tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post5310114347796576423..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Another one of my rantsBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-42841890037607401462012-06-10T19:11:05.707-07:002012-06-10T19:11:05.707-07:00(1) Sidenote on recurring plot lines - the borrowe...(1) Sidenote on recurring plot lines - the borrowed money was used in BBT with Penny borrowing money from Sheldon with a twist. Sheldon didn't care when she paid him back, but it ate at her.<br /><br />(2) Just got back from a cruise. If you want to see addons and upsells, that is it. Casino, gift shops, bingo, photographs, drinks, excursions. The food is free, but there is still a "better" restaurant for just a bit more money. They too are about to turn me off. I am getting to the point where I won't do it all anymore. I will just buy the ticket and enjoy the weather and food and general service.<br /><br />(3) Sorry about the anonymous posts - my droid gets rid of my name when I submit the recaptcha BS.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-81231642481768240462012-06-09T15:52:41.210-07:002012-06-09T15:52:41.210-07:00The last time I flew, three years ago, I had to pa...The last time I flew, three years ago, I had to pay extra fees both for aisle seats and for luggage. My flight out of LAX was delayed 3 hours which fucked up my connection in Detroit to a small airport that had no more connections that day. My rental car was reserved at the small airport, but now I had to rent out of Detroit to drive the 200 additional miles I was originally flying. Of course, it was a holiday weekend, so there were NO rental cars. I FINALLY found one on the 7th or 8th call, and they charged me a premium price because I was desperate. The nightmares kept stacking up. I declared I was on a hiatus from flying and have taken all my vacations since locally. I live in So Cal, so it's no skin off my nose, there are a million things to do within an hour or two's drive.Little Miss Smoke and Mirrorshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03929842073300471147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-55301221512886466822012-06-08T13:18:23.033-07:002012-06-08T13:18:23.033-07:00Ken,
I think you might have overlooked one of the...Ken,<br /><br />I think you might have overlooked one of the main culprits: shortsighted consumer behaviour. Some products are only sold by price these days, airline tickets are one of them. Nobody pays attention to safety records, comfy seats or high quality snacks. If people can save just one dollar/euro, they will, regardless of the consequences. Due to this the companies have to sell their product as low as possible - and sometimes even lower than that. This creates the need to make money elsewhere. - But yes, hotel chains have been overcharging for services for many years.jcsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-83295974330247142312012-06-08T08:32:49.173-07:002012-06-08T08:32:49.173-07:00I try to only stay in Kimpton hotels. They bend ov...I try to only stay in Kimpton hotels. They bend over backwards for you from a customer service perspective, free wi-fi (that you can actually use pretty much any time at any Kimpton whether you're staying there or not, so long as you have one of their loyalty accounts) and they've got great rooms. No, I don't work for them, I've just come to love them from regular business travel.Knuckles Buchananhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01220831881769991773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-54595240246691622502012-06-07T23:18:40.429-07:002012-06-07T23:18:40.429-07:00I hate being a cheapo.
My Chinese relatives LIVE ...I hate being a cheapo.<br /><br />My Chinese relatives LIVE to be cheapo's, but it embarrasses me. <br /><br />But my dislike of being cheated - nay, screwed -- by hidden charges has led to some one-man jihads of late.<br /><br />The good thing about jihads is, when aimed at, for example, McDonald's, you get $20 in vouchers in the mail.<br /><br />The bad thing when you jihad against a stupid cheater company like Starbucks, is that they do not even respond.<br /><br />I cannot keep up with the companies and actors that I am boycotting. But, since they don't let you pack in New Zealand, boycotting is the best I've got.<br /><br />Except for the occasional Ugly American tirade. I try to keep them to a minimum. My BP is high enough as it is...HogsAteMySisterhttp://hogsatemysister.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-12828608044114187562012-06-07T19:34:46.748-07:002012-06-07T19:34:46.748-07:00A lot of those hotel taxes are the ways in which s...A lot of those hotel taxes are the ways in which stadia and arenas are financed, the thinking being that only "outsiders" would pay the taxes so that meant that the stadium was free.<br /><br />Right.Breadbakernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-24770381580815538962012-06-07T16:46:53.160-07:002012-06-07T16:46:53.160-07:00Only the reoccurring topic of the same plot lines ...Only the reoccurring topic of the same plot lines appearing in several shows, I've just come across one to add to the list:<br /><br />In Cheers Season 4 there's an episode where Sam lends some money to Diane. Slowly but surely, Sam starts to feel Diane has taken advantage of him, spending her money on frivolous things, instead of paying him back. <br /><br />A very similar story appeared in, of all shows, Frasier! Where Frasier lends Daphne some money, and eventually confronts her when he thinks she's wasted it. <br /><br />Both shows feature scenes where the lender sees the lendee sporting new luxury items, and getting worked up over it.Johnny Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13302545167970532080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-62687551815043676762012-06-07T15:54:39.843-07:002012-06-07T15:54:39.843-07:00Speaking of phone charges. A few weeks ago Tony K...Speaking of phone charges. A few weeks ago Tony Kornheiser stayed at a hotel he wouldn't name. His celll phone wouldn't work for some reason. The hotel was willing to switch rooms, but he made a deal he would stay in the room if they didn't charge him for phone calls. he made between 5 and 7 calls lasting about 13 minutes total. His charge was 199 dollars. He did get it straightened out so he didn't have to pay, but that is ridiculous.sanfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06580867647162091670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-47732734632395065622012-06-07T15:24:05.845-07:002012-06-07T15:24:05.845-07:00Oops. In the above that should've been "a...Oops. In the above that should've been "and the gambling *wasn't* making up for it", not "was".Tom Gallowaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66313053712496600192012-06-07T15:22:21.728-07:002012-06-07T15:22:21.728-07:00Re: Internet. I've read that one reason for th...Re: Internet. I've read that one reason for the high charges is that hotels made deals fairly early for access, back when it did cost a fair amount more, and are stuck with said deals. Would seem it'd get better over time though.<br /><br />Re: Resort fees. Supposedly these can be argued off as if they were truly mandatory, they'd be part of the (taxable) room rate, so long as you don't use the services. My impression, as a resident of Vegas at the time, is that they became prevalent among all but Harrah/Caesar's hotels back when the recession and overbuilding had sunk rates at even the top hotels to ridiculously low levels...and the gambling was making up for it (I recall going into the Bellagio one weekday evening and thinking there weren't even 100 people in the casino). Again, they've not removed them now that things are better; in fact MGM seems to be raising them.<br /><br />The fees that really get me though, for both hotels and especially rental cars, aren't imposed by the companies, but rather the taxes imposed by the governments. Try renting a car for a day or three from an airport location, and it's even money if the the taxes and government/airport fees won't exceed the rental car rate. Ditto for 12 to 20% hotel "occupancy taxes", which greatly exceed local sales taxes. Although as an article I read today about new hotels in Palo Alto pointed out, PA gets all 12% of the (local) hotel tax, while it only gets 1% of the sales tax, the rest of which goes to the state or county.<br /><br />But the whole thing about such excessive hotel and rental car taxes that gets me is that they're specifically aimed at people who are not residents of the area. And thus don't have any means of being represented in the local government. Didn't we do that whole revolution thing about taxation without representation?Tom Gallowaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-3639459375960224482012-06-07T15:13:48.867-07:002012-06-07T15:13:48.867-07:00I once drove cross-country and stayed wherever I c...I once drove cross-country and stayed wherever I could find a room when I got tired. That meant I stayed in everything from a couple of really nice hotels to a few absolute dumps. Surprisingly, the best place on the entire trip was a Super 8 Motel somewhere in Tennessee, I think. The room was bigger than I got in the best hotel, clean, well-appointed, big bathroom with a large tub and shower enclosure, plus a laundry room, snack vending machines and a dining area with free continental breakfast. Back then, I think that set me back about 32 bucks, so it's been a while. But when I'm driving, I now look for Super 8 motels. <br /><br />BTW, I also found that when vacationing, you can sometimes get better deals at a bed and breakfast than at a luxury hotel. We go to Galveston every summer, where a huge suite in a gorgeous Victorian mansion, complete with free wi-fi, private veranda, gourmet breakfast and the owner's home-baked cookies every evening, sets me back about $50 a night less than a cramped hotel room downtown would. You have to book well in advance, but it's worth it.Pat Reederhttp://www.hollywoodhifi.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-53195182064322969582012-06-07T14:21:53.780-07:002012-06-07T14:21:53.780-07:00I recently rented a car in England and my wife dec...I recently rented a car in England and my wife decided that it would be nice to rent GPS. I emailed them and was told it would be 80£. I worked out then exchange rate and declined the option. I then realized I needed booster seats for the kids. to which I was told it would be 60£ each. Not baby car seats, but the backless booster seats. I found they sold booster seats at a department store near the car rental place for 20£ each. So I declined the option and plan on buying the seats myself for the 8 days I have the car.<br /><br />Had they cut the price of each in half, I would have rented both. As it is, I'm not renting either.<br /><br />I'd say they lost money.Tim W.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-9725429813771904522012-06-07T13:48:02.847-07:002012-06-07T13:48:02.847-07:00There's a good article in the WSJ today about ...There's a good article in the WSJ today about the airlines and how much it takes to cover all the fixed costs associated with flying. Unfortunately, it's not going to get better anytime soon with high fuel prices and expensive legacy pension plans.JT Anthonyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17859574895105837480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-73763078788222243292012-06-07T13:43:47.538-07:002012-06-07T13:43:47.538-07:00The biggest scammers have to be the A-holes at Tic...The biggest scammers have to be the A-holes at Ticketmaster...excuse me, TicketBASTARDS. I used to go to concerts even though the added "convenience" fees ticked me off. Last concert I was planning to go to, they had added a new "conveinience" fee....a $20 parking garage fee, whether you planned to use the facility's garage or not. With that fee and all the others it DOUBLED the cost of the actual ticket. That was the final straw for me so I no longer go to see any groups or artists play as much as I would like to, thanks to Ticketbastards! I can't even hit up friends at radio stations anymore for freebies because they have all been downsized and I don't know the voicetrackers piped in from elsewhere!YEKIMIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01921751875397071034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-15070910626006532082012-06-07T13:31:16.200-07:002012-06-07T13:31:16.200-07:00I was going to complain about being charged $45 a...I was going to complain about being charged $45 a day at The Four Seasons Half Moon Bay, but $60 at The SFO Hilton is really outrageous. Always bring our own booz, soft drinks and snacks to even the most high end hotel and store them in their "hold-up" mini bars.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-68670371365563486022012-06-07T13:30:48.137-07:002012-06-07T13:30:48.137-07:00Totally enjoyed your rant, Ken. One of the major r...Totally enjoyed your rant, Ken. One of the major reasons that teleconferencing is growing in popularity, apart from the obvious budget squeezes is the number of Bullshit charges tacked on by Airlines, hotels, car rental agencies etc.<br />PS: I know I'm not a robot,but I have a heck of a time trying to read your security code words. I can understand Roger Simon needing that kind of security, but Ken Levine, my hero?Mike Botulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03280479229678291508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-59734538370647615302012-06-07T13:27:04.209-07:002012-06-07T13:27:04.209-07:00Hilton's bottom-line chain, Hampton Inn, offer...Hilton's bottom-line chain, Hampton Inn, offers free wifi, and then, as you go up in levels through the Garden Inn, Embassy Suites, etc., up to the Waldorf level, the wifi and incidental charges seem to rise (which actually may make sense in a <i>"If you're staying here you can afford the charges"</i> sort of way, but it is weird they'd hack off the people spending the $200-$500 a night rates over trivial things while not trying to nickel-and-dime the $75-$200 guests to death).Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-16080126415147198622012-06-07T13:09:55.325-07:002012-06-07T13:09:55.325-07:00Off topic, but I had to put in a word for your boo...Off topic, but I had to put in a word for your book. I am thoroughly enjoying it! People, you really need to buy the book. And, I'm not getting paid to say this. It's a great read.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-77365659477205041872012-06-07T12:36:13.533-07:002012-06-07T12:36:13.533-07:00Ah, but you haven't mentioned the latest and g...Ah, but you haven't mentioned the latest and greatest "honor bar" scam, the electronic honor bar that charges you for stuff you move around. Seriously.<br /><br />For years, I'd move stuff I had no intention of eating or drinking around or out of the refrigerator so that I could chill a bottle of Diet Dr Pepper or the leftover wings from the deli down the street. Now, if you so much as touch the stuff, you're charged for it. Yes, you can go and prove to them that that Kit-Kat bar is in fact still there, but that's time and effort and let's face it, intended to discourage you by expecting you'll be humiliated into it. <br /><br />I wonder what happens in an earthquake?Breadbakernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-53976155689844210462012-06-07T12:32:53.422-07:002012-06-07T12:32:53.422-07:00It's any wonder that American businesses are g...It's any wonder that American businesses are going in the toilet.<br />Why is our economy tanking? <br />I think Ken has found the reason.<br />I fly once every 2 years only because I have to.chuckcdnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-53536013228047636252012-06-07T12:29:27.453-07:002012-06-07T12:29:27.453-07:00Yeah, I don't think they even make that much o...Yeah, I don't think they even make that much on the convenience bars, either, because most people do know better. And even expense accounts to explain it, since these days expenses are scrutinized by companies a lot more than they used to be.<br /><br />And the wifi fee in high end hotels is just stupid. Frankly, for the price of a high end hotel room, you can get a room at an extended stay chain and be much more comfortable when you watch tv. And they usually have a fridge and microwave. <br /><br />And I think travellers are becoming more savvy to this stuff. I predict we'll see hotels either dropping those fees or upping the amenities to make the rates more attractive. A jacuzzi in every room or something.McAlvienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-3861646163298014212012-06-07T11:01:36.655-07:002012-06-07T11:01:36.655-07:00I agree, as another person that recently spent som...I agree, as another person that recently spent some time in Vegas (Bon Appetit Food Festival!!) I was rather surprised that the high-end, thankfully, casino-free hotel I was staying at tacked on a golden access fee which included wi-fi, gym access, and some other knick-knacks for $24/day. Really? As Ken pointed out the Courtyard Marriott I stayed at last month gave me all that for the price of the room.<br /><br />As Ken also pointed out, I don't fly unless I absolutely have too because of the ridiculous added fees. If I can't drive, I check the train first and car rentals before I even consider trying an airline.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-40126025630085232012-06-07T10:44:35.385-07:002012-06-07T10:44:35.385-07:00I once traveled quite a bit on business. Had to be...I once traveled quite a bit on business. Had to be in Reno a week. Stayed at a nice, humble Best Western waaaay outta the downtown gambling mess. I still remember the nice room - had a beautiful artrium on one side of the room to look out on - beautiful trees all around. Only paid - back in 1996 - $50 a night, or something close. Could have stayed in a big gambling casino hotel-schmotel, but I don't gamble, and all of the luxury crap they try and fool you with is worthless. I never wanted to stay at big high-rise luxury hotels when I traveled...all of the help are phony-balonies trying so hard to be "nice" so that you will spend more of your money for nothing, or make you think you're just too important that you can afford to stay in their joint. I always enjoyed nice stays at Best Westerns wherever I traveled and was treated well...without all of the phony-baloney b.s. from "tony" hotel staff. Yeah, all y'all need is a comfortable bed and a clean bathroom. Period. A real, good people running the place, who don't dumb/talk down to you.Jeffrey Marknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-44945019742533112272012-06-07T09:59:52.192-07:002012-06-07T09:59:52.192-07:00Included gratuities cost servers money with me bec...Included gratuities cost servers money with me because I typically tip more than the standard 15 or 18 percent. <br /><br />I was recently looking at rooms in Vegas and discovered the "resort fee." which is their way of tacking $20 or $25 on to the room rate for things that should be included and/or I don't want.McLoffsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-19972541320412656242012-06-07T09:47:43.826-07:002012-06-07T09:47:43.826-07:00It's been "caveat emptor" since mone...It's been "caveat emptor" since money was invented. But we consumers used to only need to keep a wary eye out when we patronized places with names like "Crazy Frank's". When we could afford the higher rent district, we could at least let our guard down a bit and enjoy customer service.<br /><br />Nowadays, it's bloody, open warfare on all levels. Fiendish fine print, service fees, handling charges and pre-calculated gratuities...I'm going a trip...cover me!Blazenoreply@blogger.com