VAT on lodging in UK refundable?
 

I am having to make hotel choices in terms of cost - some rates inc VAT, some do not. In Canada, you can get your lodging VAT back at the end of your trip. Someone on this board was questioning whether you could in the UK or not. If you get VAT back, that changes which rate to take. Ack!

As far as I know...no. VAT refunds from the UK are only for goods that are leaving the country, not for services or items consumed while in the country.

I'm surprised Canada allows VAT refund on lodging.

I got a VAT refund on my credit card from a stay at the Hilton Metropole in London last October. The refund showed up before I even made it home.

Oops, I put the answer over at the Hilton website, following your original question.
You'll find a link to a comprehensive travel tax site with the answer.

Here's a hint: In the EU, it's good news for business travelers, bad for tourists.

Baze, why haven't we met or have we and I did not connect your real name with your online one? We are practically neighbors! Were you on business in London? I don't remember that being an issue in the past but I have not been to London in many a year.

Joanek is absolutely right and a more detailed explanation is on the Hilton Metropole or Kensington chat board. Tourists may not get a refund of the 17 1/2% VAT in Britain on restaurants or hotels, just goods leaving the country. Thanks for the help, all of you. Flyertalkers are the best!

My trip to London last year was a vacation.

karen2, we probably have not met because I seem to always be somewhere else when a get together happens. I will be at Altbier though.

A number of inquiring minds would like to know what exactly you did to get that refund. Thanks.

The hotel VAT is refundable for "business" travel only. It has a unique catch. It will only be paid to your "registered" company, ie not to you. A fee is required to register your company.

Hilton will assist in recovering the 17.5% VAT (only your company) for a 20% fee. IMHO not a nice deal. Neither is the GBP5 for 15 minutes of internet access encountered at 3 different Hiltons in London.

Interestingly enough my Canadian GST check (for previous hotel stays) arrived on my first day back fron London and was in USD as requested.

If you are self-employed, can you register yourself? Is that a 20% fee of the total refunded tax. This is all very upsetting. Do you write business on the tourist card you fill out before entering the country? Is there a place on the registration card to write the purpose of your trip. Baze - what did you do to get this refund placed on your credit card?

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DtG

Have no idea how I got the refund. When I got home and got my Amex bill it had the credit on it saying VAT refund and was posted by the Hilton. I did not ask for it or expect it, they just did it. I was never asked to register as a company or asked if I was on vacation. Very strange.

Here's hoping!!