Food & Drink

rip off

Food & Drink

Posted by: Opa

22nd Sep 2010 10:23am

My wife recently took me out for my birthday at a 5 star hotel in the city.The buffet was excellent,but the experience was somewhat soured when we were charged $10.00 for a glass of watermelon juice & $6.50 for a cup of coffee.How can this be justified?


Comments 57

Anonymous
  • 21st Aug 2012 10:34am

I think that in these types of venues they. After for a generally wealthy market of people who don't test price. In addition, I think that this type of venue attract premium pricing because the enormity of the asset they must provide

Anonymous
  • 20th Aug 2012 10:28pm

they are ripping you off, for the experience

stretch
  • 25th Jun 2012 10:22am

you should ask to see the menu before placing an order in any place that serves food drinks and refreshments this can include pubs and clubs as some houses are proud of the service and go way over board with prices and know the carbon tax has arrived weinb the hospatality area are wonbdering how much increase will ocure in food and drinks as we produce carbon as well
just remember you can always consider contacting the fair trading tribunal
or the trading consumer affairs in your nearest city

Anonymous
  • 26th Mar 2012 09:31pm

I agree it is a rip off , I believe that there sould be a clause that states that companies can only up the price in teir food depending on teir star rating and in the alcoholic beverages. It is wrong to be stung for doing the right ting and drinking non alcoolic beverages

PGS
  • 16th Mar 2012 08:03pm

Rabbit, you can't eat the atmosphere. Oh, maybe in Tokyo, but I think that's actually pollution...

One of my jobs in a younger life had me traipsing the world, staying in 4 & 5 star hotels - I'd usually have all my meals outside because there was no way in the world I could justify the food prices. $25 for a hambuger? Really? Chips are extra.

$35 for a small steak + $8 for 1/2 cup of frozen mixed veggies - probably microwaved. Not this little black duck. Street food was fine in most areas & you could have the full meal for under $10, often less than $5.

I'd bring bottles of drink in to have there at night - no way was I paying their bar fridge prices - closer to robbery.

Captain Slog
  • 30th Apr 2012 12:18pm
Rabbit, you can't eat the atmosphere. Oh, maybe in Tokyo, but I think that's actually pollution...

One of my jobs in a younger life had me traipsing the world, staying in 4 & 5 star hotels...

Hi PGS,
Speaking of expensive Hamburgers, in the Taupo Times recently, Wairakei Resort advertised a Burger and Chips for $20. at their Links Cafe, and they sounded very proud of the fact, too. They're the flash Golf Course and Resort just outside Taupo.
Give me a McDonald's GRAND ANGUS or my Favourite, a McFEAST, any time! I can get both of those Burgers, a Large Fries and a Super Chocolate Sundae, AND a Cuppa Coffee, and still have change out of $20.
I'm making myself hungry now.

Lady Rabbit
  • 2nd Mar 2012 11:32am

You are paying the money for service and atmosphere. You don't need to squeez the juice and clean up by yourself. You are paying the primium for the convenience. It's not about the food quality. Always DIY is the cheapest option, but once in a while you should enjoy to being served and that is the money for.

Anonymous
  • 15th Nov 2011 03:11pm

gone are the days of the 3.50 coffee's

Captain Slog
  • 30th Apr 2012 12:04pm
Rabbit, you can't eat the atmosphere. Oh, maybe in Tokyo, but I think that's actually pollution...

One of my jobs in a younger life had me traipsing the world, staying in 4 & 5 star hotels...

Hi BamBam
$3.50 for Coffee? I can rememeber when it was only 50 Cents! Bloody good cuppa, too!
McDonald's REGENT 1980.

goddesshelen84
  • 9th Nov 2011 10:21am

Im a cook by trade and have been in hospitality now for 13 years. I thinks its dicusting too how someone can charge 10.00 for watermelon juice specially since they probably bribe a wholesaler or vege man at the back door for it. And as for coffee. Unfortunately coffee is going up by price overseas due to floods and the natrual disasters that are ruining there crops. they are probably putting the price up because they need to make back for what they have lost,, But i totaly agree, although i would only pay high price if it is a decent cup of coffee, as many these days dont know how to make one!!!!!

chrissi
  • 8th Nov 2011 10:36am

People can put all the reasons in the world as to why a 5 star hotel would charge $10 for a glass of watermelon juice, this is totally unacceptable, you just have to look at the prices hotels charge for bars of choc , wine and nuts etc in the mini bar - outrageous, and blatant rip off. Hotels in sydney are geared towards the well off international travellers ,not the people that live in the suburbs that would like to enjoy a nice weekend in their own city once in a while!!

NEEDA
  • 20th Oct 2011 09:08am

I can understand why these 5 star hotel cost your drink a fortune especially when it's buffet, the trick is really on the drinks, you can eat as much as you can but you can't drink as much as you can. But there are some good buffet restaurants in the city where you can drink as much softdrinks ,coffee or tea but not juice. It's just simple, if you want to eat in a fancy restaurant then you must be prepared to pay more than usual. It's not actually ripping you off,it's plain business.

Ceci
  • 2nd Sep 2011 06:15am

First of all, you drink whatever you feel like, so leave him alone with that already!!!
We all know that 5 star hotels overcharges. My problem is when you pay the overprice expecting spotless service and excellent food and you end up getting average or less. These days you can get the same food or service in a Chinese buffet as in a 5 star hotel restaurant.
I've been to Melbourne and the quality of food is ten times better than Sydney, where I live. But I found many restaurants where the food is good, expensive but good.

Suzy
  • 23rd Jul 2011 10:02pm

Pretend that you are paid $20 an hour. Clock on go down the road and buy an amount of water melon. Come back home using a chopping board and knife chop up the watermelon for juicing. Juice the water melon into a similar size glass as your dining experience add some ice, walk over to your dining table and clock off.Enjoy your juice. Now clock on, then go back and wash the glass,chopping board, knife and juicer and put back everything back into its place, then clock off. Workout your labour cost and the cost of fruit, there is no overheads, profit or any GST yet. So how much did this cost please share this with us?

Anonymous
  • 22nd Jul 2011 11:10pm

if this was in nz you could have asked them has the world rugby cup started and is this why the drinks cost so much.

Anonymous
  • 22nd Jul 2011 11:06pm

maybe they thourght the world rugby cup had started and put the prices up .well thats what you should have asked them ?

Anonymous
  • 22nd Jul 2011 11:05pm

maybe they thourght the world rugby cup had started and put the prices up .well thats what you should have asked them ?

Mayvee
  • 21st Jul 2011 07:41am

I know what you mean! Just recently we had lunch at a 5 star hotel in Rotorua, The service was great, the food looked good, but the meat patty on the burger - talk about no flavour - Sorry chef - I do burgers better than that with flavour!!! I must admit, the big fat chips were awesome!!! The cost of the beef burger $17.50!!! The vegetarian pizza $18.00 - this was flavoursome but so small....... Never again am I going here for lunch!!!

Captain Slog
  • 28th Jun 2012 11:39am
"Jaw drops"are you kidding?$17.50 for a burger?Macca's here I come!

Hi Mandy,
You sound like a real character! I'd LOVE to take you, and Hubby, to Lunch at McDonald's, or ANYWHERE. I think we'd have a great time talking about the different restaurants that charge like wounded bulls, and other mad things that involve eating out.
Here's a good one for you, and EVERYONE, if you want to have a FREE Feed.
I must admit, that when I was living in Brisbane, I was having a tough time getting regular work. I'd get the odd job for an hour or so, or a day or two. until I eventually found out from someone about GOLDEN CIRCLE.
During some of my off days, when i opnly had a few bucks to spare, I'd just pass the time browsing around town, exploring all the shops. I'd also go to places like COLES, Myer's, David Jones, and it was, and still is, good just to go through and "Window Shop" (Hardly window shopping if you're INSIDE, aye?).
Sometimes, I'd be in COLES or Myer's, and they'd have Food Demontrations and Samples. I think they still do them almost everywhere. Anyway, if you'd like a FREE Lunch, go and try a few samples out. You CAN have the equivelant to a real Lunch by having as many Samples as they will let you have. The secret is, you MUST show a Genuine Interest in the Products being offered or demonstrated.
One particular Sampling session comes to mind at Myer's Queen Street. CHEESE. They had all these cheeses I had never seen before, and yes. I was genuinely interested in all of them. Geez, they were nice! They had cheese with Ham, Peanuts, Smoked , Curry, Garlic, Onion, Bacon. They also had Brie (?) and Camembert. It was the very first time I had ever tried them two! I remember the Camembert was best because, although the Brie was identical to the Camembert to LOOK at, the difference was, the Brie tasted. . . er, SNOTTY (Sorry!) It seemed to be an aquired taste! The Camembert, however, was delicious!
Unfortunately, the Cheese Tasting is the only one I can remember. but, when I was through with it, it was as though I'd had a complete LUNCH. The Demonstrator was telling me all about the Cheeses and how they could be used, and where I could buy them, when they came out. They were only being demonstrated because they were very NEW and they wanted to see if the people liked them, before they put them on the Market. YES! I LIKED them!
If you have a look around where you live, I am sure you, too, will find places where they regularly offer Samplings of local Products to try. Give it a go and get a FREE Snack or Lunch. Don't be too greedy, though! It will show. Show an interest in the Products, and they'll let you have as much as you like.
Enjoy!

mandy
  • 23rd Jun 2012 10:24pm
I know what you mean! Just recently we had lunch at a 5 star hotel in Rotorua, The service was great, the food looked good, but the meat patty on the burger - talk about no flavour - Sorry chef - I...

"Jaw drops"are you kidding?$17.50 for a burger?Macca's here I come!

roxz64
  • 23rd Jun 2011 05:30pm

There is a restuarunt here in Perth that is going against this trend. They have capped their prices at $40. There is business is booming and it is top quality products from the south west WA . He has proved that you dont have to charge an arm and a leg for great meals and service. the upside being his place is busy and tables filled while others may be struggling.
You dont mind paying for great food if the price is reasonable and they should realise that a lot of their customers are via word of mouth...

zertzz
  • 16th May 2011 10:55am

$10 does sound a little steep for the watermelon juice assuming it was a regular size and $6.50 is sadly not that far off what you pay overseas in expensive places, but I have to agree with Kiwi girl. There are lots of overheads in 5 star hotels e.g. more expensive furniture, decor, better service etc. You enjoy receiving all of that - well, it does have to be paid for otherwise the place would soon be out of business. Problem in Australia is that the hospitality industry is looking at greatly increased costs - electricity, water, wages, superannuation etc etc and has little way of recouping any of them without raising prices. I am afraid Opa that this is what living in Australia is beginning to cost. If you aren't prepared to pay for it, then choose a cheaper place.

Anonymous
  • 15th May 2011 07:58pm

I was at a niteclub recently with my wife I bought 2 Caronas 10 bucks each thats a rip off maybe it was for the slice of lemon on both bottles that they were charging so much for

stretch
  • 13th May 2011 11:59am

with the higher class restaurants the food costs more and the servings are smaller as most of the food would be hand made
all the preprep is done by qualified kitchen hand and the staff is always of the highest quality possible
and if it is not comntact the food health inspector also we are governed by laws
but unfortunatelly the price is not competative as lets say kfc or macdonalds

mandy
  • 23rd Jun 2012 10:21pm
with the higher class restaurants the food costs more and the servings are smaller as most of the food would be hand made
all the preprep is done by qualified kitchen hand and the staff is...

Hand made food what?????Do they lay eggs and give milk?Do they slaughter the steers,lambs and chickens?Hehe Haha!

Anne
  • 7th May 2011 11:16pm

Crown Conservatory in Melbourne (also 5 star hotel) has excellent buffet at lunch with glass of wine and coffee/tea included. Water also! Great view of city over the Yarra River. $39.50! :) This is at the top of the grand staircase which you see on TV - Logies & Brownlow Medal.

kiwipride
  • 1st Mar 2011 05:19pm

well really it can't be justified but places look at this way they charge the price of the beverage, the waiters fee,the clearing fee and then the washing up fee result one over the top price...hope this helps a little.

Yolanda
  • 1st Mar 2011 08:53am

I absolutely enjoyed reading all the coments. I had a great laugh.
Watermeon juice? hahahahaha so funny. opa are you dutch?

Opa
  • 2nd Mar 2011 02:12pm
I absolutely enjoyed reading all the coments. I had a great laugh.
Watermeon juice? hahahahaha so funny. opa are you dutch?

I am obviously missing the joke. And,no I'm not Dutch-whatever that has to with anything.

Crys
  • 11th Feb 2011 03:12pm

It seems the more well known a restaurant gets the more they can charge. I love how at a restaurant they ask you if you want water - they don't often give you a choice. I say - yes tap water thanks. I refuse to pay for water - especially when you are paying a great deal to go to the restaurant in the first place!

Kath
  • 9th Feb 2011 07:12am

And the health communitiy wonders why people drink when out as it is sometimes a lot cheaper.
Mark up are out of hand.

Dubz
  • 9th Feb 2011 06:42am

Unfortunately, this is where they make thier money. My only suggestion is to drink iced water, but check first to see if you will be charged.

Kiwi chick
  • 8th Feb 2011 09:24pm

My husband has worked in hotels for over 15 years and the last 4 years in a 5+ star hotel overseas. The reason the cost is higher is because the staff to customer ratios are higher the more stars you have, this includes behind the scenes as well. All the food, crockery and other items that make up a hotel are generally better quality and more expensive too. Obviously they are a business and have to recoup these costs. Also sometimes simple economics of supply and demand come into play when prices are being set.

mandy
  • 23rd Jun 2012 10:17pm
My husband has worked in hotels for over 15 years and the last 4 years in a 5+ star hotel overseas. The reason the cost is higher is because the staff to customer ratios are higher the more stars...

Cor Blimey! How long does it take to recoup costs on cutlery and china for goodness sake??????

Opa
  • 9th Feb 2011 12:39pm
My husband has worked in hotels for over 15 years and the last 4 years in a 5+ star hotel overseas. The reason the cost is higher is because the staff to customer ratios are higher the more stars...

I am quite prepared to pay a fair price for a superior dining experience,but surely there must be a reasonable limit to what you can charge for $0.50 worth of watermelon.I know I am paying for all the extras like service etc,but $10.00 for a glass of juice?Only once!

Anonymous
  • 10th Jan 2011 08:39am

I HAVE BEN EMPLOYED IN 5 & 6 STAR HOTELS FOR 60 JEARS ALL OVER THE
WOERLD. I HAVE PAID AS MUCH AS 380 POUNDS FOR DINNER IN ENGLAND
20 JEARS AGO .SO IF YOU CANNOT AFORD THE PRICE GO SAME WERE ELS.

Captain Slog
  • 24th Jun 2012 05:31am
Good Honest Places you know that serve Good Honest Tucker at affordable prices and where the Atmosphere is Friendly and Family Orientated. Not forgetting, GOOD Old Fashioned Service with a Smile...

Hello Mandy,
I am very Sorry, but I have never been to Adelaide before. One thing I am sure of, from what we've seen of it on TV, it must be a Glutton's Paradise with all that great Food.
From my experience of living in good old Brisbane, I always found great places to enjoy a meal that never cost an arm and a leg. McDonald's was my all time favourite, however. especially when The McFeast was introduced.
As I said in my Statement above your intro, about Good Honest Tucker, etc., I can HONESTLY say with Pride that my very BEST Eating experience was at McDonald's REGENT in Brisbane during the 1980's. I had the Honour of Opening McDonald's Regent on July 28, 1980 by being the very First Customer, and because I was living at The Palace Guesthouse (Now Back Packers), all I had was Bed and Breakfast there, which meant I had to get my own meals in the evenings. When I opened The Regent, McDonald's being my Favourite Place, I became their Number One Customer, and most of the Crew became my Friends.
One day, I went in for lunch in the arvo, and saw crew with many different coloured uniforms, and lots of Staff with White shirts and ties, carrying clipboards. When I asked what was going on, I was told it was a Crew Competition to see who would become the Best Crew In Brisbane. And, guess what? Yep! The Regent Crew WON! And EVERY YEAR Since. for those of you in My Crew who arre reading this, CONGRATULATIONS and Very Well Done! I am still Very Proud of You!
Our Regent McDonalds won because our crew were very consistant with their Professional Service and Presentation. They were very friendly and DIDN'T need to be told to smile all the time, and follow a script. They did it all Naturally!!
The Food was always consistantly made On Time and Well Presented by Simon and the Boys. He was our Red Headed bloke and his crew who did the Burgers. When they did them, they came to you as good as they did in the Photos, except that thanks to the HEAT and STEAM of the COOKED Burgers they did look the way they did, but still well presented.
EVERYONE at our Regent were Friends and the Atmosphere was very Friendly! When I went there in the evenings for my meals, I was there till closing. I didn't want to go back to the Palace! I preferred to be where I was Happy and could get a snack any time I needed it in between writing home, reading my papers, magazines, etc. Sometimes even my friends joined me, including Crew. {People knew where to find me if they wanted to meet me and vice versa. I had MY OWN TABLE!
It may sound as though I am biased to McDonald's. In this particular case, I am only biased to The Regent and my Wonderful Crew. THEY made the place what it was, and WHY they were No.1 Crew in Brisbane, and I miist them all, very much. Of course, they won't still be at McDonald's (Some might if they chose to join the McDonald's Team ), such as Gillie & Gayle Blakeney (Our Precious Twins). They live in California now. Many of our other crew went on to do different things. Berinie, Fashion. Krissy, Nursing. Fiona, Dental Assistant. To name a few.
McDonald's REGENT, Queen Street, Brisbane? My Favourite Place and the BEST place I ever ate at. Always CLEAN, Friendly, Happy, and with Top Food!
Apologies To Roly Poly!
NOT for what he said,and my (Our) responses, but for moo spollinge. You may need Mr. Shinnery to holp yee with yo spalling, but, even I'm not prefect. (3PO! STOP Arsing around!) Even my Protocol Droid has Probloms. Nahhh! Just Kidding I can't afford one of those! I blame BIG fingers.
To conclude (Ohhh, thank FEK for that! I hear someone say. Mrs. Brown?). It doesn't matter where you live, you will ALWAYS find somewhere that has great Food and Great Atmosphere and Prices that are very Fair for everyone. And when you find it, stick with it and give them your Loyalty. Spread the word. Let others know its the best place in town.
Thank you for your Time. Take Good Carre.

mandy
  • 23rd Jun 2012 10:14pm
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.

Good Honest Places you know that serve Good Honest Tucker at affordable prices and where the Atmosphere is Friendly and Family Orientated. Not forgetting, GOOD Old Fashioned Service with a Smile and where you're ALWAYS Welcomed.

Can you tell me where I could find a place like that in Adelaide? I would love to take hubby out for lunch but being on a pension makes it difficult

mandy
  • 23rd Jun 2012 10:11pm
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.

So what was the remedy?and Fasta Pasta YUM!

mandy
  • 23rd Jun 2012 10:08pm
I am surprised anyone employed you at all seeing as you can't even spell.More fool you for paying outrageous prices!

OMG. Do I agree with you!took me quite sometime to figure out what was written.Wow

Captain Slog
  • 30th Apr 2012 11:54am
I am surprised anyone employed you at all seeing as you can't even spell.More fool you for paying outrageous prices!

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.

paradox
  • 16th Nov 2011 10:47pm
where is that place SAME WERE ELS?

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.

Shezak
  • 16th Jun 2011 09:53am
where is that place SAME WERE ELS?

I hope there were a lot of people that you shouted dinner for. !!!!!!!!!!

doug
  • 17th May 2011 01:01pm
I am surprised anyone employed you at all seeing as you can't even spell.More fool you for paying outrageous prices!


I BELIEVE THAT THE ONLY ANSWER THAT I CAN COME UP WITH IS THAT IT IS A TOTAL RIP OFF ,SURE YOU EXPECT TO PAY A BIT MORE FOR A FIVE STAR HOTEL ,BUT NOT BE RIPPED OFF FOR GIVING THEM YOUR BUSINESS ..... DOUG

doug
  • 17th May 2011 12:59pm
I am surprised anyone employed you at all seeing as you can't even spell.More fool you for paying outrageous prices!


I BELIEVE THAT THE ONLY ANSWER THAT I CAN COME UP WITH IS THAT IT IS A TOTAL RIP OFF ,SURE YOU EXPECT TO PAY A BIT MORE FOR A FIVE STAR HOTEL ,BUT NOT BE RIPPED OFF FOR GIVING THEM YOUR BUSINESS ..... DOUG

Ken Williams
  • 13th May 2011 11:57am
I am surprised anyone employed you at all seeing as you can't even spell.More fool you for paying outrageous prices!

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.

Opa
  • 11th Feb 2011 10:51am
I am surprised anyone employed you at all seeing as you can't even spell.More fool you for paying outrageous prices!

where is that place SAME WERE ELS?

Opa
  • 9th Feb 2011 12:33pm
I am surprised anyone employed you at all seeing as you can't even spell.More fool you for paying outrageous prices!

I am surprised anyone employed you at all seeing as you can't even spell.More fool you for paying outrageous prices!

michele49
  • 5th Jan 2011 03:06pm

What? That is ridiculous ..are we talking Sydney or melbourne?

Shezak
  • 16th Jun 2011 09:51am
What difference where it is?

There are over-the-top Restaurants/Hotels everywhere.

You should know what to expect and don't forget you're paying for the ambiance, their overheads...

I agree why would you buy watermelon juice..........................wait until you get home!!!!!!!

Anne
  • 7th May 2011 11:18pm
What? That is ridiculous ..are we talking Sydney or melbourne?

Thanks Michelle for asking. Ive given my comment re: Crown Conservatory in Melbourne. Big difference!

Opa
  • 3rd Mar 2011 12:14pm
What difference where it is?

There are over-the-top Restaurants/Hotels everywhere.

You should know what to expect and don't forget you're paying for the ambiance, their overheads...

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.

Sammbo
  • 18th Feb 2011 12:18pm
What? That is ridiculous ..are we talking Sydney or melbourne?

What difference where it is?

There are over-the-top Restaurants/Hotels everywhere.

You should know what to expect and don't forget you're paying for the ambiance, their overheads etc..

That's one reason that BYO restaurants are so big in Melbourne.
Why pay triple reatil prices for a good red, when you can bring your own and pay a nominal corkage fee?.

As an aside .. who drinks watermelon juice?

Opa
  • 9th Feb 2011 12:41pm
What? That is ridiculous ..are we talking Sydney or melbourne?

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.

reno
  • 30th Nov 2010 08:38pm

I think that was ridiculous and that the cost incurred was for the cultery, man hours and the seating in the restuarant. Just because the venue was classed as 5 star, that doubled and trippled the price. What a rip off ....I agree with you

super88
  • 25th Nov 2010 06:19pm

Some places you just know it's going to be expensive when you walk through the door.
I guess you have to choose if your prepared to pay for the service and atmosphere or if you just want to eat.

bj
  • 25th Nov 2010 02:07pm

Some places seem to charge you just for sitting on their chairs. My hubby wont go to some places to eat as soon as we get home he eats again. Total waste of cash + time.

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