Compulsory Hotel Charges

Q: We are trying to book accommodation for the December-January period at beach resorts in Asia , but in nearly all cases the hotels insist on a compulsory charge for Christmas dinner and a New Years banquet. As we do not generally celebrate New Year and are not Christians, I do not feel like paying this charge, which can amount to a few hundred dollars for our family group. Can I refuse to pay this? What can you suggest I do? - Sam Divine

A: I am afraid there is little you can do. An increasing number of resort hotels see these two functions as big moneyspinners and are reluctant to allow guests to opt out. They claim that the compulsory charge covers the cost of expensive entertainment, firework displays and special cuisine. You can try to find hotels that do not have the charge, but these are likely to be smaller hotels or limited-service hotels like Ibis or Holiday Inn Express. Alternatively write to the management explaining your predicament and asking the manager to waive your fee. I have heard of a deal being made where a family agreed to pay the fee, but did not attend the function and was allowed to spend the "fee" on room service on subsequent days. Another customer managed to get a hotel manager to agree to slice the cost by half on condition they did not attend the function. If you can't make a deal, you will have to decide whether you are prepared to bite the bullet and pay. Unfortunately, Christmas and New Year being peak times for hotels, they will probably be able to fill the rooms anyway. (17/10/10)