A reader emailed me a query a few lodge payment that’s turning into more and more frequent, which I needed to deal with on this publish. I’ll share what I feel, after which I’m curious to listen to what the OMAAT group thinks.
Inns charging charges to just accept packages
There are every kind of conditions the place it may be helpful to have a package deal shipped to your lodge, both previous to your arrival or throughout your keep. Perhaps you wish to ship some baggage forward of time, or perhaps you simply have to order one thing from Amazon.
Nearly throughout the board, having one thing shipped to a lodge you’re staying at shouldn’t be a problem. Nevertheless, again within the day this persistently wouldn’t value something, whereas these days we’re seeing some motels (particularly massive properties in main cities) monetize this service.
For instance, an OMAAT reader shares that he’s going to remain at a Hyatt in Miami within the close to future, and he emailed the lodge to tell them about having packages despatched there. The lodge responded with a value record of how a lot this service prices, primarily based on the load of the package deal:
- Underneath 1lb is free
- 1-5lbs prices $5
- 6-20lbs prices $10
- 21-35lbs prices $20
- 36-50lbs prices $40
- 51lbs+ prices $40
- A pallet prices $150
I haven’t heard of a tiered pricing mannequin like this earlier than, however slightly there’s usually only a flat payment for accepting a package deal, for these motels that do cost. So I suppose to have a look at the brilliant facet, you might have an envelope or letter shipped to the lodge without spending a dime… yay?
Is a package deal acceptance payment unreasonable?
So far as I do know, no main lodge group has a coverage towards particular person motels charging charges to just accept packages. Is it truthful, although?
Properly, it’s definitely not terribly hospitable, it leaves a foul impression with a visitor earlier than they even arrive, and it looks like nickel-and-diming.
Nevertheless, this turning into an more and more frequent development shouldn’t be a shock. We’ve seen homeowners of lodge funding firms urge the key lodge teams to cease giving issues away, and to hunt inspiration from extremely low value carriers. From housekeeping and room service being lowered, to restricted hours for eating places, to membership lounges remaining closed, that is all attempting to perform the identical factor — reduce prices and maximize income.
I can’t assist however marvel if this coverage was initially launched as a result of some individuals have been actually making the most of it, and having big numbers of packages despatched to motels.
In equity to motels, accepting packages does take a little bit of effort, and in addition comes with potential legal responsibility. Personally I discover a package deal dealing with payment much less offensive than only a blanket vacation spot payment, although that’s not precisely an endorsement of the follow.
Backside line
Whereas I wouldn’t say it’s widespread (but), it’s not unusual these days to see motels cost charges for accepting packages. This used to consistently be free, however sadly many motels at the moment are trying to Spirit Airways slightly than Singapore Airways for inspiration on the right way to run their enterprise.
What do you make of motels charging package deal dealing with charges? Have you ever encountered this?
