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Hotel Parking Charges: Guests Shouldn't Pay Twice

Hotel parking charges affect guests who have every right to park while staying at the property. Many hotels use third-party operators to manage their car parks, and guests can be caught by registration systems, permit requirements, or time limits they were never informed about at check-in. As a paying guest, your position is strong.

Received a parking charge at a hotel parking? Many hotel parking parking charges can be challenged on grounds including inadequate signage, POFA 2012 non-compliance, and mitigating circumstances.

  • --As a paying guest, you had a contractual right to use the hotel facilities including parking
  • --The hotel failed to inform you about vehicle registration at check-in
  • --No contract formed because the parking terms were not communicated to you as a guest
  • --The charge is disproportionate -- a paying hotel guest causes no loss by parking

Key Advice for Hotel Parking Charges

  1. Keep your hotel booking confirmation and receipt
  2. Note whether hotel staff informed you about any parking registration requirement
  3. Ask the hotel to confirm in writing that you were a guest on the date in question
  4. Request that the hotel contacts the operator to cancel the charge
  5. Photograph any signage about parking registration in the car park and at reception

Why Hotel Parking Charges Happen

  • Failure to register your vehicle at reception or on an app
  • Not being informed about the registration requirement at check-in
  • Checking out late and exceeding the parking time linked to your booking
  • Parking in the wrong area of the hotel car park
  • Vehicle registration system not working or being unavailable
  • Returning to the hotel after checkout to collect luggage or use facilities

Parking Companies at Hotel Sites

See our parking company guides for detailed information on appealing to specific operators.

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Defence Arguments for Hotel Parking Charges

  • As a paying guest, you had a contractual right to use the hotel facilities including parking
  • The hotel failed to inform you about vehicle registration at check-in
  • No contract formed because the parking terms were not communicated to you as a guest
  • The charge is disproportionate -- a paying hotel guest causes no loss by parking
  • The hotel (landowner) does not support charges against its own guests
  • The BPA/IPC code requires reasonable notice of terms, which was not given at check-in

Your Rights

As a hotel guest, your position is fundamentally different from a casual visitor. Your booking entitles you to use the hotel facilities, and parking is typically part of that entitlement. If you were not informed about any registration requirement, the charge is likely unenforceable. Contact the hotel directly -- many will support your appeal.

What You Should Do

  1. 1.Keep your hotel booking confirmation and receipt
  2. 2.Note whether hotel staff informed you about any parking registration requirement
  3. 3.Ask the hotel to confirm in writing that you were a guest on the date in question
  4. 4.Request that the hotel contacts the operator to cancel the charge
  5. 5.Photograph any signage about parking registration in the car park and at reception
  6. 6.Check your booking terms for any mention of parking procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I appeal a hotel parking parking charge?

Yes. All private parking charges can be appealed. You should first appeal directly to the parking operator, then escalate to POPLA or the IAS if your appeal is rejected. These independent appeals services are free to use and their decisions are binding on the operator but not on you.

Who manages parking at hotel parkings?

Parking at hotel parkings is typically managed by private parking operators such as ParkingEye, Euro Car Parks, APCOA, or Smart Parking, depending on the site. The operator's name will be shown on the parking charge notice and on signage at the car park.

What are the best defence arguments for hotel parking parking charges?

Common defence arguments include inadequate or unclear signage, POFA 2012 non-compliance (such as late service of the Notice to Keeper), mitigating circumstances specific to hotel parking visits, ANPR camera errors, and disproportionate charges under ParkingEye v Beavis [2015] UKSC 67.

Will a hotel parking parking charge go to court?

Most hotel parking parking charges do not reach court. Operators typically send debt collection letters as a pressure tactic, but only a small proportion of charges result in county court claims. If a claim is issued, you have 14 days to acknowledge it and 28 days to file a defence. A well-drafted defence often leads to the claim being discontinued.

How long do I have to appeal a hotel parking parking charge?

You typically have 28 days from the date of the parking charge notice to appeal to the operator. If your appeal is rejected, you then have a further 28 days to escalate to the independent appeals service (POPLA for BPA members, IAS for IPC members). You should appeal promptly to preserve your rights.

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