I had to laugh... why I hate room service.
May 13, 2009, 8:15 am
#16
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Smellington, NZ
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, UA 2P, Marriott LTPP
Posts: 1,453
Goodness me, I work for the wrong employer. What you all blow on one room service meal far exceeds my daily meal allowance. I would hate to have to dream up some justification for that kind of expense to my boss. I don't think I could do it with a straight face.
May 13, 2009, 8:56 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 1999
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 15,375
May 13, 2009, 9:14 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: ORD MDW
Programs: AA, UA, DL , IHG Plat, Bonvoy Gold - 2009 FT Fantasy Football Champion
Posts: 6,856
Sometimes you have to opt for the golden arches. You may have to walk a block or two, but you will always walk away well under $10.
May 13, 2009, 9:31 am
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: ATL
Posts: 3,219
I honestly didn't think a $60 dinner is outrageous if it were good. I also don't see the problem if the overall expenses are kept under budget and productivity stays up.
May 13, 2009, 9:43 am
#21
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYC
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat, IHG Spire, SPG Gold, WS Gold, Hertz PC, National E Elite,
Posts: 2,771
The FOUR POINTS Calgary West charges a 6 dollar delivery anda 18% gratuity. Plus 5% tax.
I ordered a 16 dollar burger. $27.25 total. Like you guys have said, I dont pay for it, but i feel guilty making my employer pay for it. Id rather go to a restaurant. So I do normally. But in this case I didnt have time - which is exactly what room service is for, and why it is priced accordingly.
I ordered a 16 dollar burger. $27.25 total. Like you guys have said, I dont pay for it, but i feel guilty making my employer pay for it. Id rather go to a restaurant. So I do normally. But in this case I didnt have time - which is exactly what room service is for, and why it is priced accordingly.
May 13, 2009, 9:52 am
#22
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,221
One to add to this (didn't order it for obvious reasons) is at the W New York - Union Square. Simple salad starts at $25. Want chicken on top of that? Add another $17. Then there is the mandatory $5 delivery charge, 20% gratuity, and 8.375% sales tax, bringing your grand total to around $60 for a chicken caesar salad!
I live a few blocks away from the W Union Square, you'll have a selection of about 200 restaurants with no delivery fees. I'd imagine you can get the same chicken caesar salad for about $15, although you'd have to do without china and settle for plastic flatware.
May 13, 2009, 10:00 am
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Finally back in Boston after escaping from New York
Posts: 13,644
I read this article in the NYT last week. Here's a quote:
“Hotels have always tried to make money with room service, but they never could,” said Joseph McInerney, president and chief executive of American Hotel and Lodging Association, a trade group.
Can this really be true?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/05/bu...Service&st=cse
“Hotels have always tried to make money with room service, but they never could,” said Joseph McInerney, president and chief executive of American Hotel and Lodging Association, a trade group.
Can this really be true?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/05/bu...Service&st=cse
Mike
May 13, 2009, 10:38 am
#24
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 8
Room service - gratuity +/- tipping...???
So room service charges include delivery charge AND gratuity......... but the slip you get to sign always includes an additional line for "tip" (or words to that effect).
So what do you guys do? Add a tip (if so how much?)......... or not?
So what do you guys do? Add a tip (if so how much?)......... or not?
May 13, 2009, 10:45 am
#25
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: YWG
Programs: UA 1K, AC E, *G x2, BMI Silver, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, PC Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,260
exaggeration 
Obviously, the price doesn't include the side dishes. Once you add the baked potatoes and whatever on the sides, then it becomes a full meal. A salmon with side dishes at any upscale hotel will run you $30+gratuity+delivery+service.
In contrast, here's my recent room service picture a W Minneapolis:
Perfectly cooked filet mignon with truffle oil infused hash and pancetta snow peas. Absolutely delicious. ($38)
The tuna tar tar on the side was equally yummy ($14)
Obviously, the price doesn't include the side dishes. Once you add the baked potatoes and whatever on the sides, then it becomes a full meal. A salmon with side dishes at any upscale hotel will run you $30+gratuity+delivery+service.
In contrast, here's my recent room service picture a W Minneapolis:
Perfectly cooked filet mignon with truffle oil infused hash and pancetta snow peas. Absolutely delicious. ($38)
The tuna tar tar on the side was equally yummy ($14)
May 13, 2009, 10:47 am
#26
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 9,702
were you going to eat the garnish?
no logic in sending it back, since they gave you what you ordered.
no logic in sending it back, since they gave you what you ordered.
May 13, 2009, 11:05 am
#28
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: NYC/PSP
Programs: AA EXP, A3 Gold
Posts: 4,107
No professional chef would ever send out a plate looking like that. Period.
May 13, 2009, 11:07 am
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: ATL
Posts: 3,219
In this case, they had a $3 delivery charge plus 19% gratuity plus tax. I usually give a ~20% gratuity in the US, so in this case I didn't add anything extra. That tip line is annoying.
May 13, 2009, 11:08 am
#30
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,834
Next time you're there, or at any other hotel in NYC, check out seamlessweb.com
I live a few blocks away from the W Union Square, you'll have a selection of about 200 restaurants with no delivery fees. I'd imagine you can get the same chicken caesar salad for about $15, although you'd have to do without china and settle for plastic flatware.
I live a few blocks away from the W Union Square, you'll have a selection of about 200 restaurants with no delivery fees. I'd imagine you can get the same chicken caesar salad for about $15, although you'd have to do without china and settle for plastic flatware.