A 63-year-old woman claims she was left stranded outside a Manchester hotel after being unable to pay a £1.20 "tourist tax" by card. Margaret Jones, who has mobility issues and memory loss, traveled from Lincolnshire to the Britannia Hotel on Portland Street on January 2 but faced challenges during check-in.

Upon arrival around 9 p.m., Margaret was informed of the additional City Visitor Charge levy. Preferring to use cash due to difficulties remembering PIN numbers, she offered £1.50 in cash to cover the fee. However, hotel staff allegedly refused her cash payment, insisting it be made by card.

Margaret explained her condition to the staff, sharing that being unable to pay in her preferred way could lead to panic attacks. “I carry cash all the time because it’s easier for me,” she said. “My cards all look the same, and I often forget which one I’m using.”

Despite offering alternative payment methods, including cash, an online transfer, or phone payment, Margaret claims staff were unwilling to accommodate her. She alleged that she was told to leave the hotel if she could not pay by card.

“I stood outside in the freezing cold, shaking and crying, unsure of what to do,” Margaret recounted. A friend’s offer to pay the fee remotely was also reportedly declined by the hotel.

Eventually, Margaret managed to locate a card capable of tap payment and was allowed to check in. However, the ordeal left her feeling humiliated and distressed.

“It’s ridiculous,” she said. “I thought cash was legal tender. Not everyone has cards or is comfortable using them. To refuse me a room I had already paid for because of a £1.20 fee and leave me outside in the cold—it’s just wrong.”

Margaret expressed concerns about the treatment of disabled guests, stating that the experience highlighted a lack of support and understanding. “If this is how they treat someone with mobility issues, how are they treating others? They need to do better,” she added.

The Hotel has not commented on the incident.