Hidden credit card surcharging at hotels

[dajop]

Just booked a hotel room on Best Western website over the weekend.

This was for a "Internet Only Rate" (no changes, no cancellation). Following conditions applied:

Room Rate Subtotal: $xx_.00 AUD

Estimated Taxes & Fees Breakdown: Included in rate.

Deposit Policy: Full Prepayment By Credit Card Only
Cancellation Policy: This Rate Cannot Be Cancelled.

Only payment option available was credit card, as it was internet only rate. I received confirmation via email, which indicated the following:

Room rate subtotal: $XX.00 AUD Estimated taxes & fees: included in rate Deposit policy: CREDIT CARD TO BE CHARGED XX.00 IMMEDIATELY

However when I checked my credit card charges, the charge has come through as XX+3.5%, and after investigation it seems the 3.5% is a credit card surcharge for payment by Amex (2% by Visa) and I was told clearly indicated on hotel website (which it was, although only on payment screen, initial screen had no mention and no other payment option offered) and at checkin. No mention on bestwestern website or on my confirmation.

Whilst the 3.5% is insignificant for me, it is the principle!! I am beginning to get sick of all this surcharging, particularly where a rate is prepaid, the surcharge is not revealed and no other payment method is offered. Seems a waste of time to pursue though, other than on principle. Any similar experiences?

 

[ckck]

Yes the credit card surcharge is frustrating, especially when you have no choice when paying online.

What I have done in the past is when I am checking out I ask for the hotel to credit back the credit card and I pay with a different method e.g. eftpos or another method that does not have a surcharge. Sometimes I find that they have a surcharge for Amex but not for Visa/Mastercard. Sometimes they have a surcharge on all credit cards but not eftpos.

I have done this even when full payment (no changes, no cancellations etc) is required upfront.

hths

ck

 

[yohy?!]

Ask them to credit your card and then pay in five dollar notes

 

[dajop]

Yes the credit card surcharge is frustrating, especially when you have no choice when paying online.

My problem wasn't the credit card surcharge per se, but the lack of disclosure. When internet only instant purchase/non refundable/pre-paid rates are made at some hotels, for example Hilton, the surcharge is included in the rate. Only non-prepaid rates incur the surcharge. At least at Hilton South Wharf. I had assumed the same here.

Did decide to contact the hotel and they agreed to refund the surcharge.

 

[Mal]

Complain to the ACCC. Deceptive conduct IMHO.

I have thought of doing the same to some other hotels who charge prepaid rates the surcharge, but generally it is well disclosed on the site.