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I just called Sapphire to make a reservation. I was quoted a tax of 16%!!!
I then checked with Secret Harbour and their tax is 8%.
How can two hotels on the same islands have two different taxes? The rooms are the same size, they are both on the beach and in the same area.
I could see if Sapphire quoted a tax and a resort fee of some sort....but they quoted it as 16% tax.
Call it what you want ,most hotels list it as 8% govt tax and a 10% surcharge never really had what the surcharge covered explained to me.hmmmmmmmm
Exactly why we decided on a villa with just the 8% versus Caneel Bay resort that charged a total of 18%. It made the total price just way too much for us. 5 nights in a villa ended up costing us a total of $1600, and 5 nights in an ocean view room at Caneel was going to be close to $2800. We could justify it even though we would have liked to be right on the beautiful beaches at Caneel.
FWIW, in addition to the 8% room tax, our Caneel Bay reservation confirmation list a "10% service charge for housekeeping, luggage and reception services". Also "In our resturants and bars, gratuities are at guest discretion".
Maybe I'm wrong but shouldn't those "things" be included in the room rate? Surcharges are always a negitive invitation to stay somewhere.
Whether you like it or not, most hotels now charge that, not only in the USVI! I don't believe they should say 18% tax as all we have is an 8% hotel room tax. They should continue to say a 10% service charge is charged. I tried to add a minimum stay charge of $15, if not 3 nights, and was beat up for it. Seems I should put it back in as a 10% service charge!
Ronnie
