Ritz-Carlton Dorado Beach Site Inspection
Feb 8, 2013, 5:51 am
#16
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I don't understand all of the complaints about resort fees, as the reason for them is typically to avoid tax and/or commissions.
I simply include the fee in my calculation of the total cost per night, it makes no difference to me if part of the rate is labelled as a resort fee.
I simply include the fee in my calculation of the total cost per night, it makes no difference to me if part of the rate is labelled as a resort fee.
Feb 8, 2013, 6:20 am
#17
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
I don't understand all of the complaints about resort fees, as the reason for them is typically to avoid tax and/or commissions.
I simply include the fee in my calculation of the total cost per night, it makes no difference to me if part of the rate is labelled as a resort fee.
I simply include the fee in my calculation of the total cost per night, it makes no difference to me if part of the rate is labelled as a resort fee.
Feb 8, 2013, 6:30 am
#18
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
Add me to the list of people who won't stay here on principle until they move the resort fee into the room rate. (A shame, since a nice option in Puerto Rico would make a great, short getaway for us.)
Feb 8, 2013, 6:39 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
You misunderstand. As noted in posts upthread the reason for labeling certain charges as resort fees is to exempt those charges from taxes and/or TA commission. Conceivably total nightly rates could be even higher if a resort simply raised room rates instead of charging resort fees.
Feb 8, 2013, 6:51 am
#20
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
You misunderstand. As noted in posts upthread the reason for labeling certain charges as resort fees is to exempt those charges from taxes and/or TA commission. Conceivably total nightly rates could be even higher if a resort simply raised room rates instead of charging resort fees.
Feb 8, 2013, 7:10 am
#21
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta and the Big Island, Hawaii
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG Gold. I share these affiliations so that you can ask me questions about the programs
Posts: 812
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resort_fee
Though, no mention of Dorado, the Feds are cracking down on the practice of hiding resort fees from guests:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/hotelc...r-day/1735509/
It also makes me wonder what other fees might be hidden by the resort, like the "spa fee." I went to see if I could find the spa fee on their spa menu or spa frequently asked questions page or on their spa information page and there is no mention of the fee.
Though, no mention of Dorado, the Feds are cracking down on the practice of hiding resort fees from guests:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/hotelc...r-day/1735509/
It also makes me wonder what other fees might be hidden by the resort, like the "spa fee." I went to see if I could find the spa fee on their spa menu or spa frequently asked questions page or on their spa information page and there is no mention of the fee.
Feb 8, 2013, 7:35 am
#22
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: YYC
Programs: AC 50k 1MM, Marriott LT Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,406
) but I dont think it is that different. And at those prices, Amanyara wins hands down.
Feb 8, 2013, 8:09 am
#23
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
For those of us that like Aman resorts, I find it very difficult to believe that they will be able to compete with Amanyara at those rates. The demographic appeal or market might be different () but I dont think it is that different. And at those prices, Amanyara wins hands down.
) but I dont think it is that different. And at those prices, Amanyara wins hands down.I suspect that rates at Dorado Beach will eventually be quite a bit lower than these opening rates. Phulay Bay also opened with high rack rates and strict cancellation policies.
Feb 8, 2013, 9:08 am
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
rates have already dropped, but rates are "normal" for puerto rico
have either of you seen crowded spas?
$75x2=$150 (before tax?)
it is resort fee + 9% tax, thats it >
so site still unfinished
RC orlando site for example gives spa fee
$75x2=$150 (before tax?)
RC orlando site for example gives spa fee
Feb 8, 2013, 9:22 am
#25
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 5,825
For my dates (end Feb), rates have not dropped over the past few months.
I do see rates later in the year (low season?) for half of the Feb rate.
I don't have a problem with the Spa fee...
In the end, I agree with MfT on the resort fee as well. Roll everything up (don't itemize), look at the daily cost, decide if it meets your cost/value criteria, book or don't book.
In our case, $2K/night for a two night stay did not make sense (the fact that we want to be closer to Old San Juan on our first trip here factored in to our decision as well).
Any feedback from this group on El Convento? http://www.elconvento.com/
Feb 8, 2013, 9:28 am
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
although property itself (excl RC residences and non-RC residences) is not large
rates were originally $1K low season and $2K high season, and there are (older) posts quoting
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Feb 8, 2013 at 10:11 am
Feb 8, 2013, 9:33 am
#27
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Yep. But this spa is spread out over 5 acres and the resort has 115 rooms. I highly doubt the reason they are charging this fee is because they are worried the spa will get crowded.
Oh, I see, the $95 is added to the room rate and then the whole thing is taxed at 9%. That corresponds with the final cost I see on the website.
Sort of debunks the whole 'resort fees are not taxed' theory since this resort fee is taxed.
I guess since the resort is not adding a 10% service charge (which I honestly would have expected they would), I would just treat the $95 as such and then not tip anyone. Problem solved.
Oh, I see, the $95 is added to the room rate and then the whole thing is taxed at 9%. That corresponds with the final cost I see on the website.
Sort of debunks the whole 'resort fees are not taxed' theory since this resort fee is taxed.
I guess since the resort is not adding a 10% service charge (which I honestly would have expected they would), I would just treat the $95 as such and then not tip anyone. Problem solved.
Feb 8, 2013, 9:56 am
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
some previous rates >
i was curious about your experiences at properties with complimentary spa
pretty sure RC dorado spa is open to public, and there are residences like hualalai
i just noticed watermill at dorado has adult pool (also open to public, at fee)
presumably at bottom - http://maps.google.com/maps?q=dorado...+Rico&t=h&z=19
isnt that mostly (especially in this forum, and in caribbean) a corporate finance concept?
in other words, comparable in what way?
pretty sure RC dorado spa is open to public, and there are residences like hualalai
i just noticed watermill at dorado has adult pool (also open to public, at fee)
presumably at bottom - http://maps.google.com/maps?q=dorado...+Rico&t=h&z=19
isnt that mostly (especially in this forum, and in caribbean) a corporate finance concept?
in other words, comparable in what way?
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Feb 8, 2013 at 10:29 am