niagara falls ontario- is there a hidden resort tax

[cottontail]

Hi:

Does anyone know about a hidden resort/entertainment tax that the niagara falls hotels merchants put on their bills? I read about it about a year ago but cannot find anymore info. Apparantly you can tell them to take it off. Would love some info on this.

Thanks,

Deb.

 

[busterblue]

If you look at most hotel bills you will see a charge sometimes called a "tax" or "tourism charge" etc..

It is NOT a legitimate tax as it is not levied by any official level of government with the power to impose taxes.

It is usually put on there by the hotels and the claim is it often that it is set by the local business improvement association to fund tourism for the community.

You can guess my personal opinion on this.

The trick is what your written rate quote states. If it is written with a rate "plus all applicable taxes and service charges" they hide behind the fee being a service charge. I have complained about this before. Do it calmly and start with the desk clerk and ask to speak to a manager if they can't satisfy you. If they claim it is a "tax" challenge them to confirm in writing what level of government is levying this tax.

In Niagara Falls I got zero consideration on it as it was termed a service charge covered by the quote disclaimer. Niagara is one giant tourist trap and they scam /overcharge everywhere in that city. Buy a coffee in a hotel Starbucks and compare it to your local version ! I know the same game gets played in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary etc... but it was most noticeable in Niagara for me.