<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by businesstraveler:
I just visited a small "luxury" hotel in the southern US and I'm a little upset. I was quoted a good rate over the phone, which as why I picked this particular property.
Upon arrival, I noticed a sign on the wall next to the reception desk. The sign stated that there was a MANDATORY daily charge of $3.95 for use of the phone (which provides unlimited local and US long distance service) and 2.95 for the in-room safe.
I was furious, because these charges were NEVER mentioned when I called for reservations. I did not use either the phone or safe during my stay. When I complained, the hotel removed the charges, but not without a arguement.
How do my fellow FT'er feel about this? Anyone else run into these "hidden" charges? Did you get the charges removed?
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I've seen many hotels that tack on a buck or two for use of the safe, although the charge usually gets removed from the bill with no problems when asked, especially if I tell the front desk I didn't use it.
A charge for use of the phone seems unfair, although in this case, you mention that they did provide unlimited local and long distance service, which can add up quite quickly otherwise. As long as you had the option of not using it, so as to not earn the $3.95 charge, I see no real issue with it. (Now if they charged you the 4 bucks even if you didn't pick up the handset, that would be another story...)