“Discussionary Charge of Tips” – A Hidden Fee?
This story starts with a seemingly innocent hotel stay at a supposed 5-star establishment. However, what began as an ordinary trip turned into a nightmare when I discovered a sneaky “Discussionary Charge of Tips” on my credit card statement. The worst part? I was never informed about this fee beforehand.
During checkout, the hotel staff mentioned that they were closing their accounts for the previous day and promised to send me the invoice later. I naively left the hotel assuming everything was in order. However, upon reviewing my credit card statement, I was astonished to see an extra charge. This wasn’t a simple mistake; it was a deliberately concealed “Discussionary Charge of Tips.” When I contacted Trip.com, the travel agency I booked through, I was told that the extra charges were indeed for this “Discussionary Charge of Tips.”
Feeling tricked and misled, I demanded a refund. After all, this was a “Discussionary” fee, not a mandatory one. My request was denied, and the hotel claimed the charge was non-refundable.
This experience left me incredibly disappointed. It’s unacceptable for a 5-star hotel to charge guests for a fee that isn’t transparent and openly communicated. It’s even more appalling that the hotel uses a misleading term like “Discussionary Charge of Tips” to conceal the fact that it’s essentially a mandatory tip.
Beyond the hidden charges, the service at this hotel was simply inadequate. Our in-room meal took over an hour to arrive, despite being told it would be ready in half an hour. When we finished eating, it took another hour and two phone calls before someone finally collected our plates. This level of service is unacceptable for a 5-star establishment.
What’s even more concerning is the lack of transparency in their pricing. The hotel failed to inform us about this “Discussionary Charge of Tips” when we signed for the meal. It’s a blatant attempt to deceive guests and exploit their trust.
Honestly, it made me feel unsafe providing my credit card to the hotel, knowing they could add whatever charges they want after I check out. This experience highlights the importance of scrutinizing hotel charges carefully and demanding clear communication about all fees.
A Breath of Fresh Air: Holiday Inn Sutton
In stark contrast to the disastrous experience at the 5-star hotel, my stay at the Holiday Inn Sutton was a breath of fresh air. While not a luxurious 5-star hotel, this hotel offered something far more valuable: genuine hospitality, cleanliness, and exceptional staff.
The staff at the Holiday Inn Sutton were incredibly helpful and friendly. From the restaurant to the front desk, housekeeping, and health club, every member of the team went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable. Their warm smiles and genuine desire to assist made our stay truly memorable.
The hotel itself was clean and comfortable. It served as an excellent base for exploring London and the surrounding areas. While not a fancy luxury hotel, it was perfect for those seeking a comfortable and clean place to stay with exceptional service.
A Special Shout-out to Tarek
Our experience at this hotel was truly phenomenal, thanks in large part to Tarek, the outstanding front desk staff member. His dedication and helpfulness were truly exceptional.
He went above and beyond, even offering to print documents for us when we discovered there was no business center in the hotel. His genuine care for our comfort and satisfaction made us feel like valued guests.
The hotel itself offered many other great features, including a well-designed lobby area, a vibrant bar/restaurant, and stunning views from the higher floors. While there were a few minor downsides, like the lack of a business center, the exceptional staff and overall positive experience overshadowed these minor inconveniences.
Mixed Reviews: A London Hotel with Potential but Some Shortcomings
Our stay at this London hotel presented a mixed bag of experiences. While the hotel offered some positive attributes, like cleanliness and a modern design, it also had significant shortcomings that ultimately made it less than ideal.
The rooms themselves were comfortable and quiet, offering a decent sleep. The bathrooms were well-designed and impeccably clean. Housekeeping did a fine job maintaining the rooms.
However, the rooms were incredibly small, with virtually no space for luggage or clothing. The tiny closets and lack of drawer space made it difficult to unpack for a stay longer than one or two days. This lack of space significantly affected the overall enjoyment of our stay.
The hotel’s breakfast also left much to be desired. The selection was limited, with minimal fresh fruit, and the hot breakfast menu lacked appealing options. The reception staff was also underwhelming, offering minimal assistance and failing to provide luggage help.
Additionally, the hotel’s location presented some challenges, as the front of the hotel was crowded with bus stops, making it difficult for taxis or limos to pull up for pick-up or drop-off. The hotel’s layout and location felt inconvenient and unwelcoming.
The Verdict: A Hotel with Room for Improvement
This hotel had a clean, modern design and comfortable rooms for sleep, but its significant drawbacks, like limited space and less-than-impressive breakfast and staff, overshadowed its positive aspects. The hotel’s inconvenient location and lack of assistance with luggage made it less than ideal for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
An Awful Experience: Avoid This Hotel at All Costs
Our stay at this hotel was a complete disaster from start to finish. From the moment we checked in, we encountered nothing but problems and poor service.
Our rooms were dirty, outdated, and far from the photos on their website. The room in the basement was directly above the tube line, making it impossible to sleep with the constant rumbling of the trains. The health and safety standards were alarmingly low.
The breakfast was basic and unappetizing, with stale milk stored in a flask. The bar was closed for two out of the three days of our stay due to the barman’s absence, and the manager was not authorized to open it.
The hotel charged a ridiculous £10 fee to store luggage while we waited to check in. We also overheard numerous other guests complaining about the rooms they had been allocated. The hotel’s facilities were outdated and poorly maintained, with broken windows, non-functional safes, and corroded taps in the bathrooms.
The Verdict: A Complete Waste of Money
This hotel is overpriced and does not live up to its online marketing. The rooms were filthy, the staff were unhelpful, and the facilities were poorly maintained. Avoid this hotel at all costs!
A Hidden Gem: A Simple, Comfortable Hotel with Excellent Staff
Despite its lack of luxurious amenities, this hotel provided a comfortable and enjoyable stay, thanks in large part to the exceptional service provided by the staff.
The hotel’s simple, modern design and central London location were perfect for a city weekend break. The beds were incredibly comfortable, and the absence of a television ensured peaceful sleep for my children.
The hotel’s lack of unnecessary décor and carpeting was a bonus, as it meant we didn’t have to worry about our kids touching unclean fabric items. While the hotel lacked a breakfast option, we were able to grab breakfast from a nearby supermarket. There was also a 24-hour cafe and bar next door, which provided convenient options for dining.
The Star of the Show: Exceptional Staff Service
The staff at this hotel went above and beyond, particularly one member of the reception team who kindly offered to store our luggage. This kind gesture made a lasting impression and ensured that we would return to this hotel in the future.
The Verdict: A Great Option for Simple, Affordable Travel
This hotel is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience. The simple design and central location make it ideal for exploring the city, and the outstanding staff service makes it a truly memorable experience.
