How many mink thongs does Paris really need?
I travel constantly on business. I build networks for a company that caters to the hotel industry. I spend a lot of nights sleeping in strange beds (alone unfortunately) in strange cities. I am used to paying more for stuff in the hotel for conveniences sake rather than having to go explore an unfamiliar city late at night. I expect to get screwed a little. Then my company started doing stuff for Hilton. These guys could give the mafia lessons in extortion.
I know what your thinking...Your thinking "DUH!, its a HOTEL you idiot!"
Heres a few examples.
Lets say you are staying in...a Hyatt somewhere. You are going to be there for a week. You think " Hey, i wanna get me a mini fridge brought up to my room to keep my Pabst Blue Ribbon nice and cold!"
For the most part, you're going to pay a fee for the fridge, if one is available. the fee is usually, like $10.00 for your entire stay.
Not at the HIlton down the street! they want $30.00
You come back to your room after a long day at work. You're too damn tired to go find a decent meal. All you want is a cheeseburger, fries, and a coke. You would pay around 8-10 bucks at most mid priced chains like chilis, applebees, etc. If you are staying at the Marriott (i know, theyre almost as bad!) You might pay $15.00 when all is said and done.
Not at a Hilton!
The cafe downstairs is closed, because its after 10 pm. So you order room service...with delivery charge, mandatory tip and hotel tax...$22.00
Then you get the "me likey money" look from the guy who brought it to your room. You used to work in a coffee shop when you were younger and know how much the extra cash helps so you tip him another 2 bucks...$24.00
You are a hard flyin, hard drivin sales rep heading to your hotel in your Hertz rental car (I love Hertz, just for the record) You get to the hotel. It's in a large city right downtown. They tell you that they have no self parking, only valet. If you are staying at the Westin, you would probably pay around 15-20 bucks a night , depending on the city.
Not at Hilton! ... Be prepared to fork over 25-35 bucks a night!
Between this stuff and $2.50 sodas, $40.00 bucks to have a suit dry cleaned, Toll free calls that arent really toll free if you go over a certain amount of minutes, $12.00 Margaritas, and a million other things. Do yourselves a favor. Just drop your pants when you walk into a Hilton, back up to the front desk, and say "thank you sir may i have another?"
Just one idiots opinion,
Brian