Just returned from stays at the Westin in Auckland & Sydney and was completely blown away by the audacity of the hotels and their outrageous charges for minibar items, laundry prices, and delivery charges for room service. As a former Starwood employee who worked in hotels for many years, I completely understand the markup that goes into these items (convenience, inventory costs, staffing, etc.). However, never in my travels have I witnessed such outrageous pricing; things have reached the point of insanity to a degree that boggles the mind. For example:

Westin Auckland: ordered a pot of coffee. Cost was $6.50. Delivery charge was $8.00. $14.50 for a pot of coffee??? Come on guys!

Westin Sydney: one can of Coke (small can, maybe 8 ounces, not a large bottle) from the minibar was $13. $13 for a can of Coke???

Westin Sydney: laundry charge for a pair of jeans -$15. Cost to laundry a pair of underwear was $6.00. Note that these are laundry charges, not dry cleaning.

Westin Sydney: in room internet access - $24.50.

To be fair, prices were posted clearly, so buyer beware. I get that. But there comes a point where pricing becomes just stupid and insulting to the consumer--to the point that I am now fully committed to never consuming a minibar item, ordering room service or sending down any laundry during any future Starwood visits.

Sorry for the vent! Grrrrrrrrrr....