New charges by Sandals & Beaches

[meandpaul]

For those of you who are staying at Sandals & Beaches, beginning 1/1/08, there will be an Energy Surcharge added to your bill. The fee is $4 per person per room per night with a maximum of $8 per room per night (did I get all of those "per"'s in there?). This fee is non-negotiable. THIS SUCKS!

[Heidi]

RIGHT...because they're not making ENOUGH money with the rates they charge!!!

[jnowlan]

How did you find that out? I'm booked in March for part of our honeymoon and I did not see anything on this.

[meandpaul]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnowlan How did you find that out? I'm booked in March for part of our honeymoon and I did not see anything on this.

It is new. I saw it posted on another forum so I asked my TA. He confirmed it. Here is the email he sent me:

Dear Travel Partners,

As with all businesses, we at Sandals Resorts have seen our energy costs escalate to far higher levels than were predicted when rates for 2008 and beyond were set. The associated energy costs at our resorts have increased substantially, resulting in the decision to pass on some of these extra costs to our guests.

We are therefore writing to advise you that effective January 1, 2008, we will be implementing an on-resort energy surcharge of $4.00 USD per person per night with a maximum charge of $8.00 USD per room per night to each Sandals Resort, Beaches Resort, Negril Gardens and Royal Plantation booking. This charge will remain separate from the base rate and will be added to all guests accounts at check out, regardless of when the holiday was booked.

The surcharge will be applied to all properties in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, Turks & Caicos and The Bahamas for all arrivals as of January 1, 2008 and onwards and is non-refundable.

[IrieBride08]

I also got this email from the head of the Wedding Groups Department at Sandals. I plan to respond with an email because I have a signed contract. I'm not sure how they can raise the prices despite having a signed contract which locks in the fees.

 

This change affects all properties owned by Sandals--including Beaches, and other properties.

[twinkletoes]

That really bites!

[IrieBride08]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoBride That does stink for those of you already booked for one of these resorts. Surprise fees are never fun. I think even if you have a group contract they can still change whatever surcharges or taxes they want. They just can't up the base rate you were quoted per person or per room. I know this is true for group airline rates. They can't up the base ticket price but they can increase the fuel surcharge or add on taxes even after the contract is signed. It usually says so on the contract so I would just double check it.

I think you may be absolutely correct in that. I'm going through the contract with a fine-tooth comb to be completely sure. I guess I have to inform my guests so they can be prepared. I was already planning to send them a letter thanking them for booking and letting them know the next steps, (payment info, passport info, etc.)

Now, I'll just have to add this tidbit of info as well. Bummer!