I spent 5 days in Manila last week, staying at the Shangri-la 5 star hotel. It touts itself as one of the best hotels in Manila, and it deserves credit. However... when I went to get some printing done they told me it would cost USD3 per page. I challenge anyone to tell me the difference between that and robbery?
It made me feel quite sick. The Shangri-La positions itself as friendly to the business traveller, lavishing huge expense on their rooms and services, then it fleeces it's customers for a simple no frills service like printing and photocopying.
The claim by the management was that as other hotels charge huge prices, they benchmark their costs with theirs. That is no way to run a hotel, or else you will become as average as other hotels. Surely the Shangri-la should raise itself above simple money-making schemes at their customers expense? They also made some allusion to how a Coke is more expensive in the hotel that outside. Yes - You don't need to teach your commerical customers about the facts of basic business. BUT the point is... how can a single bit of paper cost $3? AND how can a hotel that is providing such an elementary service to its clients not understand the hypocrisy of such outrageous and outdated pricing model?
I want to start a campaign against all such hotels that rip-off their guests because they think guests don't care about charging back these costs to their employers?
Do you agree?
Monday, August 18, 2008
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