A hotel guest in China's southern island province of Hainan deliberately flooded her room after the hotel denied her request to cancel a reservation. The incident, which occurred on October 28, led to significant property damage and a compensation payment of nearly 30,000 yuan (US$4,200), far exceeding the original room rate.
Key Takeaways
- A hotel guest flooded her room after a cancellation request was denied.
- The damage cost the guest 280 times the original room rate.
- Hotel staff discovered the flooding when water leaked into the lobby.
- The guest confessed and agreed to pay compensation.
Incident Begins with Late Check-in and Refund Demand
The unidentified woman checked into the hotel late at night. She had booked the room for one night through an online platform, costing 108 yuan (US$15). Approximately 30 minutes after checking in, she requested a full refund, citing a "change of plan" as her reason.
The hotel manager, identified as Xiong, stated that the hotel's policy does not permit cancellations after check-in. Despite this, the guest insisted on a refund. She claimed the room was of poor quality and lacked proper soundproofing. Hotel staff offered a free upgrade, but the woman still refused to accept it.
Quick Facts
- Original room rate: 108 yuan (US$15)
- Compensation paid: nearly 30,000 yuan (US$4,200)
- Ratio of compensation to room rate: approximately 280 times
Escalation to Deliberate Flooding
The dispute escalated when the woman contacted both the police and a local government hotline to complain. While waiting for authorities to arrive, she turned on the washbasin tap and the showerhead in her second-floor bathroom. This action caused the room to flood extensively.
She also threw the bedding into the shower room and poured shower gel over it. The hotel staff only became aware of the situation when water began leaking from her room into the lobby below. Manager Xiong confirmed that the taps ran from around 2 AM until early morning.
"She ended up paying nearly 300 times the hotel room rate that she wanted to avoid," an online observer commented.
Extent of Damage
The deliberate flooding caused significant damage. The room was completely inundated with water, leading to damage to the walls and floor. The hotel estimated the cost of the damage to be around 20,000 yuan (US$2,800).
The hotel promptly called the police and demanded that the guest take responsibility for her actions. This incident highlights the challenges hotels sometimes face with guests who refuse to comply with cancellation policies.
Legal Ramifications in China
Under Chinese law, individuals who intentionally destroy public or private property can face legal consequences. If the damage caused is considered a "relatively large amount," offenders may face detention or a fine. Should the cost of the damage exceed 5,000 yuan (US$700), the individual could also face investigation for criminal responsibility.
Confession and Compensation
The police spoke with the woman, who confessed to intentionally flooding the room. She agreed to compensate the hotel for the damages. The final compensation amount was nearly 30,000 yuan (US$4,200).
This payment is a substantial increase compared to the original room rate of 108 yuan. It serves as a strong reminder of the legal and financial consequences of such destructive behavior. One online comment noted, "Compared to greater legal consequences, the 30,000-yuan compensation is a rather light punishment."
Another observer reflected on the broader lesson: "Anger can cause great consequences if we do not put a leash on it. The law can be a good leash." This incident underscores the importance of managing disputes calmly and understanding established policies.
Lessons for Travelers and Hoteliers
For travelers, this event emphasizes the need to understand hotel cancellation policies before booking. Most hotels have strict rules regarding refunds, especially after check-in. For hoteliers, it highlights the importance of clear communication regarding policies and efficient response mechanisms for emergencies like property damage.
The swift action by the police and the hotel in Hainan ensured that the responsible party was held accountable, preventing further escalation of the situation. This case serves as a cautionary tale for anyone contemplating similar actions.
