CNN news anchor Richard Quest has slammed the addition of a 10 percent service charge on hotel bills in Dubai, in an angry post on social media.
He tweeted on Tuesday morning: “Checking out of hotel in Dubai again the 10% service charge added. Why do I pay this on top of the room rate? #ripoff.”
Checking out of hotel in Dubai again the 10% service charge added. Why do I pay this on top of the room rate? “#ripoff
— Richard Quest (@richardquest) February 12, 2017
Quest, known for his energetic tirades, said that the room tax was unnecessary and amounted to “price gouging”.
The TV presenter wrote: “They always say the room charge is just for the room. So what’s next? Electricity Charge? Let’s call it for what it is: price gouging.
They always say the room charge is just for the room. So what's next? Electricity Charge? Let's call it for what it is: price gouging
— Richard Quest (@richardquest) February 12, 2017
“It’s just a way of the hotel making the headline price lower. You can’t avoid it so it should be on the room rate. Ok #morningrant.”
It's just a way of the hotel making the headline price lower. You can't avoid it so it should be on the room rate. Ok #morningrant
— Richard Quest (@richardquest) February 12, 2017
Most hotels in the emirate charge a 20 percent surcharge on hotel stays, which has become known as a ‘tourist tax’.
The tax comprises a 10 percent ‘municipality fee’ – which was introduced in 2014 – and a 10 percent ‘service charge’.
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