Marriott Rewards (including Ritz-Carlton) - Shipping (delivery) charges !

As a frequent transatlantic visitor to the US, I have used my time over here to order goods online and get it delivered to the hotel (My Amazon address list has 8 Marriotts on it !). Never any problem before, providing I get the timing right, with the package scheduled for delivery whilst I am in residence. (Even had Marriott keep a parcel for my next visit and have checked in to be handed a parcel that came the day before).

However, returned to Richmond Marriott tonight (checked in 3 days ago) to ask for parcel, having ascertained that Amazon parcel (book size) had been delivered and signed for this afternoon.

I was first told that parcel would probably be in 'shipping room' downstairs and would I like it delivered to my room (severely tempted to ask what else would I want to do, but I bit my lip).

30 minutes later, knock on door, and bell boy had parcel with a Marriott form on outside asking me to pay $2.50 for 'shipping' !!!

I signed and asked for it to be charged to room. Before I go into battle in morning asking why they have unilaterally imposed this charge since the last time I stayed in the hotel ? (small sum I know, but its a principal thing).

Is this a US Marriott enhancement or just the GM here trying to close the gap on his revenue target ?

similar experience at the San Diego Marina Marriott, but they wanted $15 to accept/deliver a GC................. Guest Services lowered the "newly" imposed, and unnoticed, charge to $5 and agreed that it would perhaps be a good idea to inform guests of these expected charges before they use the service while in the US to receive mail............. I wouldn't think these charges are Marriott corp mandated but those of each property so I just determine which property I'll be staying at w/o these ridiculous charges and have GCs posted there.......

I was first told that parcel would probably be in 'shipping room' downstairs and would I like it delivered to my room (severely tempted to ask what else would I want to do, but I bit my lip).
30 minutes later, knock on door, and bell boy had parcel with a Marriott form on outside asking me to pay $2.50 for 'shipping' !!!

Is this the Marriott next to the convention center?

If so, these fees has become pretty standard. Convention centers in union states charge a small fortune for drayage fees.

The hotels charge these fees so that convention vendors do not send hundreds of pounds of freight to the hotel, bypassing the convention center fees.

We may not like it, but the hotels need to protect their employees from being used as beasts of burden, incurring workers comp and excess turnover. Not everyone tips the hotel staff anymore ...

I will have lighter items delivered to the hotel for a convention and just pay the fees. Heavier stuff, like the 5,000 catalogs we gave out at InfoCOMM, go straight to the convention center.

Yes, and I suggest that the weight of the mail containing a Gift Card is what, 2 ounces.............. So, I certainly wasn't taking advantage of these beasts of burden!!

Is this the Marriott next to the convention center?

Is this the Marriott next to the convention center?

If so, these fees has become pretty standard. Convention centers in union states charge a small fortune for drayage fees.

The hotels charge these fees so that convention vendors do not send hundreds of pounds of freight to the hotel, bypassing the convention center fees.

We may not like it, but the hotels need to protect their employees from being used as beasts of burden, incurring workers comp and excess turnover. Not everyone tips the hotel staff anymore ...

I will have lighter items delivered to the hotel for a convention and just pay the fees. Heavier stuff, like the 5,000 catalogs we gave out at InfoCOMM, go straight to the convention center.

It's become much more common than just convention center hotels and is the norm in many cities. Hotels contract out their business center operation (even though it appears to be seamless in-house) and the fees are the contractor's revenue. Same thing with $1 photocopies and the like.

While OP's post is clearly about personal packages, the bulk of shipments to hotels are likely business travellers who expense the charge.

I have no problem with any fee which is disclosed and is optional. My concern is with resort and other facility fees which aren't optional and therefore are effectively part of the room rate.

We live in Europe and we normally get our shopping in the US done online before our trip across the Atlantic. We got parcels delivered to various Marriotts/FFI and during the last trip in April we weren't charged anything for accepting the parcel (fortunately).

Is this charge mostly applied to FS?

I also live abroad and periodically visit CONUS and pick-up pre-ordered pkgs. I found surcharges a hit and miss affair depending on each property, but not a Marriott requirement so I now just contact the various hotels in advance and determine which ones add on the surcharges to avoid "unpleasant" surprises as they certainly give no notice beforehand................

Is this charge mostly applied to FS?

I also live abroad and periodically visit CONUS and pick-up pre-ordered pkgs.
I found surcharges a hit and miss affair depending on each property (not brand related by being or not being FS), but not a Marriott requirement so I now just contact the various hotels in advance and determine which ones add on the surcharges to avoid "unpleasant" surprises as they certainly give no notice beforehand................

Is this charge mostly applied to FS?

They tried to charge me at Renaissance Palm Springs and Marriott O'Hare... Charges were removed once I complained at check out. $10/package at both hotels btw...

I think it is bad policy in the long run to nickel and dime folks for such trivial matters at higher-end hotels that are supposed to be known for service.

That being said, I suppose it is up to the individual hotel's discretion at this point. I would make a point to bring it up at checkout, see how they react, and then decide if that hotel's managment deserves your business again.

Agreed that in the larger scheme, not a big deal. But getting charged $10 extra to receive a book you ordered seems wrong.

I had the same experience at the Portland waterfront. They wanted to charge me $5 per package. I had quite a number of packages that time and "argued" that I had checked with Marriott customer service and they never mentioned any charges.. So they waived all my charges.

I think it is bad policy in the long run to nickel and dime folks for such trivial matters at higher-end hotels that are supposed to be known for service.

That being said, I suppose it is up to the individual hotel's discretion at this point. I would make a point to bring it up at checkout, see how they react, and then decide if that hotel's managment deserves your business again.

Agreed that in the larger scheme, not a big deal. But getting charged $10 extra to receive a book you ordered seems wrong.

+1

Especially when people are only receiving smaller packages - not catalogues. Also they really really should mention the charge at Marriott.com or anywhere.

I see hotel receiving package as a basic service to guests - because the hotel is their 'home' away from home.

Anyone has been charged for this service outside the US?

As a frequent transatlantic visitor to the US, I have used my time over here to order goods online and get it delivered to the hotel (My Amazon address list has 8 Marriotts on it !). Never any problem before, providing I get the timing right, with the package scheduled for delivery whilst I am in residence. (Even had Marriott keep a parcel for my next visit and have checked in to be handed a parcel that came the day before).

However, returned to Richmond Marriott tonight (checked in 3 days ago) to ask for parcel, having ascertained that Amazon parcel (book size) had been delivered and signed for this afternoon.

I was first told that parcel would probably be in 'shipping room' downstairs and would I like it delivered to my room (severely tempted to ask what else would I want to do, but I bit my lip).

30 minutes later, knock on door, and bell boy had parcel with a Marriott form on outside asking me to pay $2.50 for 'shipping' !!!

I signed and asked for it to be charged to room. Before I go into battle in morning asking why they have unilaterally imposed this charge since the last time I stayed in the hotel ? (small sum I know, but its a principal thing).

Is this a US Marriott enhancement or just the GM here trying to close the gap on his revenue target ?
I can assure you it's not a Marriott HQ enhancement

Yes, and I suggest that the weight of the mail containing a Gift Card is what, 2 ounces.............. So, I certainly wasn't taking advantage of these beasts of burden!!

That may be correct. But what about the other guy who delivers major boxes to the hotel. is the hotel going to charge by the pound? by the box? By status level? And suppose you came next time, and DID have 20 boxes there? Wouldn't you be pretty p*ssed because you weren't charged the last time?

I think a hotel has to decide whether they are charging or not....and then do so, disclosing the fee in advance.

By all means bring it up, and it will probably (and should be) waived. But pretty much know - any hotel by a convention center is probably going to have this charge.

That may be correct. But what about the other guy who delivers major boxes to the hotel. is the hotel going to charge by the pound? by the box? By status level? And suppose you came next time, and DID have 20 boxes there? Wouldn't you be pretty p*ssed because you weren't charged the last time?

I think a hotel has to decide whether they are charging or not....and then do so, disclosing the fee in advance.

By all means bring it up, and it will probably (and should be) waived. But pretty much know - any hotel by a convention center is probably going to have this charge.

+1.

Cheers.

Pretty simple to say fee applies to more than 5 pcs of mail or any package >x lbs.

That may be correct. But what about the other guy who delivers major boxes to the hotel. is the hotel going to charge by the pound? by the box? By status level? And suppose you came next time, and DID have 20 boxes there? Wouldn't you be pretty p*ssed because you weren't charged the last time?

I think a hotel has to decide whether they are charging or not....and then do so, disclosing the fee in advance.

By all means bring it up, and it will probably (and should be) waived. But pretty much know - any hotel by a convention center is probably going to have this charge.

Pretty simple to say fee applies to more than 5 pcs of mail or any package >x lbs.

Just as simple as to say a fee applies to everything, and not have to track weight etc ;)

BTW - can't speak for all, but at convention center hotels it really is more the norm for there to be a fee for the exact reasons Texas Booster mentioned.

I think we're all in agreement that if there is a shipping/delivery fee, it should be disclosed. Not necessarily to the $, but something along the way they mention biz centers are available for a charge.

Cheers.

Pretty simple to say fee applies to more than 5 pcs of mail or any package >x lbs.

Why 5? And should they spend time weighing every single piece of parcel?

I see it now - this could be a Sat Nite Live Skit. :D

FT'er drags scale out of bathroom to prove package is not over, so they should not be charged.
OR there was no scale on which to weigh the package, so they had to pay the $2.50, and they KNOW the package wasn't over 5 lbs, so how many comp points should they get?
FT'er argues that an envelope is not a package. Oh it is? What about a biz size envelope? No? Well, if I pack my things in TEN biz size envelopes will I be charged?
There will be a thread on whether one should tip the "beast of burden" or whether the fee included the tip.
Not to mention the thread on whether you should get points for the $2.50 as it is really a room charge.

Easiest way to avoid a charge? Go downstairs and get the package yourself. :D:D:D

I signed and asked for it to be charged to room. Before I go into battle in morning asking why they have unilaterally imposed this charge since the last time I stayed in the hotel ? (small sum I know, but its a principal thing).

Is this a US Marriott enhancement or just the GM here trying to close the gap on his revenue target ?

I have to confess that I woke up late and, being in a hurry to check-out, I didn't even challenge the $2.50 charge, definitely in violation of FT article 1 (Exhaust every appeal procedure, however obsessive :D)

However :

1 - I will make the necessary calculations to determine whether I was awarded MR points for the $2.50 (50 with Plat bonus ?)

2 - I suspect that as I paid for the bulk of the stay with Marriott Cheques, I will be talking to Customer Services about credit for the stay anyway (OT I know, but most of the times that I use these, I don't get the MR points credit initially)

3 - Annoyingly Marriott itemized the charge as 'Shipping Amazon'. When I submit my expenses, my manager may work out the real reason for all the CONUS trips.

4 - Does this posting win the most posts/$ prize, currently $2.50/20 = 12.5c/post ;) ?

At conference hotels i stayed in charged by lbs. which they read off the shipping label (I guess they could also weigh)

Basically a few pcs are likely personal, but extensive usage (bunch of boxes, dozens of letters) is likely conf revenue related.

Why 5? And should they spend time weighing every single piece of parcel?

At conference hotels i stayed in charged by lbs. which they read off the shipping label (I guess they could also weigh)

Basically a few pcs are likely personal, but extensive usage (bunch of boxes, dozens of letters) is likely conf revenue related.

Interesting....I'd think most states would have an issue with charging by the pound unless they had a certified way to weigh the individual items (I don't believe a state would allow you to use the shipping weight as an items weight may have changed during transport)

If someone is going to be staying at a hotel & expecting a package(s), contact the hotel in advance to find out if there are shipping/delivery charges. Take the guesswork out of it. @:-)

Cheers.

Interesting....I'd think most states would have an issue with charging by the pound unless they had a certified way to weigh the individual items (I don't believe a state would allow you to use the shipping weight as an items weight may have changed during transport)

Do states regulate what a hotel can charge/not charge for their shipping/delivery charges? My guess is they don't, just as they probably don't regulate what a hotel biz center charges. The guest might have a problem w/ charging by the pound/verification, but I can't see the state getting involved.

Cheers.

Do states regulate what a hotel can charge/not charge for their shipping/delivery charges? My guess is they don't, just as they probably don't regulate what a hotel biz center charges. The guest might have a problem w/ charging by the pound/verification, but I can't see the state getting involved.

Cheers.

you are correct states do not regulate rates but most states (I can't think of one that doesn't) DO regulate measurement devices to ensure the consumers are being accurately charged....most states mandate that these measurement devices be certified on a regular basis by an entity of state / local government

you are correct states do not regulate rates but most states (I can't think of one that doesn't) DO regulate measurement devices to ensure the consumers are being accurately charged....most states mandate that these measurement devices be certified on a regular basis by an entity of state / local government

I'm guessing that's more along the lines of a UPS store or an airline w/ baggage fees, rather than what some random hotel does.

But again, the easiest solution for a guest is to just contact the property to find out if there are charges.

Cheers.

I don't know...I can see the side of charging guests for using the hotel to receive/store convention goods. But I also think a full service hotel should accept basic items like a FedEx envelope without charge.

Fortunately, I've never run into this myself. I've received small FedEx envelopes - never more than 1 per stay - at a variety of hotels in the U.S. and UK and never been charged. Getting nickel-and-dimed on this would absolutely cause me to think less of the hotel. Maybe not so much less that I won't stay there again, but it would be another little step towards total commoditization of the product and away from the era when you felt more like a guest and less like a faceless customer.

To sum it up, charging someone $2.50 for a simple two-pound box delivery sounds like something an airline or rental car executive dreamed up. I still (perhaps naively) think that some hotel executives still see value in treating guests a little better than that.

A friend of mine stayed at a Sheraton in Atlanta a couple years ago and they charged him $20 to receive a FedEx package and "store" it for him :rolleyes:

Just got hit for $7 at the Marriott Biscayne Bay for a 2lb Amazon box. A quick call to the front desk got it reversed.

Odd that I would stumble into this thread. I have always stayed at Hilton and the package receiving and business centers were always complimentary. Last night I was in the Marriott of downtown Hartford, when I went to the business center to print off a few items, I was pretty surprised to see the .75 per sheet charge to print BW, internet charged by the minute, etc. I was even more surprised when a young lady came down to collect a package and was charged $10 for receiving it. I was wondering if this was a typical thing with Marriott hotels, this particular one was connected to the convention center.

They also had a sign up stating that wireless internet would continue to be free for gold & platinum members until 12/31/13, but would be 9.95 after that.

was "hit" with delivery charges at the Marriott San Diego Marina as they claimed being next to CC caused these incurred costs, but at other Marriotts, nahda, so I guess its a per-Marriott experience, not generic ............

Odd that I would stumble into this thread. I have always stayed at Hilton and the package receiving and business centers were always complimentary. Last night I was in the Marriott of downtown Hartford, when I went to the business center to print off a few items, I was pretty surprised to see the .75 per sheet charge to print BW, internet charged by the minute, etc. I was even more surprised when a young lady came down to collect a package and was charged $10 for receiving it. I was wondering if this was a typical thing with Marriott hotels, this particular one was connected to the convention center.

They also had a sign up stating that wireless internet would continue to be free for gold & platinum members until 12/31/13, but would be 9.95 after that.

Odd that I would stumble into this thread. I have always stayed at Hilton and the package receiving and business centers were always complimentary. Last night I was in the Marriott of downtown Hartford, when I went to the business center to print off a few items, I was pretty surprised to see the .75 per sheet charge to print BW, internet charged by the minute, etc. I was even more surprised when a young lady came down to collect a package and was charged $10 for receiving it. I was wondering if this was a typical thing with Marriott hotels, this particular one was connected to the convention center.

They also had a sign up stating that wireless internet would continue to be free for gold & platinum members until 12/31/13, but would be 9.95 after that.

A couple of things:

I used to stay at Hiltons & would get charged for package receving/biz center, so that certainly varies (especially in conv cities).

Biz center charges, as well as shipping/receiving charges, vary by property at Marriotts - and every other change.

The sign re: the '13 is stoo-pid. I'm pretty certain Marriott isn't going to knock back that bennie, and they certainly wouldn't give a 2nd tier city the heads up on something 15 months in advance.

Cheers.

Yes hotels at convention centers charge receiving/sending fees. I haven't seen this at other properties.

was "hit" with delivery charges at the Marriott San Diego Marina as they claimed being next to CC caused these incurred costs, but at other Marriotts, nahda, so I guess its a per-Marriott experience, not generic ............

Me too, $6 for a small Amazon package to RECEIVE it here. No delivery to room or any notice that it even came, I had to determine it was delivered and go get it. Pretty absurd. But I've received packages & letters at other Marriott brands with no issues.

That may be correct. But what about the other guy who delivers major boxes to the hotel. is the hotel going to charge by the pound? by the box?

I was at a SPG property last week for next to a conference center and had 3 boxes sent in. They were 11X9X1" and weighed ~3 pounds each (3 table cloths, sent by my "swift" coworkers seperately in case one didnt make it :rolleyes: ) I tipped the bellman $10 when he brought them up, and noticed a charge on my bill for $90!!!!!!!! :eek::eek:

Upon checking out, the FD said that all Platinums complain about the charge, but it is to stop the 1000's of pounds of boxes sent into the hotel instead of the convention center! She took the charges off (I asked if the bell staff would lose money-and they did not get any of it, so no!).

This hotel did not even notify me until the bill came!!! :td:

Me too, $6 for a small Amazon package to RECEIVE it here. No delivery to room or any notice that it even came, I had to determine it was delivered and go get it. Pretty absurd. But I've received packages & letters at other Marriott brands with no issues.

I got my package without any charge there, yet only after making quite a scene at the UPS-store. I was in my room when the package arrived, so why in hell they had it delivered there was beyond me.

I also spoke with hotel management, and they confirmed that they refund the charge when guests complain...

Greetings - Dirk

This is becoming the norm and charges will increase. There are a variety of reasons:

1. Marketing studies routinely show that Americans prefer rock-bottom prices where extras cost extra. Look at lounges, bagg fees, seat fees and the like for air carriers.

2. Hotels are liable for packages they receive and hold. This means that they need internal accountability systems and can't just leave the stuff lying around a storage closet somewhere as they did in the past.

3. Many hotels have outsourced delivery services and those services make their money from the fees direct-billed by the property.

4. The convention center issue is a bit more complicated. Most centers have drayage charges contractually built in to the event costs. Vendors displaying/presenting at an event are obligated to pay those fees and they can be quite substantial. Using the nearby hotel to avoid those fees shifts the burden to the hotel and the fees are a means of discouraging savvy vendors from circumventing the contract.

Bottom line: expect these fees to proliferate. Don't expect anything for "free" anymore and check first. If a fee is more than you are willing to pay, either don't use the service or use another property. The most effective protest in a business environment is to shift proviers.

The most effective protest is to complain and tell the property that you will take your business elsewhere. The onus is not on the traveler to ask ahead of time about every possible fee under the sun. Otherwise, we might as well say everything is up for negotiation, and I like nothing better than driving a hard bargain and driving people nuts at the same time.

The most effective protest is to complain and tell the property that you will take your business elsewhere. The onus is not on the traveler to ask ahead of time about every possible fee under the sun. Otherwise, we might as well say everything is up for negotiation, and I like nothing better than driving a hard bargain and driving people nuts at the same time.
Actually. The effective thing is to actually take your business elsewhere. The marketing cookies track the people who say they're leaving to see if they mean it. If you're an HVC, you'll get a note saying, "we haven't seen you in a while...." If you're a LVC, well, you're LV.

Seriously, the onus is on you as a consumer to be informed, particularly if you're a business traveler.

This is becoming the norm and charges will increase. There are a variety of reasons:

1. Marketing studies routinely show that Americans prefer rock-bottom prices where extras cost extra. Look at lounges, bagg fees, seat fees and the like for air carriers.

Any source for supporting your arguments?

Any source for supporting your arguments?

Pretty much every airline & hotel chain touts their surveys showing that people prefer rock bottom pricing as well as industry publications & mainstream outlets, and thus are doing the ala carte thing. In the case of the airlines, those fees aren't going away. Of course that doesn't help the folk who prefer for it to be all-in. If you want specifics re: surveys/studies/articles, google is your friend.

Re: the shipping charges at convention area properties, that is becoming more frequent as exhibitors try to circumvent the drayage costs of the convention center & the hotels have decided if they're going to act as pack mules & storage facilities, they're going to charge for it.

If it's important for someone to know if there's a charge for shipping or if they won't get points for parking, then calling or emailing the property in advance is the best thing to do.

Cheers.

Pretty much every airline & hotel chain touts their surveys showing that people prefer rock bottom pricing as well as industry publications & mainstream outlets, and thus are doing the ala carte thing. In the case of the airlines, those fees aren't going away. Of course that doesn't help the folk who prefer for it to be all-in. If you want specifics re: surveys/studies/articles, google is your friend.

Re: the shipping charges at convention area properties, that is becoming more frequent as exhibitors try to circumvent the drayage costs of the convention center & the hotels have decided if they're going to act as pack mules & storage facilities, they're going to charge for it.

If it's important for someone to know if there's a charge for shipping or if they won't get points for parking, then calling or emailing the property in advance is the best thing to do.

Cheers.

I did google it but can't find any concrete statistic showing that people prefer rock-bottom prices. I did read an article a while ago saying that hotel try to be on the top list of search engine by making their price as 'low' as possible.

I guess it's built-in to North American culture that 'extras' are not 'extras' - it's like tips and taxes. It's troublesome for me to have to calculate the end price if a hotel is charging all sorts of small things - it's a bit like going 'no frill'.

I was shocked to see my hotel bill in the US - a $100 room ended up being up to $120. To me that's a $120 room not a $100 room, and that's why I can see a point in using the Megabonus certs in the US.

I can understand if a hotel is trying to stop having bulk amount of parcels delivered to the hotel for convention guests, but charging leisure travellers for small parcels is a bit too cheap IMO.

There is a difference between rock bottom pricing and paying the lowest price possible. Industries have interpreted the difference between the two to their advantage by posting a price that often ends up being nowhere near what you are billed.

And it's getting nuts - I booked a hotel today where the rate was only $64....but taxes and other BS added another $18. Almost a 30% add on...insane.

IMO, car rentals are the worse...Fees for licensing, oil disposal, tire replacement - it's like a hotel adding a fee for feather pillow fluffing!

There is a difference between rock bottom pricing and paying the lowest price possible. Industries have interpreted the difference between the two to their advantage by posting a price that often ends up being nowhere near what you are billed.

And it's getting nuts - I booked a hotel today where the rate was only $64....but taxes and other BS added another $18. Almost a 30% add on...insane.

IMO, car rentals are the worse...Fees for licensing, oil disposal, tire replacement - it's like a hotel adding a fee for feather pillow fluffing!

Nice to hear someone from the US that share the same view ^

I was pretty shocked when I got my hotel bills in the US too - why don't they just quote me the price that I have to pay, rather than a 'fictional figure + at least 15% of whatever taxes and possible charge for storing my bag etc'.

Car rental is hopeless - I think last time I rented from Avis there was at least 6 items for extra fees - put it this way I don't care what those x,y,z fees are - I want to know what I'm going to pay at the end of the day.

When I asked for airline tickets before I the internet time - I always ask, 'How much is the total bill?'

Nice to hear someone from the US that share the same view ^

I was pretty shocked when I got my hotel bills in the US too - why don't they just quote me the price that I have to pay, rather than a 'fictional figure + at least 15% of whatever taxes and possible charge for storing my bag etc'.

Car rental is hopeless - I think last time I rented from Avis there was at least 6 items for extra fees - put it this way I don't care what those x,y,z fees are - I want to know what I'm going to pay at the end of the day.

When I asked for airline tickets before I the internet time - I always ask, 'How much is the total bill?'

Until recently, Marriott hotels in the UK always quoted rates exclusive of tax, so just like in the US you had to add on that to the rate to get the total. They recently changed that to be inclusive like most (but not all) ofEurope. I actually prefer inclusive & a total, as you do.

In the US it's not the norm to do that, just show the rate before (the myriad of) taxes. Airlines & car rentals especially like to show it before so it looks like they're the cheapest amongst the others. And if one does show the all-in but the others don't, they're afraid they'll lose bizness. So until the day everyone is required to show all in, it will continue as it has been.

Re: getting an all-in quote w/ taxes, calling the Marriott 800# to ask or checking the reservation confirmation will show it.

Back more on topic:

If I really want to know about shipping charges or whether parking will post as points, I just call or email the property in advance.

Cheers.

Until recently, Marriott hotels in the UK always quoted rates exclusive of tax, so just like in the US you had to add on that to the rate to get the total. They recently changed that to be inclusive like most (but not all) ofEurope. I actually prefer inclusive & a total, as you do.

In the US it's not the norm to do that, just show the rate before (the myriad of) taxes. Airlines & car rentals especially like to show it before so it looks like they're the cheapest amongst the others. And if one does show the all-in but the others don't, they're afraid they'll lose bizness. So until the day everyone is required to show all in, it will continue as it has been.

Re: getting an all-in quote w/ taxes, calling the Marriott 800# to ask or checking the reservation confirmation will show it.

Back more on topic:

If I really want to know about shipping charges or whether parking will post as points, I just call or email the property in advance.

Cheers.

Back off topic : (Well I was the OP !)

It was only London Hotels that were quoting rates exclusive of tax ... others in the UK were always showing inclusive rates ... which is a double benefit .. transparency and (up to now) the whole rate (including tax) has attracted MR points. :D:D

Back off topic : (Well I was the OP !)

It was only London Hotels that were quoting rates exclusive of tax ... others in the UK were always showing inclusive rates ... which is a double benefit .. transparency and (up to now) the whole rate (including tax) has attracted MR points. :D:D

That's what I thought since VAT stands for Value Added Tax, so it ought to be included in the price quoted.

I strongly suppose "out-the-door" pricing. The nickle and dime-ing that goes on today is terrible. I understand the premise of excluding sales tax on store paper ads with all the different rates and all. But with today's online technology, the ability to show total price is so simple.

Breaking out mandatory fees is nothing short of deceptive advertising to manipulate search engine results that provide price sorts. The only items that should be broken out are optional items that is not a part of staying for the night. To me that list would include package handling. Maybe some of the hotel staff on FT can provide input of how prevalent this being used. I can see properties holding conventions and the such it would be higher than vacation spots or highway stopovers.

Personally, I have had a need to have something sent to my hotel. I had left a device I needed at the previous property. Didn't realize it until I checked in at the next place. I called and was told nothing was turned in. I insisted they send someone to the room and sure enough it was still there waiting for the next guest to take. I do believe I was overcharged for the shipping, but did not pay to receive the FedEx envelope.

Does anyone get packages delivered to the hotel during a stay? I want to order some Amazon stuff to be delivered to a family member but I was wondering if this is OK? I'll give the hotel a ring prior to ordering to make sure but was interested based on the earlier thread on storing packages.

Does anyone get packages delivered to the hotel during a stay? I want to order some Amazon stuff to be delivered to a family member but I was wondering if this is OK? I'll give the hotel a ring prior to ordering to make sure but was interested based on the earlier thread on storing packages.



I have had a package of important documents delivered to a hotel before. However, it is risky. If it arrives late and you are gone, you would be depending on the hotel to ship it (and at their costs).

I would suggest to avoid it, if possible. In my case, it could not be avoided, and I did let the front desk know it was coming, and also checked in on it each morning. My stay was not 1 or 2 days either.

So, length of stay may help you to make a decision as well. It's probably better to order it, have it delivered to the home address and just ask post office to hold the mail while you are gone (or whatever company is delivering the package---they can probably hold it as well).

I have important work documents overnighted to me at hotels and I ship things back to the offic, all the time. I also routinely ship clothing to myself. I've never had a problem and simply have it addressed to me with a not, "Guest Arriving on XXX."

If you are worried, call the property and ask them to confirm that they will hold a package for you.

If something goes wrong and for whatever reason you don't make it or the package is delayed, you can ask the hotel to send it on to you. Either give them a billing account or a CC and they will handle for you.

I regularly have boxes shipped to me. If you look at today's threads, you will see there was an issue with boxes at a hotel, but these issues are rare.

A few things to do...

Make sure your name is followed by the word "Guest" so there is no doubt when the package arrives at the hotel. The smaller the hotel, the easier it is getting packages and the less likely there will be an issue. I've never had issues at an FI, SHS or CY. If it's a FS, make sure you have the tracking number and access to the name of the person who signed for the package. If you are going to be arriving late and will need the package that night, call the hotel ahead of time so that it isn't locked into a closet where nobody has the key. If possible, set up the tracking to provide you with an email when the package is delivered, and, as soon as possible after receiving that email, call the hotel and confirm who has the package and where it will be stored. Do not let them put the package in your room if you have not yet checked in. Sometimes, even if your room is blocked, another clerk will override the block and give someone else your room, with your package inside, and not tell you the room number when you check in late, so you won't wake up the other person.

Also, the larger the hotel, the more likely there will be a fee for having the box shipped to the hotel. When it's obvious they did nothing but stick the box behind the counter, I object to the fee and have it removed without issue. If I've had four heavy boxes that had to be stored in a downstairs locker, the hotel has earned the fee.

A very typical exchange: Me, "Do you have my packages? They should have been delivered to the hotel." Desk clerk, "No, we didn't get any packages for you." Me, "FedEx indicates the packages were delivered here. A Mr. XYZ signed for them." Desk clerk, "Oh, Mr. XYZ is the person who signs for packages here. Let me call him and check." In "those" hotels, they never call the person who signs for packages until you tell them that the person signed for your package. Odd. Wrong. But that's the way it happens sometimes.

Check for you boxes ASAP. Do not wait until the morning when you are on the way out the door. If there are issues, you want time to settle them.

Finally, one last important rule: Do not have any packages sent to the Columbia SC FS. Don't stay there, it's horrid, but if you do, avoid having packages sent. The GM will not make any effort to find your packages until you call FedEx and get all sorts of information, then he will purposely take an hour or so to come back from the employee-only area with your package. He is horrid, like his hotel. Don't have packages sent there. Or stay there.

My biggest concern would be timing - I ship to myself all the time - but control the arrival via selection of next day, 2nd day, whatever. I do write GUEST on the label, and HOLD FOR /NOTIFY OF arrival...whichever is correct.

Shipping from Amazon (or any 3rd party) is harder - can you really control when it will arrive? Asking the hotel to hold something a day or two is okay...but a week or more is asking for trouble. Not to mention Out of stocks or other delays.

Shipping from Amazon (or any 3rd party) is harder - can you really control when it will arrive? Asking the hotel to hold something a day or two is okay...but a week or more is asking for trouble. Not to mention Out of stocks or other delays.

oh don't I know that....I had something shipped from Costco earlier this week...3-5 business day delivery....was delivered within less than 24 hours...I had it timed oh so well instead the package beat me by 10 days...oh well, called the hotel - packages are awaiting my arrival :) (and no this isn't a Marriott branded hotel - I'm a guest speaker at a conference and don't know a sole at the hotel)

Shipping from Amazon (or any 3rd party) is harder - can you really control when it will arrive? Asking the hotel to hold something a day or two is okay...but a week or more is asking for trouble. Not to mention Out of stocks or other delays.I'm a seller on Amazon (it can be an easy way to fund the family vacations each year.) I can tell you that there are a lot of dependancies on having a package shipped from Amazon or any online seller. Most of these types of vendors will, for standard shipping, assume the longest lead-times which is media mail or parcel post (which can take potentially many days to get somewhere) plus they give the shipper a couple of days to ship. But if you have a small package that can go 1st class and you have a shipper that is on the ball, they will ship it that day or the next at the latest and with 1st class which will normally be 1-3 days to get anywhere in the US. So some packages can arrive the next day, some could take 14 days.

Note if you are really in a hurry for something there are some "tricks" that can help you (and save you money, too.) If anyone is interested, we can start a conversation in OMNI on it.

Knowing this, if your trying to time a shipment with your arrival, good luck (you'll need it.) Your best bet is to work with the hotel management and as bad as it sounds, keep checking with them, to verify that it hasn't or has arrived, they know exactly where it is and it is safe. If you keep it on their radar, it is less likely to be "forgotten" about and then "lost".

Does anyone get packages delivered to the hotel during a stay? I want to order some Amazon stuff to be delivered to a family member but I was wondering if this is OK? I'll give the hotel a ring prior to ordering to make sure but was interested based on the earlier thread on storing packages.

We have done it numerous times - we shop online before arriving in the US. For us we normally order about 7 days before our arrival. If you haven't tried amazon prime, you can get a free trial and it will give you free fast shipping.

None of the hotels we have things shipped to charge us for receiving the parcels.

+1 - Amazon Prime is the best deal going @ $79/year = free 2-day and cheap 1-day shipping on the vast majority of Amazon items (as opposed to 3rd party sellers on Amazon). While stuff goes wrong with all shipping sometimes, it's rare.

Thanks for the suggestions. Have Prime and Amazon delivery has always been reliable. Will give the hotel a call to make sure its ok and check on charges. Box should be small enough but then sometimes Amazon send me a tiny item in a big box!

Thanks for the suggestions. Have Prime and Amazon delivery has always been reliable. Will give the hotel a call to make sure its ok and check on charges. Box should be small enough but then sometimes Amazon send me a tiny item in a big box!

As my original post said, I do get Amazon.com packages shipped to me when I am visiting the US (My Amazon address list has at least 10 US Marriotts in it).

I always track the package and therefore know when it has been delivered and endeavour to reclaim it from reception as soon as possible afterwards.

However, I have had problems getting my last 2 packages from reception (a RI in Richmond) as Amazon has been missing off my name from the address slip, so the hotel hasn't a clue who it's for !

I have complained to Amazon but not sure whether this is a new 'security' policy ?:confused:

As my original post said, I do get Amazon.com packages shipped to me when I am visiting the US (My Amazon address list has at least 10 US Marriotts in it).

I always track the package and therefore know when it has been delivered and endeavour to reclaim it from reception as soon as possible afterwards.

However, I have had problems getting my last 2 packages from reception (a RI in Richmond) as Amazon has been missing off my name from the address slip, so the hotel hasn't a clue who it's for !

I have complained to Amazon but not sure whether this is a new 'security' policy ?:confused:

Wow, it didn't happen to me last year (I got my amazon stuff sent to my friend's home). When I bought things from amazon.com I always use c/o and so far it went well.