Hotel Marketing Fee...??

[Richards 0]

My wife and I recently took a small trip and stayed at a moderately priced hotel. Upon receiving our bill we noticed there was also a marketing fee added on to our bill. We were not informed that this was part of the fee nor did I spot it on the website where I got the phone number.

I realize that they are not obliged to inform you of all governmnent fees (like the France Airline fee for thirld world countries), or taxes but marketing is part of the firms private cost structure. Basing your price quote on your variable costs but then after the fact billing for a component of your fixed cost sounds a bit unethical to me.

Does anyone know if they are allowed to do this. I did not get into an argument with the desk clerk over this as it was only about $10, nor will I bother following up on it with the company, but I am curious.

I welcome the opinions of anyone in the know on this.

Richards

My biggest handicap is that sometimes the hole in the front of my head operates a tad bit faster than the grey matter contained within.

[NWFlyer 2]

I'd follow up on that. Unless it's a government-mandated fee, I'd request an explanation of what it is, why it was added to your bill, and whether it could be removed.

I stay in hotels all the time for work. Billing gets screwed up from time to time - it could be legit; it could be a mistake.

Hotels are slipping in a lot of random fees here and there in an effort to keep their room rates looking more reasonable. Go to any hotel in a popular tourist destination and it's not surprising to see a "resort fee" (supposedly to cover things like towels at the pool, etc.). It's not illegal, but it's kind of annoying when you think you're paying one rate and you get extras tacked on. Always good to ask about fees when you get a rate quoted.

I've noticed in the last couple years that car rental companies are actually moving more towards full disclosure - when you make a reservation, they'll not only give you the daily rate, they'll give you an estimated total including taxes and fees. I really like this so I have an idea what the true "bottom line" will be.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[Thanatos340 1]

I had a car dealership try to pull that same scam on me sometime ago (Along with the other fees like doc fee and destination fee). They called it Regional Advertising Fee and added to the cost of the vehicle after the price was negotiated. I walked out and told them to kiss my ass. They of course offered to drop it, but I told them I wouldnt do busiiness with any company was dishonest enough to try something like that.

If Hotels are now trying this scam, the only way it will stop is to raise holy hell about it. It is not illegal, but it is a scam. They can charge anything they want... It is up to you to refuse to pay it.

[Richards 0]

Gracias,

I am probably not going to pursue the issue as confronation is really not my thing but I was curious. I guess it is lesson learned. In the future I will ask for written disclosure of all fees in advance.

Cheers,

Richards

My biggest handicap is that sometimes the hole in the front of my head operates a tad bit faster than the grey matter contained within.

[Richards 0]

Quote

They can charge anything they want... It is up to you to refuse to pay it.