Complaining may be easy, but it isn't always productive. If you have recently had an unpleasant hotel experience and want to submit a complaint letter, follow a few steps to ensure that your letter is effective. Before you write, decide whether your situation justifies any kind of compensation from the hotel management. If you think it does, discuss the matter with an objective party to help you determine what demands you should and should not make. If possible, meet with the hotel manager before you submit a formal complaint. A personal visit may make it easier to express your concerns effectively and request and obtain any appropriate compensation.

Step 1.

Include all your necessary contact information in the letter heading. Contact information should include your full name, address, phone number and email address. Put this information in the top lefthand corner of the page in block format.

Step 2.

Date the letter and put the name of the hotel underneath the date, as well as the hotel address.

Step 3.

Begin the body of your letter with a professional greeting. If you know the name of the hotel manager or contact person, you can use her name. Otherwise, "To Whom It May Concern " is appropriate.

Step 4.

Provide a detailed summary of your negative experience. Include any dates, names, room numbers and any other specific information. Explain what happened and why the occurrence prompted you to write the letter.

Step 5.

Request any compensation in the last paragraph of the body. Be specific in your requests and let the hotel management know why you are asking for them. If you ask for a reimbursement, for example, let the manager know why you want a specific amount. If possible, provide proof of any incorrect charges that were made.

Step 6.

Conclude your letter by stating how the management can reach you and restating your expectations. If necessary, inform the company of any actions you will take if your needs are not met. For example, you can include a line such as, "I will report this matter to the Better Business Bureau if I do not see prompt efforts to resolve the situation and refund my account."

Step 7.

Ask a friend or family member to proofread your complaint letter for grammar and spelling errors before you send the final draft.

Tip

Be courteous in your letter. A rude complaint letter is less likely to be effective. Never use profanity and ensure that any requests for compensation are reasonable and fair.