WARNING: Jiande Man Shanhu Hot Spring Resort – Save Yourself the Trouble!
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Well, well, let me tell you all about this situation, especially since it happened in Hangzhou (specifically Jindeshi City), truly shaking my world view!
Here's what happened: Full of anger and frustration!
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I made a hotel reservation for Labor Day one whole month in advance!
- A small fact for foreign friends: "Labor Day" is China's version of May Day holiday, similar to yours. It usually comes with a long weekend around the first week of May. This is when everyone in China seems to have a get-together to travel, making tourist attractions and hotels extremely popular, with prices soaring as a result.
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At that time, how cleverly, I specifically asked the hotel if they could not increase my price during the holiday season! They assured me by giving their word, so I confidently booked two nights on May 1st and 2nd.
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The result? Today, this very afternoon! The hotel suddenly informed me that there would be an added charge, and it was for a whopping $240! My gosh, how much do you think they're going overboard?
Note of Warning! Don't fall into the trap of this "Blackhearted Hotel!"
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This behavior clearly constitutes price fraud, which is too misleading!
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I truly hope that the Market Supervision Bureau will take action, thoroughly investigating such merchants that are overcharging customers and must impose strict punishment without fail!
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Occurring in such a renowned tourist attraction as Hangzhou, this incident leaves everyone speechless!
The lesson from my tears and blood, a heads-up for friends touring China:
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Be cautious during peak seasons for booking accommodations.
- Times like "Labor Day" or "National Day Holiday" (the first week of October, also with a long weekend) are considered super busy periods for Chinese tourism.
- When making hotel reservations, all promises regarding pricing should be documented in writing, such as screenshots from messages, email confirmations. Verbal agreements can sometimes be unreliable!
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What to do if you face last-minute price increases?
- Preserve evidence: Keep all reservation information, payment vouchers, and notices of increased prices sent by the hotel safe whether they are via phone recording, WeChat message, or emails.
- Communicate: Peacefully reason with the hotel on why their price increase is unjustified.
- Complain! Complain! Complain! If the hotel disputes these claims, don't hesitate to contact local tourism management or call China's Consumer Hotline "12315." This is the most direct way to protect yourself.
- Although encountering such incidents spoils your mood during travels, they shouldn't be ignored. Otherwise, they might try again!
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Kudos to the Jiande Market Supervision Bureau for their efficient and successful resolution this morning! That's 'Jiande speed' for you.
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Glad to see someone's actually in charge here. Phew, dodged a bullet – I was about to book this place!
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You absolutely have to fight for your rights! For this kind of blatant price gouging, they should be fined out of business.
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I'm heading to the hotel tomorrow to sort this out in person! Hope I can successfully defend my rights!
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Did they resolve it for you? If not, we locals can help you call the tourism bureau. A shady business like that needs to be taught a lesson.
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It's all sorted! Already back to enjoying my trip.
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Definitely keep your evidence and report them to the platform. You might not only get compensation, but the platform might also fine the merchant. Unscrupulous businesses like this deserve to be penalized.
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The platform isn't doing its job either. I bet it's because there are no real penalties that the hotel feels bold enough to jack up prices so blatantly and maliciously.
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I booked this place too, for check-in on May 1st.
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I was thinking of canceling, but then I found out it's non-refundable.
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Is this really Hangzhou? Tourism bureaus all over are rushing to offer discounts, yet businesses here in Jiande act with such impunity. Why the arrogance?
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These unscrupulous businesses are seriously damaging Hangzhou's reputation. I've already reported them to the 12345 hotline and am waiting for the government to step in and punish these price-gougers!
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Normally, if there's a surcharge for certain dates, don't you usually have to pay it upfront when you make the booking to secure it?
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If there's a surcharge, it should be clearly stated on the order at the time of purchase, specifying which dates require an extra fee and how much. We specifically asked and confirmed there was no surcharge before we booked.
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If there's no room when you arrive, you're typically entitled to a full refund plus triple compensation. Don't just proactively cancel yourself; this is considered a major service failure in the hotel industry.
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Good point.
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Can't believe businesses are still pulling these kinds of stunts. The platform should definitely ban them.
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Yeah, it's hard to believe you'd still find such unscrupulous businesses in a place like Hangzhou.
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Next time, book through major platforms like Ctrip, Qunar, or Tongcheng. If any issues come up, they'll usually sort it out for you, as hotels don't dare mess with these big players. If you book through places like Taobao or Douyin, you're often on your own if problems arise.