Two female backpackers claim they were forcibly detained and extorted by at least five security guards, who demanded more than $4000 for damage to furniture at a popular St Kilda night spot.

German tourists Sonja Valinaki, 22, and Verena Vorauer, 24, said they were left shaken after allegedly being held in a back room at Fitzroy Street's The George Public Bar, also known as the "Snakepit", in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Backpackers Sonja Valimaki and Verena Vorauer outside the hotel. Credit:Joe Armao

The backpackers claimed security guards demanded money to cover the cost of repairing broken LED lights and a Tasmanian oak table that the pair damaged while sneaking into the venue through a street-level window.

"They were standing around us, shouting at us. We were in tears and shaking," Ms Vorauer said.