Hotel/cabin room incident

Recently some friends and myself threw a party at a nearby cabin owned by a hotel in an Ohio state park. After the dust settled the cabin was a mess and some minor damages were inflicted on the cabin. The hotel is now trying to charge my friend (the person who's contact information they received) a completely inappropriate sum of money for cleaning and damages. No contract or paperwork of any kind was signed, the only piece of paperwork that was exchanged is a receipt of payment for the room (which was paid in cash). The damages were pre-existing but were increased during our party. What can we be held liable for and how can we protect ourselves from being over-charged for the cleaning and minor damages that occurred during our party? Thank you for any assistance.

You need to pay for any damages but if they overcharge or you do not agree then go to small claims court.

[OHlandlord]

They are holding the person who paid for the room responsible for any damages that occurred from him or his guests. This is normal and proper. If you disagree with the charges, you can attempt to fight them as the last poster said. But keep in mind that this was a STATE park. Most of those hotels and cabins in our parks belong to the state itself. You would be fighting the state on those charges. I'm guessing you do not have pictures and did not document the damage done? Taking the state of Ohio to small claims court will not be easy. I suggest you call the hotel/park manager and talk to them and try to negotiate a lower fee.

You may have an easier time if the cabin belongs to a private owner.

[safetyfirst]

Contact all who attended the party, divvy up the bill and pay it. All who attended are responsible, not just your friend. Those who don't pay, won't be invited next time! If your parties frequently end up this way, you may want to consider collecting deposits from all guests and letting the hotel 'hold' that deposit until the next day.

Grow up!