Les Mis Hotels Learning From Thernadier?

As WSJ says money-grubbing hotels begin charging to reserve pool side seating I’m reminded of Les Miserables’ innkeepers, Thenardiers, imposing fees for the lice, extra for the mice & 2% for looking in mirror twice.

It’s no joke, at least, according to the paper’s “Everybody into the Hotel Pool! That’ll Be $200.” Apparently, “some [hi-end] hotels now charge swimmers & sunbathers to reserve a basic poolside lounge chair, often with few other perks. What next? Charge folks rent for bringing a bag of peanuts into the pool area? As the story concedes & not unlike the Thenardiers, “hotels have long tacked pesky fees to guest bills that can top $50 with tax.” Cited are valet & self-parking charges as well as early check-in & late check-out fees, not to mention daring to ask for a rollaway bed or eat a candy bar from the mini fridge. My biggest gripe is the outrageous amounts charged for bringing FIDO in with you.

But, charging big bucks just to sit at the amoeba-infested pool & get rays that can lead to skin cancer, is getting ridiculous. The Bellagio resort in Las Vegas, for instance, room rates can run several hundred dollars a night, yet on the Friday of Labor Day weekend, guests are being charged $200 A PERSON for the privilege of reserving a “standard lounge chair, side table, umbrella and towels … [but] don’t confuse it with a cushier daybed or cabana, which will set you back $575 or $1,200.” For that kind of tariff, you’d think they’d toss in Paige Spiranac or Paul Rudd. Other high-end chain hoteliers are imposing similar reservation fees on the grounds it’s a “convenience” thing for those who “don’t want to take their chances” on an unoccupied crappy chair. Thanks. Geez, it’s amazing how the bill can now grow!

Davd Soul