What does the service charge cover?
 

Lately, I've noticed hotels are charging mandatory service charges, often 10%. What exactly does this cover? Were too many people not tipping the chambermaids? My problem is that the trip we are taking with our kids is costing $700 a night for a 2 bedroom villa. I'm not cheap but I wouldn't tip housekeeping $70 a night to clean up after 4 people.

Sad to say, it's generally just another profit center for the hotels. The housekeepers probably get US$10 to $15 a day.

--Lan Sluder

Please tell us WHAT hotels are doing this...

I would dearly love a chance to take my business elsewhere.

Mark
www.tiogringo.com

Agree with Mark,
A gringo rip off.
We are seeing same locally.
M

Many, in fact most, moderate to upscale hotels in Belize charge a service charge, typically 10%. They've been doing it for years. You're not going to change it.

--Lan Sluder

And it's not just Belize. It's all over the world.

--Lan Sluder

Of course, from the hotel's perspective, they are just covering their costs. Quite a few hotels in Belize barely break even.

--Lan Sluder

It's a sleazy practice that's no different from false advertising. A hotel operator that does this stuff is no better than a con-man.

M

In my opinion this takes us to ask always before doing a reservation for all charges that might be included.
Including taxes and parking.
Adding all up the daily rate mighty become something we are not prepared to pay and in that case look for another hotel.

Lan is right because they are doing it in Anguilla too. We don't travel alot because of my husband's work schedule so when we do we like to stay somewhere nice. In Belize, we are staying in the 2 Coppola resorts. They do put the info right on the rate page on the website. 10% on a $150 room would be acceptable but they should do a sliding scale for more expensive rooms. I'll report on how good their service was!

Tax and gratuity charges are listed on most web sites I've seen. The gratuities also cover the employees behind the scene the guests do not come into contact with who play a role in making your stay an enjoyable one. And covers employees for the few guests who do not leave tips, no matter how much they ejoyed themselves. Maybe an imperfect system for some, but works well for the most part.