Hotel Guest Hit with $500 Smoking Fee, But She Says She Doesn’t Smoke and Wasn’t in the Room

A hotel guest is claiming she received a $500 smoking fee despite not smoking and not being in the room at the time when smoke was reportedly detected. Rhaiany Leicy, a resident of North Carolina, visited New York City with a friend from Friday, Oct. 3 to Sunday, Oct. 5. She chose to stay at the M Social Hotel in Times Square due to its central location and positive reviews on Booking.com.

The incident occurred on a Saturday morning when Leicy and her friends left the hotel room at around 11 a.m. to explore the city. Upon returning at 5 p.m., they discovered an envelope on their door stating a $500 smoking fee. Immediately, Leicy went to the front desk to address the issue with the manager. The manager presented a “Smoke Report” indicating smoke detection in their room between 4 and 4:30 p.m. while the group was outside the hotel.

Leicy contested the report, explaining that none of them smoked and provided photographic evidence of their whereabouts during the alleged smoking time. Despite requesting security footage and key card logs to verify their innocence, the manager was unable to assist. Subsequently, Leicy received a modified smoke report via email stating the smoke detection actually occurred between 9:15 and 10:15 a.m. instead.

Upon researching, Leicy found similar complaints from other guests who had been unjustly charged a smoking fee at the M Social Hotel. Feeling compelled to share her experience, she took to TikTok, where her video garnered over 3 million views and prompted others to recount similar grievances. Still without a response from the hotel, Leicy checked out on Tuesday, Oct. 7, with the smoking fee removed, a resolution she attributes to social media attention.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Leicy expressed uncertainty regarding the hotel’s actions, calling the experience “shady.” She advised fellow travelers to maintain proof of their whereabouts to safeguard against such incidents. Despite attempted contact, neither the M Social Hotel in Times Square nor its parent company, Millennium Hotels, have provided a response to PEOPLE’s request for comment on the matter.

The case of Rhaiany Leicy sheds light on the potential challenges faced by hotel guests when disputing unexpected charges. The power of social media in amplifying consumer voices and holding businesses accountable is showcased through Leicy’s experience, serving as a reminder of the importance of transparency and fairness in the hospitality industry. As travelers navigate their accommodation choices, Leicy’s caution to document one’s activities as a form of protection resonates as a proactive measure against unwarranted fees or allegations.