A consumer court in Chennai has found The Leela Palace Udaipur at fault for invading a couple’s privacy. The court ordered the hotel to pay Rs 10 lakh in compensation to the couple who were staying at the well-known luxury hotel. Reports say the couple, from Chennai, claimed that housekeeping staff entered their room with a master key while they were in the washroom. The hotel denied any wrongdoing and said that the guests had not placed a “Do Not Disturb” sign on their door.
Leela Palace Hotel Staff Enters Bathroom, When Couples are there
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Chennai (North), issued the order after an advocate from Chennai filed a complaint. The advocate had booked a one-day stay at the hotel on January 26, 2025, for Rs 55,500.
In its ruling, the Commission said that allowing staff to enter an occupied room was a serious service failure and a breach of guest privacy. The Commission emphasized that internal procedures cannot take priority over a guest’s right to privacy and safety. It noted that the staff member entered the room less than a minute after ringing the doorbell, calling this action unreasonable, especially since the washroom was in use.
The Commission also instructed the hotel to refund the room cost of Rs 55,000 with 9% annual interest from January 26, 2025, until payment is made. Additionally, the hotel must pay Rs 10,000 for litigation costs. The total amount is due within two months. The complaint filed against Schloss Udaipur Private Limited, which manages the hotel.
Hotel denies the privacy faults
In a statement, The Leela Palace Udaipur rejected any claims of fault, stating the housekeeping staff entered the room after ringing the doorbell, following internal procedures. The hotel mentioned that there was no “Do Not Disturb” sign displayed, and the door latch and double lock not engaged. They also claimed the staff member left immediately upon realizing the guests were in the washroom.
The hotel provided the couple with letters of apology, which they said given as a goodwill gesture and not imply any admission of fault.
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