Room Service Charges
I find this excessive. Or is this considered normal in the US? (Belmond Charleston)
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That is absolutely standard for US properties. If anything the $3 is fairly low. I often see $5+. The 22% is a little high and is usually 20%. But, overall this is pretty much standard.
Given typical pricing, the delivery fee is not likely a deterrent. |
I agree. I feel like I often see $5 - $7. While the 22% is probably on the high side, especially in south carolina, you should consider yourself lucky that at least they call it a gratuity. A lot of hotels in the US call it something close but different and then leave a line for gratuity as well!
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Considering pandemic times, yes, I think this is too stiff. I’m accustomed to the sevice fee which is no biggie. But a 22% tip is a reach. Keep in mind room service items already are over-priced. Plus, pretty sure the server doesn’t get much of that.
I prefer to tip in cash which does not work when the tip is included in the bill. |
the best Room Service deal is Dorchester Collection — which, in the US, include the Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air. The rest are in Europe.
Booking through Diamond Club, you get a complimentary breakfast for two guests daily in any venue (including in-room dining), anything on the menu (except alcohol and caviar), and tax and gratuities are included with the Diamond Club amenities. |
IMO a lot depends on the level of the service. If the hotel's current room service means that they deliver a grab and go bag (all disposable plates and utensils) to your door, it's ridiculous. However, if the server sets up an attractive meal in your room, opens a bottle of wine or champagne, etc., I wouldn't object to $3 + 22% if the hotel hasn't already increased room service menu pricing compared to ordering the same items in the hotel restaurant.
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Room service is typically a high margin luxury service. Pricing is often a multiple of what the property's restaurant charges, a significant gratuity & delivery or service fee. People paying for it are price insensitive, even if they can't really afford it, so properties set their pricing accordingly.
Whether the cost is "high" or "worth it" is entirely subjective. |
I saw 10 € in the past, can't remember US. I think 3 $ are not that much, perhaps 18% would be gratuity standard before pandemic. Nevertheless I agree, it's expensive. Especially as the dishes itself are most likely generously priced.
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Originally Posted by DavidO
(Post 33148931)
the best Room Service deal is Dorchester Collection — which, in the US, include the Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air. The rest are in Europe.
Booking through Diamond Club, you get a complimentary breakfast for two guests daily in any venue (including in-room dining), anything on the menu (except alcohol and caviar), and tax and gratuities are included with the Diamond Club amenities. |
Originally Posted by clubeurope
(Post 33149409)
Funny, I'm under the impression that DC (well at least The Dorchester London) charges an in-room dining charge as well... I can't remember how much but it's definitely either £5 or above.
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Originally Posted by clubeurope
(Post 33149409)
Funny, I'm under the impression that DC (well at least The Dorchester London) charges an in-room dining charge as well... I can't remember how much but it's definitely either £5 or above.
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I'm a big believer in consumer price transparency and so really dislike mandatory add-on charges be they in the form of a "service charge", "delivery fee", "resort fee" or whatever.
In the case of room service, I don't mind whatever the prices ultimately are, I just wish they'd be transparent about it. Under the Belmond scenario listed by the original poster, let's say you order a dish for $25 + $3 delivery charge + 22% service fee + 5% sales tax = $35.87. I'd much rather they just list that dish for $35 (instead of $25 plus all the fees) on the menu. This is why I like the transparent pricing laws that exist in a lot of countries that mandate that prices listed to the consumer include all mandatory charges and taxes. These add-on fees and charges are just a misleading and deceptive way for businesses to advertise a lower price that is substantially below what the consumer actually pays. |
Originally Posted by jbb
(Post 33159239)
I'm a big believer in consumer price transparency and so really dislike mandatory add-on charges be they in the form of a "service charge", "delivery fee", "resort fee" or whatever.
In the case of room service, I don't mind whatever the prices ultimately are, I just wish they'd be transparent about it. Under the Belmond scenario listed by the original poster, let's say you order a dish for $25 + $3 delivery charge + 22% service fee + 5% sales tax = $35.87. I'd much rather they just list that dish for $35 (instead of $25 plus all the fees) on the menu. This is why I like the transparent pricing laws that exist in a lot of countries that mandate that prices listed to the consumer include all mandatory charges and taxes. These add-on fees and charges are just a misleading and deceptive way for businesses to advertise a lower price that is substantially below what the consumer actually pays. The practice in the US for ages has been to total the order, display the tax, the delivery fee & tip and then a "grand total" so it is what consumers expect. |
Originally Posted by Often1
(Post 33159293)
The key to transperency is disclosure. I don't really care how it is done.
The practice in the US for ages has been to total the order, display the tax, the delivery fee & tip and then a "grand total" so it is what consumers expect. |
Surprised this thread is still ongoing. If the pricing seems excessive, vote with your wallet.
It’s downtown Charleston. I’m sure there are other places servicing breakfast and offering takeout these days. |
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