Kicking the Tires of the Auto Club

Regarding Christopher Reynolds’ column “Navigating Some Quirks of Auto Club Benefits” (Travel Insider, Sept. 16), thank you for exposing the “quirks” of the auto club. The more I read, the angrier I became. Roadside service may be the only tangible club benefit not obtainable on the Internet.

I thought the auto club was one of the few organizations one can trust. But I have found many lodging establishments nationwide will not honor the rates published in the club’s tour guides.

I will not renew my 17-year membership or my wife’s associate membership.

ROBERT S. LEE

Rancho Palos Verdes

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Christopher Reynolds suggests that you make sure what hotel rate you are getting, which certainly is good advice. My question: How does the traveler find out what the real cost is?

Recently, one hotel tacked on an energy surcharge, and another large national chain hotel charged a fee to cover the insurance on the in-room safe, whether I used it or not. A car rental company added a tire and battery disposal fee. I can understand that taxes are not included in the quoted cost, but these fees are covering basic operating expenses of the businesses.

How long before we see the $49-a-night suite with a $25 baggage-handling fee (“You carried your bags yourself? We would’ve done it for you”), the $20-a-night parking fee (“You didn’t drive? Sorry, but you didn’t claim the exemption when you made your reservation”), the $35 cleaning and maintenance fee, the $15 nightly entertainment fee (“You didn’t turn the TV or radio on? Oh, but they were still in your room to use”) etc.

If they can calculate the total cost in a matter of seconds when you check out of the hotel or return the rental car, why can’t they do it when you make the reservation?

TIM SEELEY

Joliet, Ill.