One of the things that really got my goat this past year was the tendency of online booking agencies to conceal resort fees, surcharges, and applicable taxes in order to dishonestly maneuver an edge in the highly-competitive travel industry.
Expedia was the worst offender.
For example, when a tourist conducted a search for a Hotel room at the best going rate, Expedia often failed to disclose resort fees, deposit information, and the cost of a myriad of amenities in order to give the impression that their Hotel fees were the absolute lowest.
On many occasions, I was personally ripped off by Expedia, because of these deceptive and highly unethical business practices.
A classic example of this dishonesty?
In order to beat out competing booking agents, Expedia often posted a low rate for a room, without revealing that a resort fee would be collected at the front desk of the Hotel at check-in.
Although the tourist got the impression the room rate was the best offer, when the "hidden" fees were applied later, that often turned out not to be the case.
The hapless consumer would have been better off securing their room with another travel agent who was upfront and honest from the get-go.
In addition, Expedia often failed (willfully chose not to reveal?) to inform guests that a credit card may be required to complete the booking process at the front desk and that a hold may also be placed on funds in a sum that might range from $50.00 to $150.00.
In the recent past, I complained about that dishonest practise in a post, when I encountered problems of that nature when I checked into the Artisan Hotel in Las Vegas.
Post: 05/19/10
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/05/expediaconspiracy-to-hide-fees-rip-off.html
In another twist, some booking agents disclose the fees required by law, but deliberately bury the information to deceitfully gain a competitive advantage.
For instance, a handful of disreputable companies post low room rates in bold block letters, to lure tourists into snapping up their so-called deal of the century.
However, elsewhere on the page, there may be a link in super-fine print that subtly notes that "surcharges" may apply.
If the consumer was to "notice" and subsequently follow the labyrinth of "links" offered up - they may learn after an exhaustive fifteen or twenty minute search - that there are resort fees in the sum of $14.95, for example, a requirement of a $150.00 credit card deposit, and so forth and so on.
In some instances, there is no link to any information.
Tourists have to take it upon themselves to conduct searches at the Hotel web sites to track down surcharges, taxes, and special fees in order to ensure they don't get ripped off.
What a pain the butt!
In recent days, though, I have noticed that Expedia has started to disclose all the pertinenent information upfront and in a straightfoward honest manner.
Did the Department of Consumer Affairs (or the Federal Trade Commission) step in and force compliance after consumer advocates like moi posted angry protests on the Internet?
Maybe!
Needless to say, it was about time!
Now, if only those other fly-by-night rip-off companies like Hotwire, would do the same!
Buyer beware!
Las Vegas Hoteliers in on scam!
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