Reward Booking
 

We are looking to use points to stay in Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi in February 2012. Great deal of 20000 points per night compared to Crowne Plaza next door (where we stayed this Feb) which is 25000 points per night.

Firstly, we would need to do two bookings as we each don't have enough points in our own right for the total stay. However, I have emailed the hotel and asked if they would be able to link the bookings which they said they would.

I have also asked them about the 10% service charge and 6% tourism tax which Abu Dhabi Hotels charges as I realise we would have to pay this. They fail to answer my question which I have now asked for the third time.

My concern is that at the moment the rates quoted on the IHG website for next February are extremely high. The hotel itself by email has quoted me 500AED for a suite per night at the Staybridge Suites for next Feb. However, the website is quoting 3350AED per night. So, what is the 16% calculated on?

If it is calculated on the 3350AED that amounts to 536AED per night which is higher than the room rate the email from the hotel :confused:

I assume to book reward nights I will need to do it through the website rather than the hotel but I do not want to pay 536AED per night in taxes?

Can anyone explain please how this works?

In almost all cases you don't pay any taxes on an award stay. You paid $0 for the award, so nothing to tax.

Thanks for the reply

Is that so?

When I go in as though I am going to book, it tells me I have to pay the taxes?

You are paying with points. What's 16% x 0?

Stayed there on ponts, a good deal indeed.
No other charges levied on check out, so dont worry.
Enjoy, and try the Noodle Box in the Yas while you are there!

In all my reward stays, I only had to pay tax once on a Hilton stay in Japan for Onsen taxes. Never had to pay stay taxes at Hilton or IHG.

Thanks for the interesting replies which read as really good news.

As I said if I have to pay the 16% on the rates they are quoting today it makes it extremely expensive.

No, you definetly won't pay 16% taxes (of 0 AED roomrate = 0 AED, btw.)

Priority Club terms and conditions:

Maybe you should ask us once more if you have to pay the taxes though... Just to be sure. ;)

Count me in as another who has never paid tax on an award stay. :)

My experience:
You don't pay tax if you use points only.
You pay tax on cash portion if you use cash + points.

HI Charles de Gaulle charge €1,10 city tax pp

Ah maybe that explains it. I was looking at part cash, part rewards as well as reward only.

So, if I did say 15000 points and $40, I would pay the 16% on the $40?

Give us the deails exactly so we can give you an answer that is correct.
The way you ae asking is disjointed and irksome.

If you want help give all needed info the first time.

No, the $40 just buys the 5000 points and it is still processed as a free night using 20,000 points.

You will not pay tax.