person's mouth, held between two lips and lit with a match or a lighter and the person inhales and exhales the smoke.

A stench as you call it, is not a sign that smoking occurred. My lighter is not a sign that smoking occurred. My Marlboro Man smoking paraphernalia t-shirt that I wore is also not a sign that smoking occurred.

Anyone who smokes or does not smoke can usually agree on one thing. It is a bad habit and it does smell. If this is such a huge problem for the hotel, you or other's to accept, then the Marriott should not invite smokers to stay at their hotel at all or they should add your definition of a non smoking room is to their policy above. If they accept your definition of what a non smoking room is then it would make the above policy perfectly clear. No arguments. Until the policy changes, I could care less what the room smells like after I leave. Deal with it!

You also come across as a smoker hater. It's people like you who complain about smokers, yet reap the rewards of what smokers leave behind for you to take advantage of.

For example, here in Ohio we have what's called the Sin Tax. Tobacco and alcohol is priced very high and is specially taxed to help cover the cost of building materials. Jacob's Field, the home of the Cleveland Indians was primarily built solely on the Sin Tax alone. Voters in Ohio were told in the beginning that a Sin Tax would be used to build the new stadium. We approved, the stadium was built but one thing was left out. No Smoking allowed except for small designated areas. Believe me, if that was told to voters in the very beginning, I highly doubt that the vote would have passed at all.

Smoke Hater's like you reaped the reward of a new stadium with virtually no out of pocket cost. The next time you complain, check your surroundings. You may be standing or sitting on something paid for by smokers!!

Smokers have rights too.
You did not have to respond back with such a mean an attitude. You seem to be angry at me, or the whole world. If you clearly read my letter, I am not the smoker. My friend is the smoker. So don't put me in the picture. I am not going to abandon my friends because they smoke.

He is trying to quit. And I know putting butts in a pocket is a nasty habit, but I clearly explained why he got into the habit (please re-read above). WE ALL have our nasty habits, regardless of who we are. I'm sure you have a few you don't share with other people.

At least, he is not throwing the butts on the ground, further polluting our planet. There is nothing worse than sitting at light, and looking down seeing all the butts on the grounds. They take years to dissolve. So give him some credit, instead of slamming him that he has a problem. Maybe you need to address your problem of "hating" smokers, so it appears in your response. I have suggested to him about putting them in a zip-lock bag, then putting in his pocket.

If your worried about your health, I'm sure that Los Angeles puts out more pollution and smell in one hour than a few butts in a trash can, and smoke on their clothes. I know because have visited there on business, and my nose and eyes always burns from the pollution.

I resent the remark that we should stay at a Motel 6 (not that I am saying that all Motel 6's are bad) because of his smoking and because he puts the butts in his pocket. What an ignorant remark n your behalf! My friend and I are business professionals. Are you implying that all smokers are trashy? So, if a person picks their nose, leaves urine on the toilet, farts, or has any other bad habit, they should stay at a less quality hotel/motel?

Believe me there are doctors, lawyers, dentist, and any other professional individuals who have terrible, nasty habits. Should they also stay at a Motel 6, or any other motor inn?

I will stand firm on what I said about the cigarette butts in the trash can. Just because they find a butt in the trash does not prove a person smoked. They need to see the person actually smoking in the room. If Marriot has not incorporated any language about butts in the trash, or ashes on the sink, in their policy, or on a sign, then I feel they do not have the right to fine a person for the lack of information. When I see of non-smoking on a sign, or written in a policy, I think of the actual act of smoking. They are trying to say that because they found a butt(s) in a trash can constitutes that someone smoked. Were not talking about consistent smoking in a room, which cause a stale cigarette smell, which is what most people smelled in the past staying in a smoking room. We are talking about burned-out butts, which do smell the room temporary, but does not cause the room to have a permanent odor. Dirty diapers and foul bathrooms cause nasty smells as well.

Marriot is trying to say that if they find a butt(s) in the trash, you will be fined for smoking. This is so wrong on their part. This does on mean someone smoked. Maybe they should put cameras in the rooms???

Online dictionary:
Smoking - the practice of inhaling the fumes from burning cigarettes or other forms of tobacco.

I won't respond back on this topic because I rather clean my cat box out than to keep responding on this subject.

San
Destin, Florida

Smokers have rights too.
You did not have to respond back with such a mean an attitude. You seem to be angry at me, or the whole world. If you clearly read my letter, I am not the smoker. My friend is the smoker. So don't put me in the picture. I am not going to abandon my friends because they smoke.

He is trying to quit. And I know putting butts in a pocket is a nasty habit, but I clearly explained why he got into the habit (please re-read above). WE ALL have our nasty habits, regardless of who we are. I'm sure you have a few you don't share with other people.

At least, he is not throwing the butts on the ground, further polluting our planet. There is nothing worse than sitting at light, and looking down seeing all the butts on the grounds. They take years to dissolve. So give him some credit, instead of slamming him that he has a problem. Maybe you need to address your problem of "hating" smokers, so it appears in your response. I have suggested to him about putting them in a zip-lock bag, then putting in his pocket.

If your worried about your health, I'm sure that Los Angeles puts out more pollution and smell in one hour than a few butts in a trash can, and smoke on their clothes. I know because have visited there on business, and my nose and eyes always burns from the pollution.

I resent the remark that we should stay at a Motel 6 (not that I am saying that all Motel 6's are bad) because of his smoking and because he puts the butts in his pocket. What an ignorant remark n your behalf! My friend and I are business professionals. Are you implying that all smokers are trashy? So, if a person picks their nose, leaves urine on the toilet, farts, or has any other bad habit, they should stay at a less quality hotel/motel?

Believe me there are doctors, lawyers, dentist, and any other professional individuals who have terrible, nasty habits. Should they also stay at a Motel 6, or any other motor inn?

I will stand firm on what I said about the cigarette butts in the trash can. Just because they find a butt in the trash does not prove a person smoked. They need to see the person actually smoking in the room. If Marriot has not incorporated any language about butts in the trash, or ashes on the sink, in their policy, or on a sign, then I feel they do not have the right to fine a person for the lack of information. When I see of non-smoking on a sign, or written in a policy, I think of the actual act of smoking. They are trying to say that because they found a butt(s) in a trash can constitutes that someone smoked. Were not talking about consistent smoking in a room, which cause a stale cigarette smell, which is what most people smelled in the past staying in a smoking room. We are talking about burned-out butts, which do smell the room temporary, but does not cause the room to have a permanent odor. Dirty diapers and foul bathrooms cause nasty smells as well.

Marriot is trying to say that if they find a butt(s) in the trash, you will be fined for smoking. This is so wrong on their part. This does on mean someone smoked. Maybe they should put cameras in the rooms???

Online dictionary:
Smoking - the practice of inhaling the fumes from burning cigarettes or other forms of tobacco.

I won't respond back on this topic because I rather clean my cat box out than to keep responding on this subject.

San
Destin, Florida

Smokers have rights too.
You did not have to respond back with such a mean an attitude. You seem to be angry at me, or the whole world. If you clearly read my letter, I am not the smoker. My friend is the smoker. So don't put me in the picture. I am not going to abandon my friends because they smoke.

He is trying to quit. And I know putting butts in a pocket is a nasty habit, but I clearly explained why he got into the habit (please re-read above). WE ALL have our nasty habits, regardless of who we are. I'm sure you have a few you don't share with other people.

At least, he is not throwing the butts on the ground, further polluting our planet. There is nothing worse than sitting at light, and looking down seeing all the butts on the grounds. They take years to dissolve. So give him some credit, instead of slamming him that he has a problem. Maybe you need to address your problem of "hating" smokers, so it appears in your response. I have suggested to him about putting them in a zip-lock bag, then putting in his pocket.

If your worried about your health, I'm sure that Los Angeles puts out more pollution and smell in one hour than a few butts in a trash can, and smoke on their clothes. I know because have visited there on business, and my nose and eyes always burns from the pollution.

I resent the remark that we should stay at a Motel 6 (not that I am saying that all Motel 6's are bad) because of his smoking and because he puts the butts in his pocket. What an ignorant remark n your behalf! My friend and I are business professionals. Are you implying that all smokers are trashy? So, if a person picks their nose, leaves urine on the toilet, farts, or has any other bad habit, they should stay at a less quality hotel/motel?

Believe me there are doctors, lawyers, dentist, and any other professional individuals who have terrible, nasty habits. Should they also stay at a Motel 6, or any other motor inn?

I will stand firm on what I said about the cigarette butts in the trash can. Just because they find a butt in the trash does not prove a person smoked. They need to see the person actually smoking in the room. If Marriot has not incorporated any language about butts in the trash, or ashes on the sink, in their policy, or on a sign, then I feel they do not have the right to fine a person for the lack of information. When I see of non-smoking on a sign, or written in a policy, I think of the actual act of smoking. They are trying to say that because they found a butt(s) in a trash can constitutes that someone smoked. Were not talking about consistent smoking in a room, which cause a stale cigarette smell, which is what most people smelled in the past staying in a smoking room. We are talking about burned-out butts, which do smell the room temporary, but does not cause the room to have a permanent odor. Dirty diapers and foul bathrooms cause nasty smells as well.

Marriot is trying to say that if they find a butt(s) in the trash, you will be fined for smoking. This is so wrong on their part. This does on mean someone smoked. Maybe they should put cameras in the rooms???

Online dictionary:
Smoking - the practice of inhaling the fumes from burning cigarettes or other forms of tobacco.

I won't respond back on this topic because I rather clean my cat box out than to keep responding on this subject.

San
Destin, Florida

Smokers have rights too.
You did not have to respond back with such a mean an attitude. You seem to be angry at me, or the whole world. If you clearly read my letter, I am not the smoker. My friend is the smoker. So don't put me in the picture. I am not going to abandon my friends because they smoke.

He is trying to quit. And I know putting butts in a pocket is a nasty habit, but I clearly explained why he got into the habit (please re-read above). WE ALL have our nasty habits, regardless of who we are. I'm sure you have a few you don't share with other people.

At least, he is not throwing the butts on the ground, further polluting our planet. There is nothing worse than sitting at light, and looking down seeing all the butts on the grounds. They take years to dissolve. So give him some credit, instead of slamming him that he has a problem. Maybe you need to address your problem of "hating" smokers, so it appears in your response. I have suggested to him about putting them in a zip-lock bag, then putting in his pocket.

If your worried about your health, I'm sure that Los Angeles puts out more pollution and smell in one hour than a few butts in a trash can, and smoke on their clothes. I know because have visited there on business, and my nose and eyes always burns from the pollution.

I resent the remark that we should stay at a Motel 6 (not that I am saying that all Motel 6's are bad) because of his smoking and because he puts the butts in his pocket. What an ignorant remark n your behalf! My friend and I are business professionals. Are you implying that all smokers are trashy? So, if a person picks their nose, leaves urine on the toilet, farts, or has any other bad habit, they should stay at a less quality hotel/motel?

Believe me there are doctors, lawyers, dentist, and any other professional individuals who have terrible, nasty habits. Should they also stay at a Motel 6, or any other motor inn?

I will stand firm on what I said about the cigarette butts in the trash can. Just because they find a butt in the trash does not prove a person smoked. They need to see the person actually smoking in the room. If Marriot has not incorporated any language about butts in the trash, or ashes on the sink, in their policy, or on a sign, then I feel they do not have the right to fine a person for the lack of information. When I see of non-smoking on a sign, or written in a policy, I think of the actual act of smoking. They are trying to say that because they found a butt(s) in a trash can constitutes that someone smoked. Were not talking about consistent smoking in a room, which cause a stale cigarette smell, which is what most people smelled in the past staying in a smoking room. We are talking about burned-out butts, which do smell the room temporary, but does not cause the room to have a permanent odor. Dirty diapers and foul bathrooms cause nasty smells as well.

Marriot is trying to say that if they find a butt(s) in the trash, you will be fined for smoking. This is so wrong on their part. This does on mean someone smoked. Maybe they should put cameras in the rooms???

Online dictionary:
Smoking - the practice of inhaling the fumes from burning cigarettes or other forms of tobacco.

I won't respond back on this topic because I rather clean my cat box out than to keep responding on this subject.

San
Destin, Florida

You wrote: "The room did smelled like smoke, but I did not think it would be an issue, since he did not smoke in the room."

A nonsmoking room is a nonsmoking room! That means it should be free of smoke smell, smoking paraphernalia, and anything else to do with smoking. Have a little respect for crying out loud, especially at a small bed and breakfast where others have to deal with your stench. It is absolutely disgusting for your "friend" to collect used cigarette butts in his pocket. Maybe you should stay at the local Motel 6 where such behavior is commonplace. The bed and breakfast was absolutely just in charging you a fee to get rid of the disgusting stench you left behind.

Believe it or not this situation has happened before. My friend is a heavy smoker. He smokes a pack and a half a day. I do not like cigarette smoking myself, but what can one do to stop a heavy smoker?

My friend and I stayed at a bed and breakfast several years ago in Georgia. The room they gave us was a non-smoking room, since there were no smoking rooms available. I was told there would be a $50.00 fee if we smoked in the room. The fee was to eliminate the smell for future occupants.

My friend smokes every hour, so it seems. When he is finished with his cigarette, he puts them in his pocket, so he does not pollute the premises with the butts. You're probably asking why he doesn't place them in a trash can when he is coming in. Believe me, I have asked him this question a hundred times. He informed me that where he works at, they do not have a trash can outside, so he would put them in his pocket until he goes back into his office. He said he sometimes forgets he has them in his pocket until he washes his clothes. I have done his laundry before, and I find about 20 butts in a pocket.

Moreover, I have noticed when he returns to a room after smoking, the room is quickly filled with the odor of fresh cigarette smoke because his clothes, hair and skin have absorbed the smoke. This smell stays in the room for a long time. It smells the same has fresh smoke. And the cigarette butts definitely add to the smell. He has come over to my house, and smoked a cigarette prior to entering. My house in a few minutes smells of fresh smoke. It takes hours to get rid of the smell. It is especially difficult because he will go out and smoke every hour bringing in more smoke smell.

Prior to checking out of the room, my friend smoked two cigarettes outside, and then returned to the room. I told him to empty his pockets of the butts, so they don't make my car smell. The room did smelled like smoke, but I did not think it would be an issue, since he did not smoke in the room. I can't open the windows because they were locked, and I don't usually make it a point of carrying air freshener with me on a trip.

Later, my credit card was charged a $50.00 for a cleaning fee. I first called the B&B, and I explained that I do not smoke but my friend does. However, I did tell them he went outside to smoke. I also explained to them the same information what I mentioned above in the said italicized paragraphs. They did not believe us. So I told them since they do not believe us that they have the burden of proof to show he did, indeed, smoke in the room. They need to see him actually doing the act. There are plausible explanations to a situation. On our defense, I asked them to have someone smoke, and then enter the room for ten minutes or more, and they will see what I am talking about. I know $50.00 is not that much, at least for me, but at this point it was the principle of the situation that my friend and I were falsely accused. They assumed w/o first sending us a letter to explain ourselves. I called my credit card company to inform them of the situation. I did not file a dispute because I wanted to try to resolve this myself. Since they did not actually see him smoking in the room, they reimbursed the charges. Basically, they could not prove he did.

Let's use some common sense. Just because a smoker is staying in a non-smoking room does not mean they will smoke. Sometimes we are being "prejudice" against smokers. Most smokers will obey the rules.

In Monmikf case, maybe the smoking rooms were not available. And going out smoking and bringing the fresh smoke smell back in the room is 100% plausible, in addition to the cigarette butts in the trash. As far as why he did not place the butts in the trash outside the room, sounds reasonable to me, especially if he was traveling in the height of the travel season where trash cans tend to fill-up with trash from travelers doing the same thing Monmikf was doing - cleaning out his car. We all have at one time or another stayed at as hotel, and experienced this. They don't usually change the cans until the next day, unless someone tells the front desk that the cans are full.

In conclusion, I live in Florida where there a 100% no smoking policy in public places (a Florida law). I'm sure there other states now who have the same law. So, this means smokers will have no choice but to stay in a non-smoking room. What are they supposed to do, since they no longer have smoking rooms to stay in? They do have the right to deposit their trash, whatever that maybe, in their room. Unless the hotel specifies that cigarette butts be placed outside the rooms in a special container, they can't say anything. Then we would be opening a "can of worms" on the situation. Not only can the smokers not place butts in the trash can, but he/she needs to change their clothes, prior to entering the room because of the smoke smell on the clothes. And what about their luggage having smoke smells? If they smoke all the time in their own home, then probably their clothes and everything else they have on their trip smells of smoke. Believe me, I know I have been on trips with smokers, and everything smells of smoke.

Believe me there are far worse smells that can "linger" in a room. What about diaper smells, horrible bathroom smells, body odors (some foreigners and Americans do not believe in washing everyday), etc. Most hotels have special odor elimination sprays to conquer these smells. I know febreze works well for smoke.

It should not cost $250.00. That is an unreal price. The price probably had a "punitive damages" charge.

I cannot believe what I have read here. You people who actually think that Marriot ripped down the drapes, dry cleaned them, shampooed the carpet, dry cleaned the bedding. You have to be NUTS!

A can of lysol DOES only cost a couple of bucks, and I'll even bet the housekeeping staff gets a kickback for all the extra charges they help get!
GET REAL!

WOW!!!!

It appears as though I am competing against alot of disgruntled current or former hotel employee's. It's amusing. The comments posted here just goes to show that everyone has an opinion and you are truly entitled them. That is what this is all about. Your 1st amendment rights to free speech. It's easy to say this happened or that happened when none of you were actually there. I can now understand why our judicial system is so slow when it comes to providing a fast and speedy trial for someone who is accused of wrong doing. Prosecutors and Attorney's have to not only weed thru incompetence. They have to find fair, impartial and unbiased jurors. They don't tolerate one sided views or opinions.

I would now like to share some of my thoughts.

1. The room was never out of order at anytime after my departure. I have that in writing from the hotel.
2. The carpet did not have to be shampooed or the drapes taken down Ect. Ect. Ect.
3. I did not pass several trash cans on my way back to my room. They don't have garbage cans lined up every 3 feet like some hotels that you may be used to.
4. My hands were full with luggage, toys as well as my refuse. Luckily, another hotel guest was nearby to hold the door open for me.
5. I am not going to search a hallway 150 yards long at 1:30 a.m. to find a trash can when I am on the ground floor and my room is 6 doors down from the entrance.
6. I do not pay for services in which I have no proof of them being rendered. I do not take someone's word that extra cleaning has to be done to a hotel room especially while traveling 70 MPH down the freeway from my departure.
7. The hotel will impose a charge regardless if cleaning needs to be done or not. If they find what they call is smoking evidence, a hotel guest will be charged.

This not about what I did, should have done or may have done during my stay. It's not about what I may have gotten away with. This is about facts with respect to the hotel's rights versus a hotel guest rights and the merchant/cardholder agreement.

The hotel chain has the right to declare a NO SMOKING policy. They have the right to impose a charge if it is violated.

Until a law or rule is imposed that smokers will be discriminated against from staying at a non smoking hotel, a hotel guest has the right to be a smoker and stay at a non smoking hotel.

A hotel guest has the right to be given the policy in writing. A hotel guest has the right to accept or refuse the policy.

The merchant and cardholder must have a signed agreement in advance of understanding with regards to the non smoking policy and what charges may be imposed if found violated. A verbal agreement is not acceptable. A significant room recovery fee as it is stated in the Marriott's non-smoking policy is not clear.

This policy will be part of our Quality Assurance process. We are training our associates to respond. For example, housekeepers will be taught to look out for signs of smoking in the hotel. Guests will be reminded at the point of reservations and upon arrival that smoking is not allowed. Pre-arrival email notifications will also include a reference to the policy. There will be a significant room recovery fee for guests who do not comply in order to cover the extensive cost of restoring guest rooms to a smoke-free condition.

What amount does significant represent? $25, $250, $2500, $25,000?

If a hotel states that they have evidence that smoking occurred during a hotel guests stay and a right to impose a charge, then a hotel guest should have an equal right be provided with proof of the evidence as well as proof that services were actually rendered for a room recovery fee. Why should someone have to take a person's word for it? What makes their word any better then someone else?

This world revolves around signatures and agreements. Get used to it. That's the way it is. When was the last time you purchased a product and or service and your signature of understanding and agreement to charges, payments or fee's was not involved.

1. A home mortgage
2. A new car
3. A speeding ticket
4. Eating at a restaurant
5. Getting your car fixed
6. Making a return of a product to a local store
7. Registering with a internet service provider
8. The list goes on and on and on.

The bottom line is CLEAR. Provide a product, good or service. Put it in writing. State the amount and lastly get a signature of acceptance. Visa could care less what happened during this nightmare. They did not take my word over someone else. They don't care about garbage cans, Judge Judy or dry cleaning. Visa is looking for one thing and one thing only. The bottom line. Which just so happens to be the same line where a signature should be.

X-------------------------------------------

That you would actually carry the contents of your car ashtry to your room to dispose if it is entirely ridiculous. You would be laughed right off of Judge Judy and she would instruct Officer Byrd to take you into the parking lot and beat the snot out of you just for good measure.

How many trash cans would you have to pass before coming into your room? There are plenty of trash cans available so no one is believing this story.

Just pay the $250 (since it is not going to break you) and keep your fiction stories for the funny papers.

The facts are, you knew the policy, you knew that they were a non smoking hotel because it is plastered all over the place. Knowing this information you then carried cigarette butts from your car, bypassing probably 2 trash cans (1 by the entry door and 1 by the elevator) to carry the butts to throw away in your room. This in itself is fishy, but then you argue the smoke smell with the GM of the hotel. There is a very distinct difference between stale cigarettes and fresh smoke and you can really tell this difference when you are in a non-smoking room. Also, why would there be cigarette ashes by the sink if you dumped them in the trash can? Did you put the trash can on the sink?

Also, as far as cleaning goes it takes a lot more than a can of lysol. Marriott takes all the bedding and draperies out and has them dry cleaned, then carpets shampooed/steam cleaned, lamp shades are steam cleaned, and the room is ionized after this. The man hours and cleaning bills more than covers 250, infact in some areas I'm guessing Marriott loses money.

You scammed them and you won. The fact is, you only won because they did not have you sign a registration card. If you had signed a registration card you would have been liable for the fee and your credit card company would not have refunded you the money, thats the facts.

seems you think you have your scam down pat offering "official" knowledge on how to dodge responsibilites for one's actions.

You honestly think that "a can of Lysol" is all that is required to clean a room of your filthy smoke odor? The last time I checked, Lysol merely helps cover up airborne odors. In regards to your particular room, the draperies and bedspreads had to be dry cleaned, the carpet deodorized and shampooed, AND the entire room ionized to get rid of your nasty smell in preparation for the next, truly NONSMOKING guest. "A can of Lysol" isn't gonna cut it, genius.

(John) My dispute case is officially closed. I was refunded the entire amount due to me as well as a letter from my credit card company stating the case is resolved. There is no recourse on behalf of the merchant to file a further dispute. Please understand that I am not disputing this hotel chains non-smoking policy. I am however disputing the way they handle the policy with respect to obtaining smoking evidence from hotel guests as well as obtaining a clear understanding from a hotel guest that they may charged by obtaining a hotel guests signature at check in. This is a hotel chain. I don't believe that they have proper training to become the "smoking police department".

From my understanding, this non-smoking policy for Marriott hotels went into effect July 2007. I was charged $250.00 on July 1st 2007. Is this a coincidence or was I made an example? I believe in my opinion that this hotel chain could not wait start imposing this charge immediately. This was a quick $250.00 revenue boost at my expense.

If I smoked in my hotel room, I would have paid the charge and moved on with my life. $250.00 is not going to make or break me. I would not even bother posting my experience. However, I did not smoke in my hotel room. I feel that if the Marriott attempted to extract $250.00 from me thru no fault of my own, I wonder how many other hotel guests have been gouged with this charge as well and are doing nothing about it.

(Tallulah-phoebe) I only stayed at this hotel because several other parties from my family and friends stayed there as well for a family reunion. Most hotels are non-smoking. I have no problem smoking outside. We parked in the rear of the hotel when returning from the reunion. The garbage can outside was overflowing with garbage. That's why I did not dump it in the parking lot. The room did not have a strong odor. I was charged because they believe that smoking occurred in the room via a visual inspection more so then the odor. The last time I checked a can of Lysol cost $2.39.

I also don't believe that I should be charged just because the room smelled like smoke. What if someone spilled a drink on you at a party and as you drove home, you were stopped for speeding. If the police smell alcohol coming from you car, should they immediately arrest you for DWI even though you do not drink alcohol? Is that fair?

Again, I do not want to encourage anyone to smoke in their hotel room and attempt to get away with it. (I made a correction to my comment earlier.) ***See Clarification***. If they do smoke and sign off agreeing to a possible penalty, then they are on their own. I do want to let hotel guests know that if they charged simply because they carry an odor of smoke with them into their room, then a charge should not apply.

Why would a "very heavy smoker" elect to stay in a non-smoking room?

Why would anyone carry cigarette butts, ashes, and other nasty smoking paraphernalia all the way from one's car into their NONSMOKING hotel room, bypassing numerous waste receptacles along the way?

The bottom line is that you and your room stunk like smoke. Whether or not you actually smoked in the room, the hotel had to do some major cleaning to get rid of your stench, hence the extra fee you were charged.

Why would a "very heavy smoker" elect to stay in a non-smoking room?

Why would anyone carry cigarette butts, ashes, and other nasty smoking paraphernalia all the way from one's car into their NONSMOKING hotel room, bypassing numerous waste receptacles along the way?

The bottom line is that you and your room stunk like smoke. Whether or not you actually smoked in the room, the hotel had to do some major cleaning to get rid of your stench, hence the extra fee you were charged.

Why would a "very heavy smoker" elect to stay in a non-smoking room?

Why would anyone carry cigarette butts, ashes, and other nasty smoking paraphernalia all the way from one's car into their NONSMOKING hotel room, bypassing numerous waste receptacles along the way?

The bottom line is that you and your room stunk like smoke. Whether or not you actually smoked in the room, the hotel had to do some major cleaning to get rid of your stench, hence the extra fee you were charged.

Just to clarify, yes a merchant has the right to dispute a chargeback but without having the customer's signature on the credit card reciept, they will not win the dispute. Sometimes having the customer's signature on the receipt isn't enough win the chargeback dispute. If the hotel had had the customer sign a reg card that stated his credit card would be charged in the event he checks out with an outstanding bill, then he might not of gotten his money back.

Just a note on a chargeback: The fact that there was no signature on a receipt for this charge doesn't mean that you're off the hook. Initiating a chargeback is very easy to do and you can basically give any excuse and Visa/MC will (temporarily) refund your money in full. I wouldn't assume that you've won this round because you've initiated a chargeback.The merchant has a right to dispute this.

Just a note on a chargeback: The fact that there was no signature on a receipt for this charge doesn't mean that you're off the hook. Initiating a chargeback is very easy to do and you can basically give any excuse and Visa/MC will (temporarily) refund your money in full. I wouldn't assume that you've won this round because you've initiated a chargeback.The merchant has a right to dispute this.

If you read my report, I specifically stated that hotel guests must be given the policy in writing and the hotel must obtain a hotel guests signature accepting the policy at check in. In my specific case none of this occured. No registration card was ever completed.

The front desk clerk simply swiped my credit card and handed it back to me. There was no verbal or written statement regarding the smoking policy at any time. Although I did not smoke in my hotel room, even if I did, there was no proof of my acceptance to the policy.

I will admit that I was wrong in stating that a hotel guest can smoke all they want. I do not want to encourage someone to smoke in their hotel room. What I should have stated is that if a hotel guest brings the odor of smoke into their room and are not guilty of lighting up then they should not have to worry.

I was wrongly accused of smoking in my hotel room. My story tells it all.

While you have quoted the policy and given some very good advice on how to get your money back if you are over charged. By you telling people not to worry about smoking in rooms and how to get their money back if they get caught, you are potentially going to cost them a lot of money.

Marriotts have placed this smoking policy and the fines in the small print at the bottom of their registration(reg) cards. When you check in and sign the reg cards you are also agreeing to the smoking policy. If you got your money back because they didn't fax this into the credit card company, then you are lucky. However, most managers are smart enough to fax this in. When the cc company sees that you signed it, the case will be closed.

And to further add to this, credit card companies all know about this policy and most of the time as long as they see a signed reg card with credit card info then they will side with the hotel.