
Today is just a small example of some of the funny hotel charges we incurred while in Australia.
First, I find whether in the States or in Australia, if a hotel charges you for internet access, it will suck. I almost always have that issue when staying at an Embassy Suites for work. Don’t nickle and dime me on internet especially if you can’t get some blazing speeds.
Second, as usual when you eat in a hotel, they always charge you crazy prices. I have learned how to order ala carte or find a coffee shop near the hotel to save money. However, my wife had her first encounter with Vegemite and I can be sure there probably won’t be a second.
GST, or as we in the states like to call sales tax. But of course where I live it is 6.5%. There it is 10%. However, counties and cities in the US add a whole bunch of taxes to hotel stays so as far as overcharging goes, I think we have the Aussies on that.
Sunday/Holiday upcharge. OK to be honest this wasn’t at a hotel but rather a restaurant. See image below:
I might be able to see a Public Holiday Surcharge but a Sunday one. Does everyone get paid time and a half on Sundays? It’s not like they couldn’t have a day off another day of the week.
Finally the biggest real peeve of mine was the surcharge for using a credit card versus cash or ATM. I get it at a small retailer but a HOTEL? This was a first. I would prefer you surcharge everyone and then tell the people who pay cash, you will give them a discount. I know it is the same but it seems a bit more honest.
So any crazy surcharges any of you encountered when traveling?