Hilton HHonors - Illegal to charge more in USA than the door card says?

charge more than the rates typically posted on the back of the door in the room?
I just stayed at a HI in Seattle area that charged me more and I seem to remember that this is against the law. Usually the sheets on the back of the room door has silly, very high rates that are an absolute maximum.
Any clarification/advice please?

Regulation of hotel rooms is dependent upon state law, not federal law, so the laws will vary from state to state.

Mike

Was your rate only for the room or it included breakfast/other amenities?

The basic room rate before taxes and add-ons exceeded the rate posted on the room door..

It's always been my understanding that is not allowed by city or state ordinance. You should contact the GM and have them come to your room to see the rate card. They should drop the rate accordingly.

You should also take a picture of the card, if possible, in case you have to dispute your credit card charge, or escalate the complaint.

NOt without somehow getting a picture or copy of it first; don't know if it can be removed to photo copy, or take a pic; or at a minimum have someone else non hotel related see it too.. then contact the GM, don't trust the GM unless thats your only option. If they are scamming you on the rate then they are likely to be the type to change it right before your eyes or when you are not around

It's always been my understanding that is not allowed by city or state ordinance. You should contact the GM and have them come to your room to see the rate card. They should drop the rate accordingly.

It (ahem) accidently fell to the floor and I may have picked it up...

Got a standard follow up email from the GM with a direct email address - will mention this in that return email

I believe it the room can not be priced above the price on the card it will say so on the card if that's what the local laws are, if there are no local laws it may just list rates.

My previous experience was that getting a refund for the difference was no problem but I had to talk to the local GM -- the desk clerks were absolutely no help:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=616727&highlight=posted+rate+door

In my case, I got a refund of about $30 or $40.

I think California has a law that guarantees this rate and in addition gives you 20% of the difference with a minimum of $50. I had this situation at a Residence Inn near Monterey once and got just that...a $50 credit and the posted rate.

Greetings - Dirk

Thanks for the replies and for the record I decide to do nothing as the 'overcharge' was single dollar...!
I guess (see similar recent post for situation at altamonte) if it was Florida I'd hit them hard, but seems like not worth the bother in WA. It was my own $ and I was a bit p'ed off but the place itself was fine and the fornt desk lady was lovely (;) ) and I didnt have the heart to give her a hard time (so to speak).
Thanks all

Regulation of hotel rooms is dependent upon state law, not federal law, so the laws will vary from state to state.

Mike

Correct..... And in instances where there is special event...Indy 500, KY Derby, Shuttle Launch etc...The card goes out the door

Correct..... And in instances where there is special event...Indy 500, KY Derby, Shuttle Launch etc...The card goes out the door

Unless there is fine print on the card to the contrary, a maximum is a maximum.