How to Write a Complaint Email About a Hotel Stay
Your hotel stay did not meet expectations and you want compensation or at least an acknowledgment. Here is how to write a complaint that gets results.
Professional Hotel Complaint
RecommendedDear [Hotel Name] Guest Relations, I recently stayed at your [Location] property and unfortunately, my experience did not meet the standard I expected from [Hotel Brand]. Stay Details: - Confirmation Number: [Number] - Dates: [Check-in] to [Check-out] - Room: [Room Number / Type] - Guest Name: [Your Name] Issues Experienced: 1. [Specific issue with detail -- e.g., "The room had not been cleaned upon check-in, with used towels still on the floor"] 2. [Second issue if applicable] 3. [How staff responded if relevant] I raised [issue] with the front desk on [date], and [describe what happened or did not happen]. I would appreciate [specific resolution: a partial refund / loyalty points / a credit toward a future stay]. I have photos documenting the issues if needed. Thank you for looking into this. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Email] [Phone]
Subject Line
Guest Complaint - Reservation #[Number] - [Date]
Alternative Versions
More Direct Version
directDear Guest Relations, my stay at [Hotel], Confirmation #[Number], on [dates] was unacceptable. Issues: [list]. I am requesting [specific compensation]. Photos attached. [Your Name]
Warmer Version
warmDear [Hotel] Guest Relations, I have always enjoyed staying with [Brand] and chose your property because of that reputation. Unfortunately, my recent stay did not meet the usual standard. [Describe issues]. I believe a [partial refund / credit / points] would be a fair resolution. I am confident this was an anomaly and I look forward to a better experience next time. Thank you, [Your Name]
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When to Use This
Send this when: - Your hotel room had serious issues - Staff did not resolve problems during your stay - You want compensation or a credit - You have documentation of the problems
What Not to Say
Avoid: - Being rude or threatening - Complaining about minor inconveniences - Not having specific details or documentation - Waiting months after the stay to complain - Posting a public review without giving them a chance to respond first