Originally Posted by
pinniped
The problem is that the term "service fee" is used in some other contexts as a tip. I've been to restaurants where my receipt for a large party consisted of an 18% service fee - understood to be the tip.
We recognize "resort fee" for what it is - an outright scam. But many people may think that the "service fee" covers the valet guy, the bellhop, the room service guy, etc. If they were predisposed to tip housekeepers, they may think it covers that as well.
"Activity fees" (if incurred when I do the activity) or charges for drinks are in a slightly different category to me. They aren't mandatory fees. While I agree with you - I don't really want the hotel brands I like going down a path akin to ULCC airlines - but I wouldn't have any ethical problem with it if it was done transparently.
Agreed. Resort and activity fees are typically pretty well defined as to what they are charged for (right or wrong). A service fee on a bill for a large party at a restaurant is understood to be the gratuity (I do have an issue with this when expensive bottles of wine are involved).
So, when a service fee is charged at a hotel, as a percentage of the cost of the room, one might make the assumption that it covers the gratuity for housekeeping or other services (since in theory, it should cover something). It would be nice if hotels clearly defined exactly what the service charge covers.