BOOKING A HOTEL in ORLANDO Florida? DON'T fall for this SCAM!

[@clairegenaway8744]

Cheeky devils! Thanks for the heads up though. We should all be super careful! Hope it hasn’t put a downer on your time in Orlando.

[@davidbott3826]

Hi Lee yes most resorts charge a resort fee, we also got stung in Boston, where they tried to charge $150 hotel facility fee , not mentioned when booked, plus the hotel was going through a refurb when we were there so not all facilities were available, plus on check in they said you will have a complementary breakfast and afternoon tea because of the disruption, then proceeded to charge for it . We paid the bill as they wouldn't release our suitcases until we had , but we said we will tell our credit card company to challenge it . After an exchange of emails with our travel agent , hotel and us , they refunded the charges . So yes A) check and B) don't be scared to challenge 👍🏻

[@mccarthyjohn576]

Outstanding Public Announcements Lee, you need an award for calling out all these scams & deceptions. Was the extra $100 a tip I wonder, LOL

[@juliemountford3969]

Thank you, sadly Florida is becoming unaffordable for many because of resort fees, tax, tips and the exchange rate. America has always been our favourite place but no plans to go back atm.

[@stephenav3986]

Thanks for the heads up about these scams. Keep them coming hopefully there aren’t many!

[@raylunz7211]

Thank you so much for letting everyone know about this situation. Safe travels!

[@maxpax27]

I wanted to make one more comment about the Rosen Inn, for the Brits looking for accommodations in Orlando. In our visits there, with our UK friends, we have noticed that the majority of the guests are from the UK and some from varies other European countries. So, many like minded people find it " quite lovely" Our friends had discovered it, while doing research, years ago from home, near London, and have continued to visit almost every year! The Rosen Inn is rated 4 stars by trip advisor and certainly provides what people are looking for, who want a reliable and cost saving hotel. It is not 5 stars and is not the level of the Disney properties, but has all you need and is close to shopping and the various parks at a reasonable price! I, am in no way affiliated with Rosen Inn, ( we live in New York ) I just want others to know the positive experiences we have had on repeated visits! Cheers!

[@apuk79]

The resort fee is common now lee across the US

[@richardgetlevog3123]

Thanks for the heads up buddy. My wife wants to go to America so I’m going going to show her your video to make sure she doesn’t get scammed by these people. Thank you buddy it’s much appreciated👍👍

[@nicholasdavies6264]

👍 reverted back to your card in about a month ! This is happening all over. I went to my local Morrison’s , put £30 of diesel in my car on pay at pump. I get home , check my bank account and £100 has been debited? I went back and was told “ the £70 will be re debited to your account shortly , it’s to prevent driving off without paying “ ! I got the money back in two days ! It just pisses people off. Don’t buy my fuel from Morrison’s anymore!

[@The_Genie_]

That's not Morrisons it's Mastercard/Visa and happens at all pay at the pumps. Before you only needed to have £1 in your account to fill up and the card companies didn't like that.

[@Alan..W]

Same in New York, The Wellington Hotel took around £300 resort tax which we knew nothing about ...

[@kwacker45]

However, some states have begun to enact their own laws against resort fees. So far, California, Florida, Hawaii, and Nevada have all passed legislation banning these fees unless they are disclosed the fees upfront during the booking process.4 Feb 2023

[@robbflynn4325]

I always book directly with the hotel. That way, any problems can be sorted with them and not via a third party. Yeah, sadly, resort fees are common here in Florida and places like Vegas.

[@HugoHome67]

New York in 2016 was 27 dollars a day which was not explained to us before we left , apparently it's a local government charge . Absolute rip off!!

[@jazzcrusader1]

Good job you were on the ball,holidays are dear enough without being overcharged

[@mikewest2428]

The usa has got really expensive they're charging for the air you breathe they're money mad and tips have gone out of control I'm sticking to Europe now thanks for the video.

[@kellyk209]

I have a Revolut card also but only use it for the resort fees and incidental deposit or whatever they call it! I ask at check in what that costs are for my duration and put that amount onto the card. I use a chase card for everything else as I earn money back on that. Also revoult don’t help much with getting your money back if fraud has occurred because it’s not a bank as such so don’t reimburse, I know of someone who had money stolen from their revoult card and they did not help or receive they money back. So be careful!

[@junemccann5981]

That's terrible Lee. You always need to be aware. Good on you for highlighting it. 🥰🌞🥰Xxx

[@kevinnicholson3406]

Great video Lee. Thanks for letting people know.

[@susannah1184]

Sorry to hear about this Lee. Thank you for warning us about this rip off. Hope you get your cash back. xx

[@alansim969]

Hi Lee I too would like to know what its for but I doubt we will ever get an explanation....Anyway here's hoping it all comes good before you leave and thats another lesson learned.

[@deltadom33]

It is interesting as my nieces and nephews are in Orlando , Florida at this time I could never afford to go to New York or Florida I love your reviews of Gordon Ramsey’s restaurants

[@kevinsmoother]

First! Woohoo! If it's a debit card they can't hold/block an amount, whereas a credit card it's just a block at check in and not an actual charge.

[@sheilam4525]

Good of you to highlight this daylight robbery, Lee👏

[@derbyjohn972]

We stayed in a Holiday Inn in Cambridge last night Lee. Room should have been £107 for the night. My wife looked at the bank account and seen that they have removed £157. When checking out we said that we have been overcharged. The explanation was it was a card authorisation. Seems strange has it worked online to book the room. Same as saying it will be back in our account in a complete of days. Bang out of order 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

[@johng1943]

Another thing to watch out for before you book an Orlando hotel is the cost of on-site parking. I found more than a couple of hotels charging $15-$20 per night, quite the hit if you’re there for a fortnight and these aren’t Disney or Universal hotels either.

[@rbnhd1144]

Years ago Hotels and Motels would overcharge you for phone calls made from the room, that's all gone by the wayside, Resort fees is just the latest, kinda like paying to take luggage on a plane.

[@david3867]

Lessons learnt here ! ! Not so cheap these cheap websites so stick to main uk holiday companies ie Virgin, TUi British Airways

[@juliemcgarty4764]

That's awful lee some people will try anything to scam thanks for letting us no keep up the good work don't let this put a damper on you

[@cooperization]

Good to know.A couple of friends had problems with extra charges on last minute etc in the UK---I always scrutinise "All" bills--don't trust anyone where my cash is concerned.

[@Ritchiemac]

I stayed at Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando back in May 2019 no resort fees back then. Booked a package with travel Republic flights with British Airways never had any problems got a fantastic deal at the time for 2 weeks.

[@robinrussell7085]

I stayed at holiday inn in another part of Orlando when I got my bill I was charged for car parking but I didn't have a car they are all scams

[@jonathanhirst4427]

After watching your trip to America 🇺🇸, I will be giving a miss, it seems very expensive plus tips, not for this Yorkshire man with short arms and deep pockets, I will be sticking with Tenerife 😎🍹🍾, thanks for all your hard work see you in the next one 🍺

[@AlbieSol560]

Thanks for showing us around New York - districts I didn’t know about. Take it easy Lee. Greetings from rainy Benidorm!

[@martytrodden]

I traveled all over the U.S last year on a road trip and always tried to stay in Days inn which i found to be quite good in most places. I was also charged the $50 a security deposit which was always returned back to my card

[@jimbo6059]

It is de rigueur now where a resort fee gets charged in the USA for just being in the resort/town/city. Not only in Orlando, but in places like New York as well. Any hotel in a major centre in the USA has a sort of resort fee. It changes from state to state. Has to be paid locally as well.

[@stephaniewhite9526]

Great video & would welcome other vlogs like this. The power of the wwb & helping others !

[@MartyinOZ]

Got caught out with 3rd party car hire, never again

[@beeline458]

Damn scammers Lee, I much prefer air bnb these days, what you pay is what you pay, great vlogs my friend 👍👍

[@lindascotland]

It's the norm in Florida and has been for a long time.Rosen hotels are one of the few who don't have resort fees.

[@markmills5451]

The US used to sell itself on great customer service. I found on my last few visits pre covid that that had slipped. I must admit though when I used small independent owned businesses the service was really quite good.

[@AlexGtheOG90]

Holiday inn’s one of my fave hotels. Never had an issue. I always checked in without booking so I don’t think I ever had extra charging issues.

[@robcoles8493]

Its a con when a credit card hold is actually a charge (hits the account). Ive had this in the UK with a well known hotel chain (rhymes with Milton) and i raised cain over it. They also charged for bar items not received and removed the charges the moment i challenged it - which makes you wonder......

[@willielarsson9651]

Sometimes you get impression that big companies such as this, are out to bleed the customer dry at every opportunity. Good heads up. Cheers, enjoy the holiday.

[@FromAboveUK]

I was charged $250 extra at Quality Inn on International Drive on top of my normal charge without been informed, but I did get it back but took 60 days.

[@louisstennes3]

I find it best to be a member of a hotel loyalty program. I have been a member of IHG (lots of different brands at all price points) for many many years. Other than a few amenities at certain point levels I like it because all I have to do is call the 800 number and they resolve any issues on the spot and I can change or cancel up until the day of stay without penalty. I just like IHG but other ones are good too.

[@louisstennes3]

Oh I forgot to add at my level I get two unrestricted free nights a year. At today's hotel prices that is a real perk!

[@joannehall170]

Good information shared thanks Lee

[@cabottaxi]

Had similar in the UK charged twice for a Premier Inn in LONDON. Fortunately one of the payments was returned

[@janinehawkins9565]

Top Marks Macmaster for your attention to detail 👌

[@ashman4357]

Great info pal 👍 a bit of shady business going on there.

[@BobbyDazzler440]

I have mostly stayed at the Rosen what was the Rode way opposite the old Ponderosa. They never charged any resort fees, or took a deposit, it could of changed by now, not been since 2020.

[@lisacrane3143]

No they don’t charge

[@lindascotland]

Yes,Rosen don't charge,a big plus for using them for me.

[@hullster9970]

I have never ever used a travel agent in my life. When i started going on holiday in my early 20's, i would just book a flight with the airline and then find a hotel when i got there. I could not beleive that other people did not do the same. You will always find somewhere. Now even easier, just book a flight and book the accommodation online. Why are we still paying travel agents, its idiotic?

[@kkrispy2009P]

101k subs wooooop cheers 4 the updates and advice

[@BobbyDazzler440]

Don't let Martin see this,🐺 he'll start charging you guest room tax lol

[@vw183iltis]

The charge that annoys me is car parking in the hotels own car park . I stayed at a scruffy place in San Diego and was charged $19 a night to park. The next night I stayed at a Marriot and was charged $15 to park. Resort fees started in Las Vegas and have spread across the US even dozy Joe is trying to get them scrapped.

[@daz222]

Gosh, hearing that then I'd use an account that has virtual cards that you can load a specific amount onto that will ONLY allow them to take that amount, and then there is no more money there to take, that's not good at all!!!!

[@chrismclean2989]

Revolut is Ace 👍… only issue is it’s not FCS backed.. Resort fees are a scam 🧐…

[@davidmarshall5596]

Mister Macmaster there's no end to what companies/ establishments will try on to nail folkestone hats on...cheeky buggers 🤔

[@chrisayling3882]

Very intrsting findings well done for high lighting this.

[@DGMusicme]

Great pre warning Lee. I'll give 10/10 for that info. 💰💰🙂👍

[@johnbarrow4547]

Good advice thank you 👍👍

[@gwenfrance1779]

As if Orlando isn't expensive enough without being ripped off with hidden charges.

[@accadia_YT]

Hoping to go to the US next year. Will probably book an Airbnb. Hotels there are soooo expensive. Airbnbs represent much better value.

[@citizenpb]

I've stayed in Holiday Inns in various countries over the years, not the US though, and never seen anything like this. It's really not something you expect from a major chain in a developed economy.

[@davemulready]

"thanks for the heads up "Lee ."Stay Safe" Pal ❤.

[@DaveVantage]

A resort fee? Is that for keeping the lights on? Why is it not just included in the over all price?

[@Gus0898uk]

I know Vegas is very bad for adding resort fees.

[@johnkitchen4699]

And if you think Orlando is bad for resort fees and extras, look at Las Vegas!! For some hotels, resort fees and extras can more than double - yes, double!!! - your hotel bill. United Scams of America - hotel add-ons, sales tax added to your ticket price, tipping expected almost everywhere. Reality is your Great British Pound has an actual exchange rate of more than one pound needed for every dollar you see as ticketed in restaurants, hotels etc. Be wary, be very wary.

[@lynnerowlands5052]

Hey hun I must say that they have no right to take money out of any bodys account. Hopefully that you will get it all back in your bank. What do think that we are made of money to throw away I don't think so xxx

[@HolyFreakinDragonSlayer]

These places should have more transparency! So sorry you had a bad experience, hopefully hasnt tarnished the rest of your trip 🙏

[@jofereday7213]

Vegas resort fees are the worst!!

[@stevetosh]

Resorts fees, eh? Just another way to scam the tourist. There’s going to be a point when it’s just too much hassle to go on holiday.

[@AdamW77]

Absolute criminals. Seems to be a massive scam in America to do these extra charges and not tell anyone.

[@tony713elo]

Good to know. I think the answer is to stay away from Orlando and the USA in general. Everything seems so expensive, but Tenerife is not so pricy. 😉

[@darrell4328]

Shameful action by hotel a stealth hidden tax. I'm not well enough to travel that distance so I won't be stealthed

[@edwardbennett2072]

They aren’t doing there selfs no favours in the long run as people will not put up with corporate scams like resort fees it’s gonna be empty hotels time soon ! 😂 everyone will know what’s there up too so I’d only book air b & b if I went to America , we don’t get that in Europe so why put up with it in America ...no chance ! Well done Lee for letting us all know there dirty tricks!! ..take care mate 👍

[@stevetosh]

We have a Tourist Tax in some parts of Europe though which is basically the same thing but with a different name. We are all being conned.

[@Deano2712]

I’ll not be booking Holiday Inn for future travels😮

[@sarakirk9542]

Hey Lee! As if USA tipping wasn’t bad enough! You can see those greedy company’s like these rubbing their hands together with glee. What can we squeeze out of foreigners for no reason at all? I know a resort fee. Ludicrous idea as if it’s not expensive enough at the end of the day. Times are tough for everyone Take care 😘👍🏻

[@apuk79]

Even Americans like me have to pay it

[@aaronlittlehales2664]

I think this is an issue not just in Orlando but all over America they also charge for parking as well even though there parking is not secured parking and there is ample parking all over the place particularly on areas like international drive

[@belugast]

Very weird, I would not put up with that kind of nonsense! 😢

[@georgelaureano5815]

Thankyou for the tip

[@Baileytheuberdriver]

Do you have any problems using revolut on the flights? Can you use the app to transfer money while in America

[@davidheller3998]

Thanks for flagging this up Lee. Ghost charges are a real pet hate of mine. Nothing more than stealth money extraction.

[@carolbuck7744]

Hiya Lee Im very sorry to hear about this happening to you....is this kind of thing happening else where or just there?

[@TheMacMaster]

Vegas as well.

[@rbnhd1144]

@@TheMacMaster Most big name Casino's in Vegas charge resort fees but they have fantastic pools etc, of course years ago all that was included in your room rate, for a while they were charging $15 a day to park your car even though you had a room, that fee seems to have gone away, in Vegas they get your money one way or the other anyway.

[@timmarsh8303]

All American hotels and hotel casinos have jumped on this band wagon of charging you resort fee plus incidental fee. I think hotels in the UK should start charging resort fees and incidental fees. if we started charging for use of phone for local call , internet plus fitness room and maybe we should charge say £40 plus vat a day plus & £150 a day for incidentals. I never got charged these years ago it’s just big money making share holders wanting to screw the tourists out of every last penny. It’s true fat cats only care about one thing themselves. But Lee we are the stupid ones for paying them and I know what your going to say ? They are compulsory 😂 anyway onwards keep the great videos coming.👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@shiphaylane]

I think this is happening everywhere going to Lake Garada latter this year and there is a tax there.👍

[@ballysillanallotment-man5793]

I know how you feel a few years ago now we booked a dream package holiday to las Vegas we not made of money but paid our travel agent every month then saved pocket money thought we where home on the boat till we arrived for our 7 night stay at the hotel and they charged us a daily resort fee which knocked us back I'm not a casino gambler but do like the horses luckily the first day at the hotel i won so was well covered and at least while gambling you get free drink one tip a person gave me was when you do a bet they give you a ticket for a free drink he told me not to order my drink using them with the waitresses send one of our company to the bar with dollars in hand then when served hand over the free tickets he was right i used one and ordered a vodka and coke of the waitress it was the loveliest coke i ever drank shame there was little or no vodka in it lol

[@SuperIndiedrummer]

Resort fee's should be scrapped ! Not even resorts

[@jimbo8009]

Lee could you give us an idea about Revolut?

[@TheMacMaster]

I use it all the time. I love it. 👍🏼 especially for travelling. You can have different currencies.

[@hongk0ngfu3y]

they offer amazing transfer rates both ways. Just link your bank account or card to it, transfer some money to it then exchange it via the app to the currency of your choosing, then when you get back home exchange it back to £££ and send it back to your Bank. The exchange fee's are miniscule. If you need some cash you can use it at an ATM. The days of getting ripped off at the Bureau De Changes are well gone.

[@Orlando2001]

Did you hire a car from the airport. The insurance and extras the car hire desk they try to push and insist you need is another kettle of fish in the US

[@Resmith18SR]

Hey Lee, Just saw they had a major shooting there in the Orlando area, so good thing you got out of there. 19 year old gang member killed 4 innocent people including a 9 year old child. The U.S. has really and is becoming an extremely dangerous place to live or visit.

[@CMoDZ3D]

this is why i stay in UK and go on caravan trips instead of going abroad and it's the best country in theeee worldddddd, hope you get back what you're owed.

[@NNC93]

Ask for a receipt for the money back then you know it’s going in don’t just take their word for it

[@richt71]

I never get why they want to charge you a 'resort fee' for spending money and staying in that area?

[@robblack7560]

same problem in Berlin

[@lelandnanny967]

All the hotels, with few exceptions will rip you off. First hand knowledge on my part.

[@huddsman69]

Good luck Lee matey

[@aidenleeds]

Why can’t holidays just be simple. Last thing you want on a holiday is extra charges it will put people off visiting these areas and traveling all together. Stick to good old fashioned Bridlington or Scarborough we don’t need any tourist taxes and fees just a HOLIDAY!! I think you’ll need another holiday after that Lee 😂😂

[@charvais]

But you were charged £750 for Porsche to stand look at your car & you didn't seem to mind!?

[@jon9021]

ALL hotels and resorts will attempt to screw if they can. Doesn’t matter how posh or low cost it is.