Originally Posted by
LondonElite
Well, I'm not saying it didn't happen, but I'm in Berlin almost every other week, and since this tax has been introduced I've stayed at the Adlon, Grand Hyatt, both Sofitels, the Ritz Carlton, and at least two other hotels. I've never had anything more challenging than "Are you staying with us for business purposes?" to which I reply "Yes." The Hyatt initially went through a period of losing my business address, but they got better when I reminded them that I was running out of business cards. A few weeks ago I stayed there with my wife and four children and again said that I was staying there for business, which I was.
The practice of asking someone if they are staying on business or leisure has pre-dated this tax. Most hotels will do this for their sales department; as it could be a possible sales lead to establish a company contract. I would closely examine the rate you are booking. If it is a corporate rate (where you have to enter a code while booking), then the problem is solved right there. However, what I find many Berlin hotels are doing (in regards to the general rates) is they are automatically including the city tourist tax into the rate (along with the VAT). So, if you see a rate for 89 Euros listed, for example, look a little further into the rate details. As it may say something like "All taxes included in the room rate including the 7% VAT and 5% city tourist tax."