Originally Posted by
Often1
Miscategorizing a fee as a tax is inherently deceptive. People rightfully presume that they will pay the tax no matter where they stay in the jurisdiction. Thus, they do not factor it into their booking decision.
But, I think that OP is spinning his wheels. If he wants action, he needs to complain to the state's attorney general and its tax authority. That is what gets action. The rest of this shuffling around speaking with people is just that: shuffling.
I agree
Often1, miscategorizing a fee as a tax is inherently deceptive.
I do not believe I am “spinning my wheels” as other road warriors on FlyerTalk have now shared their advice regarding their surcharge experience when staying at a Hilton Worldwide property. I have learned from many of you that Hilton Worldwide has billed unpublished surcharges at other properties. For example, after my surcharge complaint,
bostonpilot writes about an undisclosed surcharge of $250.00 a person for a mandatory New Year gala dinner that is bundled with his stay.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...er-advice.html.
Some people seem to think when an unadvertised surcharge is a small amount, say under $10.00, it is a waste of time to attempt to get it corrected. However, when a surcharge falls between $25 and $75.00 per night, and is sometimes called a “resort fee” this fee should be discussed. Some people have said it is acceptable for a Hilton property to hide extra profit by advertising the surcharge as a mandatory tax as long as the amount of the surcharge is listed. I think that type of advertising is a scam.
Furthermore, I agree with your statement, “complain to the state's attorney general and its tax authority…” That is why I have forwarded copy of this complaint to a consumer reporter for further scrutiny and escalation to the state regulatory authorities if necessary.
From the comments of other Hilton guests, I still believe these undisclosed or miscategorized surcharges at Hilton Worldwide are a global problem.
If Hilton Worldwide really cares about their guests and guest hospitality, I think there should be compulsory corporate management and franchise guidelines resulting in clear and conspicuous disclosures of guest surcharges at all Hilton Worldwide properties.
So far, the $250.00 per person surcharge for a gala dinner seems to be the highest Hilton property undisclosed or miscategorized fee.
I wonder if the $250.00 per person undisclosed Hilton surcharge sets a new record. No matter what the amount of your surcharge was, if you were a Hilton Worldwide guest and you were billed for an obscure surcharge, please share your story.