Every traveler runs the risk of receiving a notification after leaving the hotel about a charge for a damaged towel, drunk cola from the minibar or a broken chair leg. It is almost impossible to prove otherwise without evidence, and the dispute often ends not in the guest’s favor.
Remember what to photograph: a complete checklist.
1. General plans (panorama of the room)
Start with a general video or series of shots that cover the entire room, walls, windows, views, and doors. This will create a “cast” of the original state. Take pictures of the ceiling, walls for stains and mold, floors and carpets.
2. Small parts and accessories
Fix scratches on furniture and appliances. Take a photo of a broken door lock or jammed window. Be patient and check all handles and hinges.
3. Bathroom and appliances
Turn on the water to check the pressure and temperature. Record the condition of the tiles, the presence of hair or limescale deposits. If the kettle is covered in limescale, take a photo of that too.
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4. Minibar and serving
Take photographs of all refrigerator shelves. If some items are missing, but they are listed on the hotel’s checklist, record this. It is also better to count the towels and bathrobes, recording their number.
If you find dirt, broken equipment or mold, do not rush to call support – first videotape the problem. Vice President of the Alliance of Russian Travel Agencies Aleksan Mkrtchyan advises:
“You should make a video recording, show the building, the hotel sign from the street, then go in and film the violation.”
Then calmly go down to the reception and show the footage. The administration usually tries to maintain loyalty and changes the number or fixes the problem, writes regions.ru.
Before departure: re-fixation
Before handing over the keys, it is worth repeating the photo recording. This will prove that you didn't break the vase or break the chair. If the hotel took a deposit, ask for confirmation of the withdrawal, or check the hold status in online banking a few days later.
This simple ritual with enviable regularity saves not only your nerves, but also your wallet. It’s better to spend 5 minutes looking around with a phone in your hands than to later ruin the impression of the trip and pay for other people’s “sins,” writes aif.ru.
We wrote earlier that it is impossible to export it from Turkey and Egypt.
