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‘She unexpectedly returned and attempted to check-in again. Unfortunately, she initially succeeded, but was soon recognised by a member of our team’
A woman suspected of carrying out a ‘dine and dash’ leaving a hotel £800 out of pocket returned to the same establishment a year later – only to be recognised by astounded staff.
According to management, the guest enjoyed fine dining at the rural hotel in Carmarthenshire for three days in June, 2024, before disappearing without settling her £802.55 bill. She ordered and enjoyed fish and steak and consumed wine throughout her stay at the four-star Diplomat Hotel in Llanelli.
Staff were then left incensed when the guest left without completing checkout procedures at the hotel. However, she then returned more than a year later and tried to book an even longer stay. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here.
The woman attempted to secure accommodation for a five-night visit on this occasion, but was recognised by an employee who insisted on advance payment.
The hotel said her card was rejected and she claimed she would get in touch with her bank. She then left the hotel before she could be questioned further.
Hotel manager Paul Jenkins stated: “Despite attempts to contact her, she has been untraceable and we suspect she may have done the same to other establishments.
“She unexpectedly returned and attempted to check in again. Unfortunately, she initially succeeded, but was soon recognised by a member of our team.
“When I approached her and asked whether she had stayed with us previously, she denied ever visiting the hotel.
“She had booked a 5-night stay, which would have amounted to over £800, excluding any additional charges. Thankfully, our team acted quickly and attempted to take payment upfront – her card immediately declined.
“When questioned, she claimed she would contact her company and return with an alternative card. Instead, she made a swift exit from the premises. To all fellow hoteliers: please be vigilant and keep an eye out for this individual.”
Mr Jenkins confirmed that police had been contacted. WalesOnline has had to blur the image for legal reasons.
In the earlier incident last June Mr Jenkins claimed the woman had made a reservation under a bogus company name before she “disappeared without any trace at all.”
He explained: “Housekeepers didn’t know if she was in the room or not, and once we knew what happened, we opened the door and she had gone.”
He added: “We have never had a problem like this. Sometimes someone forgets, but it’s quite a lot to deal with. After Covid, hospitality businesses have suffered, and we are busy now but it all makes a difference.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson confirmed: “Inquiries are being made to identify the woman.”
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