SURCHARGE

At hotels, ‘for your convenience’ rarely is

By Christopher Elliott | October 2, 2017August 28, 2017

Look out — the hotel “convenience” wave is spreading.
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Charged an extra $400 for a vacation I can’t take

By Christopher Elliott | September 21, 2012September 21, 2012

1-Yoga mats — Yoga mats, reinterpreted. / Photo by christianyves – Flickr Creative Commons

Question: I recently booked a retreat to Costa Rica through a yoga studio in New York. Just before I was supposed to leave, I was admitted to the emergency room and had to cancel my trip.

A $500 fee for being American and other absurd hotel surcharges

By Christopher Elliott | August 28, 2012August 31, 2012

Nick Pilolla thought he’d made a reservation at the Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort & Casino through Otel.com, a European travel website.
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The mystery of Oyster Bay’s energy fee deepens

By Christopher Elliott | June 6, 2012June 10, 2012

1-3608261399_d73419c7e4_z — You wouldn't believe our utility bills! / Photo by Candi Berger - Flickr

Last month, I reported on the possible re-emergence of energy fees in the hotel industry. Today, I have some good news for you — and an update from the hotel that allegedly charged the fee to one guest.

Are energy fees about to make a comeback?

By Christopher Elliott | May 16, 2012May 25, 2012

1-6741747077_483ef7002a_z — Do you have the power? / Photo by ykanazawa1999 - Flickr

The Oyster Bay Beach Resort is a highrise hotel in St. Martin that promises guests white sand beaches, “breathtaking” views of the Caribbean and a “paradise found.”

But Jack Permadi says he found more than that when he stayed at the property recently. Permadi, who had traveled to the island from North Royalton, Ohio, for vacation, says the hotel asked him to pay extra for something that’s normally included in the price of a stay.
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