Hotel poured a welcome drink on arrival then charged it on the bill — query the line or just pay?

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Check-in tray with a cold glass and a smile. Nobody said complimentary. At checkout the welcome drink is a line item. Desk says guests usually understand. I feel ambushed, not furious. Do travelers successfully get it removed with a calm ask, or is the lesson only to refuse the tray next time?

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5 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

If nobody said it was charged, query the line calmly at checkout — many desks remove a surprise welcome drink when you say you thought it was complimentary. Keep it short and polite; shouting helps nobody. Next stay, ask before you sip or refuse the tray. I will not invent a standard welcome-drink tariff as gospel. A clear question on arrival beats an argument on departure. Written folio review before you pay card is your friend.

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I
Imran Bill Desk1710 rep

Now I ask is this complimentary before I touch the glass. Awkward once, clear forever.

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C
Clara Ask First178 rep

Pointed at the line, smiled, said I was not told. Removed in under a minute.

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B
Ben Line Item172 rep

Refused the tray next hotel, asked for water. Still got a friendly check-in.

5
S
Sofia Refuse168 rep

Going back to the desk with a calm question before we pay. Lesson logged either way.

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