My wife and I were travelling by car from Victoria to Port Macquarie
After almost eleven hours on the road, we were too tired to continue, and decide to take a room. But, we only planned to sleep for four hours and then get back on the road. When we checked out four hours later, the desk clerk hands us a bill for $350.00.
I explode and demand to know why the charge is so high.
I tell the clerk although it's a nice hotel; the rooms certainly aren't worth $350.00
Then the clerk tells me that $350..00 is the 'standard rate'.
I insisted on speaking to the Manager.
The Manager appears, listens to me, and then explains that the hotel has an Olympic-sized pool and a huge conference centre that were available for us to use.
'But we didn't use them.'
'Well, they are here, and you could have,' explains the Manager.
He goes on to explain we could also have taken in one of the shows for which the hotel is famous. 'We have the best entertainers from New York , Hollywood , and Las Vegas perform here,' the Manager says.
'But we didn't go to any of those shows,' ..
'Well, we have them, and you could have,' the Manager replies.
No matter what amenity the Manager mentions, I reply,
'But we didn't use it!'
The Manager is unmoved, and eventually I gave up and agreed to pay.
I write a cheque and give it to the Manager.
The Manager is surprised when he looks at the cheque.
'But sir,' 'this cheque is only made out for $50.00.'
'That's correct, as I charged you $300..00 for sleeping with my wife.'
'But I didn't!' exclaims the Manager.
'Well, too bad, she was here, and you could have.'