Mark Orwoll, International Editor of Travel + Leisure was interviewed this morning by CBS Morning Show who spoke to the hidden fees that surprise hotel travelers…and often cause that debate with the hotel front clerk that is uncomfortable for the guest and annoying for the clerk.
According to Mr. Orwoll, and due to the economy slump starting about 4 years ago, hotels started adding these fees to supplement the deep discounting they have had to do to keep their shares of the traveling market. Such marketing efforts as Expedia, Priceline, and Hotels.com were reducing room revenues so the hotels resorted to other “hidden” fees to maintain overall revenues such as:
- Internet fees (as much as $10-$20 per day)
- Resort fees (what the heck is that? Why should I pay for the spa and golf course if I am not going to use it?)
- Mandatory valet fees (Can’t I park my own car and save the $20 per day?)
And we already know that the restaurants and gift shops in a hotel are not a bargain.
Bed & Breakfasts offer the full VALUE of free parking, free we-fi, free gourmet breakfast, newspapers, snacks and drinks, often wine and cheese gatherings, concierge services beyond the expectation in addition to striking up that personal relationship that is so important to the guest.
The lesson here for B&B’s? Be sure these extras (all a part of the full guest experience) are on your website, on your marketing materials, and your reservation confirmations. B&B’s have been offering such VALUE for decades and will continue to do so. So let’s all be sure to take advantage of letting the traveling public know that the full guest experience is also at the best VALUE. Scott
