Originally Posted by
EuropeanPete
JackE, it's worthwhile noting things like resort fees and compulsory service fees almost exclusively exist in the US. If you're going to take the perspective that hotels should be able to charge for anything they do at any point, then you're going down a very slippery slope.
A Concierge is an expected part of a luxury hotel, and I believe is featured within the international requirements of a 5* hotel (again, different in the US). It is intended to be a profit center, any more than if you were staying at the George V in Paris and someone tried to charge you $20 for looking at the flowers.
Philosophically, I prefer separate charges. If a property doesn't charge separately for concierge services, we both know it will be part of the room rate. That means that guests who don't use a concierge subsidize guests who do. Same with numerous other services.
When I compare room rates, I simply add the junk fees to the room rate. I don't really care if they label fees as "resort fees" or even electrical fees (yes, this used to be a thing for a few years in the U.S.!). I always look at the bottom line. For that matter, two properties across the street from each other can have different tax rates; looking at the bottom line ferrets those out.
I was curious about your comment about resort and service fees being rare outside the U.S. I checked two Hyatt properties in two countries and 100% had additional fees, so I cannot confirm your claim.
=======================
Park Hyatt Maldives:
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
North Huvadhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Thu, May 17, 2018 - Fri, May 18, 2018 Park Villa 1 Room, 1 Guest Advance Purchase
Details
Rate must be purchased 21 days or more in advance: Breakfast: Wireless Internet FULL PREPAY AT BOOKING: NON-REFUNDABLE RATE INCLUDES: - Daily full breakfast for each registered guest in the Dining Room - Daily wireless internet access
Deposit Policy
Deposit Required By October 2, 2017 Deposit By Credit Card Required 1 Night(S) Deposit Will Be Charged To Credit Card
Cancellation Policy
Non Refundable/Full Prepayment
Summary of Charges
Thu, May 17$637.50 USD
Subtotal$637.50 USD
Green Tax$6.00 USD
Goods/Svcs$84.15 USD
Service Charge$63.75 USD
Total Taxes & Fees$153.90 USD
Total Per Room*$791.40 USD
=========
Park Hyatt Tokyo:
Park Hyatt Tokyo
3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 163-1055 Japan
Wed, Sep 12, 2018 - Thu, Sep 13, 2018 Park Twin 1 Room, 1 Guest Standard Rate
Details
Regularly published room rates.
Cancellation Policy
24hours Prior To Checkin To Avoid One Night Fee
Summary of Charges
Wed, Sep 12¥57,000.00 JPY
Subtotal¥57,000.00 JPY
Consumption Tax¥4,560.00 JPY
Tax On Svc Chrg¥684.00 JPY
Service Charge¥8,550.00 JPY
Accommodation Tx¥200.00 JPY
Total Taxes & Fees¥13,994.00 JPY
Total Per Room*¥70,994.00 JPY
*Changes in taxes or fees will affect the total price.