Re: OP. It's an old gouge rather than a new gouge. It had its heyday in the early 90s with not only charges for local calls, but "alternative operator services" charging sometimes ridiculous rates on the long-distance. Many companies would advise their business travelers to use a payphone in the lobby plus a calling card if available, and consumer reporters were saying that as well.

Not surprising that the practice is still in place even though other technology has moved on.

Motel 6, to its credit, did free local calls and 800-number (calling cards)-only long distance back in the 90s included in the room rate. The cheap chain didn't do the nickel-and-diming while the pricier ones did.