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Almost all credit card companies in the US allow you to dispute charges. Some even allow you to do it online. Typically it's then up to the merchant to prove the charges are legitimate. And from what I've heard that's very difficult sometimes. Most larger companies simply eat the cost. And it's a significant problem for small businesses as some folks use this to cheat the system and get free things.

as @nickthemagicman says - except (at least in Europe) you have to write to the merchant (hotel) asking them to refund all charges and explain why.

If they refuse or don't reply you call your credit card company and tell them you dispute the charges; they usually immediately refund you and take it up with the hotel.

This should probably say "some parts of Europe", or a specific country. At least in the UK, the reversal can be initiated with a single call to the bank. They contact the merchant then and give you the money back immediately. In good banks it actually works with both credit and debit cards.

I think he means he would call the credit card company and get them to refund the charges.