Dispute Extra Fees Charged at Hotels

I read with great interest Jane Engle’s article (“Darn All Those Nickel and Dime Hotel Fees,” Travel Insider, March 17).

I urge all hotel visitors to vigorously dispute surcharges and fees that were not disclosed when the hotel reservation was made. I have found on dozens of occasions that politely but firmly disputing these surcharges at checkout time results in their reversal.

If the hotel clerk does not agree to remove the surcharges, speak to a supervisor or manager. If the supervisor or manager does not rectify the situation, politely ask for the name and title of every employee involved. Then write to the general manager of the hotel and send a copy to the corporate office of the hotel chain or parent company. In your letter, say that you want restitution for the hotel’s unethical business practices. In most cases you will receive a refund of the surcharges or fees paid, plus additional restitution or compensation.

No one should allow hotels (or any other business, for that matter) to get away with charging undisclosed surcharges and fees.

KEVIN KEARNS

Redondo Beach