Originally Posted by
skipmnyc
I booked a deluxe room several weeks ago, at $271 a night. Fully prepaid, non-refundable, and my card was charged at the time.
Why I checked in, my room key had my per night rate written on it: $271 per night plus 15% tax.
At check out I recieved an itemized bill, and was asked for my credit card again. The bill was in portuguese, and suddenly the room rate was listed all in Reals. The nighly rate for the three nights was listed (without tax) as R$655, R$663, and R$633 respectively, plus tax for each night, listed separately.
At today's exchange (not much different from yesterday's exchange rate), that comes out to $277.58, $282.27, and $282.27. What gives here? I paid fully in American dollars in advance, my card was charged at the time, I confirmed the rate in American dollars at check in, but at check-out I am charged a higher rate? Keep in mind that the Real has been steadily losing value against the dollar, almost 22% over the past several months alone.
Is it just me or am I being ripped off here? I paid with my Starwood Amex, so I kind of doubt a dispute is going to get me anywhere.
When I asked about this, I got some mumbled, unintelligible explanation that made no sense to me. Needing to get to the airport, I left.
Am I off base, is the hotel off base, and if it's the hotel, what is my recourse?
I assume that you are not saying that they are charging you twice for the room - once the prepaid rate and the second time at checkout in Reais because then you would hardly need to ask if you are being ripped off. If you are then that is more likely a mistake that shouldn't be too difficult to get resolved rather than a ripoff.
If you are saying that they charged your credit card the $271/night +taxes at booking but at checkout have worked out the rate in Reais and it is more than the pre-charged amount and the have charged your credit card the difference at check-out then that certainly sounds like a shonky practice. If fully prepaid there shouldn't be any room charge liabilty to you ( except for the voluntary R5 or so/night hotel tax which you can decline to pay if you wish - its just a contribution to the local hotel association/convention bureau)