Article “How hotels are making billions off surcharges” alleges:
“A New York University professor revealed Monday hotels are expected to charge $2.25 billion in hotel feesthis year, surcharges so devoid of customer value they often make the hotels a 90 percent profit.
“And when we say devoid of value, we mean we’re all getting screwed. The “Today” show’s reporter had kinder words.
” ‘The hotels have ripped a page right out of the playbook from the airline industry,’ NBC reporter Kerry Sanders said. ‘Twenty, $30, even $80 resort fees, hotel service fees.’ ” … (more)
WATCHDOG: What does “hotels” mean: A dozen out of tens of thousand, all situated in very special markets?
“Making billions off surcharges”? What does “making” mean and how could these rare incidents lead to such profits?
Most hotels are part of franchises and their franchisors are zealous about keeping brand loyal customers happy. Moreover, with the Internet and the customer rating system, few hotels would dare to so antagonize.
What we have is the general b— s— published by AOL and broadcast by certain television programs to mindless viewers who are seeking to feel victimized.
Obviously, it is a good idea to check your bill.
The real rip off is the approximately 30% of the revenue collected by hotels that paid over to third-party sources of reservations and in franchise fees. The industry collectively is about the dumbest in the world.
