On 4/5, Vo Ngoc Thach, Chairman of the People's Committee of Song Cau Ward, announced that authorities had met with representatives of the guest group from Gia Lai and the owner of Timothe Beach Hotel & Apartments regarding the "overcharging" complaint. Officials noted that the hotel returned 2,5 million dong to the guests; however, they have not yet concluded whether the establishment violated pricing transparency regulations.

Previously, Trang Dai from Gia Lai reported a negative experience at the establishment during her two-day stay from 29-30/4. The group rented rooms, brought their own food, and used the hotel's tables and chairs. According to Trang Dai, the owner suggested the group could stay to eat after checking out and would charge a "reasonable price." However, the group was "shocked" by a total bill of 14,5 million dong upon checkout.

The service fees for three separate meals amounted to 1,8 million dong, 900,000 dong, and 2,5 million dong. Trang Dai argued that these fees lacked transparency because the group cooked their own meals. Additionally, the price of beer was inflated to 900,000 dong per carton, nearly double the market price. The hotel also imposed a surcharge of over 900,000 dong for two cartons of beer the group brought themselves.

The service fee invoice the guest group had to pay at the hotel. Photo: NVCC

"I do not understand what service fees the hotel charged; it is very unclear", she stated, noting that on the morning of 30/4, the group made banh xeo (sizzling Vietnamese crepes) within the hotel premises. For most other meals, the group primarily consumed food they had brought.

Explaining the situation, Bui Thi Kim Binh, the hotel owner, stated that although only 12 guests were officially registered, approximately 30 people gathered for meals. The service fee, she clarified, covered staff labor for cleanup, dishwashing, and asset depreciation. "On the night of 29/4, the group partied like a wedding, and staff had to clean until 1 AM the next day. During holidays, staff wages are higher, so that price was justified", Bui Binh said.

Furthermore, the owner expressed frustration that the guest group brought a portable speaker and sang karaoke after 10 PM without prior consent, disturbing other guests and nearby residents. When reminded, the group moved the speaker to the beach to continue singing. Early on the morning of 30/4, Bui Binh reviewed surveillance footage and discovered that the guests had set up tents and slept in the resort's yard without permission.

Illustration of tourists confused by high prices at a stall. Photo: Gemini AI

According to the Tourism Law 2017, accommodation establishments are obligated to publicly list prices for goods and services and sell them at the listed price. Any surcharges for additional services beyond the room rate must be clearly agreed upon and confirmed in writing or verbally before guests use the service.

The incident is currently under review by authorities. Local tourism officials advise visitors to carefully check lists of additional service fees and request confirmation of costs before using common areas of an accommodation facility to avoid disputes.

Tu Nguyen