I've seen this since well before the current economic downturn. Sadly, IME, the higher-end the place, the more frequent the billing irregularities. My personal favorite was a charge from the Ritz in Philly some years back that hit my corporate card several days after a stay for (IIRC) $2.38. I called the hotel and asked what that was - they said, "minibar." I asked them what item they had for so little in the minibar? The removed the charge immediately. This was after arguing at checkout (and winning) overcharges made to my room before I arrived at the hotel.