5 Ways To Know If A Hotel Is Overcharging You So You Don’t End Up Paying Extra

Many hotels make their guests pay the earth in the name of providing top-notch facilities. While overcharging for the services is unlawful, not all guests are aware of the rules. Hotels often take advantage of their lack of knowledge. To ensure that the right amount of money is getting shelled out, you need to be careful right from booking the hotel to the time of leaving it. Here are 5 golden rules to keep in mind that will help you understand if a hotel is overcharging you:

1. The Quoted Rate Must Not Surpass The Website Rates

First of all, try to pre-book your rooms from the website. But at times there are situations where we need to put up at a hotel after reaching the location. Before paying the amount, check the amount on the hotel website. If the hotel does not have a website, check third-party hotel booking applications to get an idea of the average rate.

2. The Restaurant Bill Must Not Have Service Charges

The service charges of restaurants are included within GST. So, they should not be charged separately. A lot of restaurants still charge the extra amount as only a few guests check the cost divisions in the bill. So, if the eatery charges extra as a service charge, you have every right to question them.

3. The Hotel Must Charge You Only For The Services You Availed Of

Before you pay the final bill at the hotel, check the bill properly and ensure that you’ve been charged only for the services you have taken. Sometimes hotels provide certain services without informing that they are chargeable and ask for the money later. So, stay cautious about that too. Keep track of the facilities you are availing of during your stay. Do not pay for the services you have not availed of. Also, refrain from paying for services that you’ve asked for but did not receive.

Also Read: 10 Biggest Mistakes To Avoid While Checking In & Out Of A Hotel

4. Only Mineral Water Bottles Can Be Chargeable

Only mineral water bottles are chargeable. Disposable plates can be chargeable too. But you cannot be charged extra for regular water and reusable crockeries. This Iceland Hotel Is Offering Free Stay For Anyone Who Can Photograph Northern Lights

5. For Pick-Up/ Drop-Off, Sightseeing, Check Regular Rates If The Hotel Is Arranging Transportation For You

Hotels often arrange airport/railway station pick-up or drop off and other transportation services for work, sightseeing, etc. While some hotels provide pick-up and drop off free of cost, some others might charge extra. For hotels that are charging, check the regular fares on the routes in terms of kilometres. You’ll know then if you’re being overcharged for the facility by the hotel.

Also Read: 5 Smart Ways To Detect Hidden Cameras In Airbnbs, Homestays & Other Hotel Rooms

Also, if you’re checking into any hotel now, make sure that they are following the protocols of sanitisation. As the pandemic is not gone yet. For now, allow us to take you on a virtual tour to the 12 best beach hotels in India: