FYI: I'm US based, using Chase and AmEx online travel services, for Europe hotel bookings

I've noticed that Chase and AmEx frequently charge significantly more than the hotel price I get from the hotel's website. I know that sometimes hotels give you a discount for direct booking. But I've noticed that Chase and AmEx seem to list under Taxes & Fees the VAT tax, which is already included in the hotel's published prices, and that this is often nearly exactly the difference in pricing.

Specific example: I just tried booking "Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel" in Naples, Italy. After currency conversion, Chase and AmEx showed very similar base prices to the hotel's own price, but then added 10% in fees. I called a rep at Chase, and they were unable to explain to me exactly what the taxes and fees were. And on top of that they wanted me to prepay when the hotel itself did not collect payment in advance.

Is this just me? I feel like it's all just a scam. In trying to use my points effectively it's tough when the Chase and AmEx build in a price surcharge. And don't get me started about using Chase to book flights.

Thanks!
-- Ethan