LPT: Sick of Being Price Gouged for Bottled Water at Hotels? Discover Economical and Environmentally Friendly Alternatives!
Introduction
One of the most frustrating experiences while traveling is being charged exorbitantly for a basic necessity like bottled water at hotels. It often feels like a price gouging strategy, leaving us wondering if we have any alternatives. Well, the good news is that there are more economical and environmentally friendly options available. In this guide, we will explore various ways to overcome this issue and ensure you have access to ice-cold, clean water at no additional cost during your hotel stay.
1. Understanding the Reasoning Behind the Price Gouging
Before we delve into alternative solutions, it’s important to understand why hotels charge such high prices for bottled water. Several factors contribute to this practice. Firstly, hotels are often situated in prime locations, and it’s common for establishments in these areas to inflate prices. Secondly, many hotels partner with major bottled water brands, which can lead to a monopoly where they can charge a premium. Lastly, convenience plays a significant role, as travelers often prioritize immediate access to water without considering their options.
2. The Environmental Impact of Bottled Water
Apart from the financial burden, the use of bottled water also has a severe impact on the environment. Bottled water production contributes to plastic waste and pollution. Moreover, the transportation required for distribution adds to carbon emissions and contributes to climate change. By opting for alternatives, we can collectively reduce our ecological footprint and support the health of our planet.
3. Bring a Refillable Bottle
The simplest and most effective solution to avoid price gouging for bottled water is to bring a refillable bottle with you. By doing so, you can have access to clean, ice-cold water without incurring any additional costs. Most hotels have fitness centers or communal areas equipped with water coolers, allowing you to refill your bottle whenever necessary. If you’re concerned about the quality of tap water, you can always use a portable water filter or bring water purification tablets.
4. Exploring Water Cooler Options
While having access to a water cooler in a hotel’s fitness center is common, it’s not always guaranteed. Therefore, it’s important to have backup options for accessing cold water on your trips. Consider researching hotels beforehand and selecting those that explicitly state the presence of water coolers or communal areas with water dispensers. Furthermore, you can call ahead and confirm their availability to ensure a hassle-free experience upon your arrival.
5. Utilizing Hotel Amenities
Apart from fitness centers, many hotels offer additional amenities that can assist you in staying hydrated. Check if your hotel has a coffee maker or kettle in the room, as these can provide hot water to make yourself a refreshing cup of tea, or alternatively, simply let it cool for a few minutes and have a cup of ice-cold water. Additionally, some hotels provide complimentary fruit-infused water in their lobbies, offering a tasty and refreshing alternative to plain water.
6. Exploring the Surrounding Area
If you find yourself in a hotel that does not offer easily accessible water coolers or complementary water amenities, it’s time to explore the surrounding area. Take a walk or use a ride-sharing service to find nearby public spaces, parks, or restaurants that may offer free water dispensers. Many urban areas have public water fountains or hydration stations where you can refill your bottle without spending a dime.
7. Asking Hotel Staff for Assistance
Don’t hesitate to ask hotel staff for assistance in locating water stations or accessing cold water during your stay. In many cases, they will be more than willing to guide you to the nearest water cooler or provide you with a temporary solution. Their expertise and familiarity with the hotel’s amenities can prove invaluable in your quest for free and refreshing water.
8. Exploring Alternative Beverage Options
Sometimes, you may crave more than just plain water during your stay. Rather than turning to bottled water or purchasing expensive beverages from the hotel’s minibar, explore alternative options. Many hotels offer complimentary tea or coffee in the lobby, and some even have happy hours where non-alcoholic beverages are served. Take advantage of these offerings to keep yourself hydrated while diversifying your options.
9. Advocating for Change
While individual actions can make a difference, advocating for change at a broader level is equally important. Consider leaving reviews on travel websites or reaching out to hotel management to express your concerns about price gouging for bottled water. Through collective efforts, we can encourage hotels to provide more affordable or even complimentary water options for their guests.
Conclusion
Being price gouged for bottled water at hotels is an issue that affects many travelers. However, by adopting smarter choices and utilizing the alternatives discussed in this guide, you can navigate this challenge with ease. Bringing a refillable bottle, exploring available amenities, and utilizing surrounding areas for water sources are just a few methods to ensure you have access to ice-cold, clean water at no additional cost. By taking these steps, you not only save money but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable planet. So, let’s make a conscious choice to eliminate price gouging and enjoy our travels while staying hydrated economically and responsibly.
Great tip! Staying hydrated without breaking the bank.
What about those faucets?
Or just fill it up in your hotel room if the tap water is safe. Or go to the local supermarket if not.
Gouged. Gauged is an estimated measurement
In many places (hotels, countries etc) you can drink the tap water. So yeah bring your own bottle and refill from the tap!
Great tip! Staying hydrated while saving money is always a win-win.
I almost always have a tumbler with me when I’m on the road for work, so at the hotel I always find the fitness center for the water cooler. Tends to be filtered and chilled as well so better tasting!
Bottled water in general is not only a scam, but a terrible waste of plastic. When you look at the price per volume of bottled water it’s several times more expensive than gasoline or oil. Get a good reusable insulated water bottle, a liter is probably a good size. Fill it up in the morning and keep it with you during the day. Most fast food places will let you fill up your water bottle for free, and public buildings often have water fountains where you can top up your water. Or, depending on where you are you may be able to use the tap water in your hotel
A lot of places will also give you free bottled water if you’re a member of their hotel rewards program. Doesn’t cost anything (but you personal info, I guess) to sign up usually. Just do it before you book the hotel if you can.
What about stadiums and concerts?
Not gonna fly in my hotel – you have to pay extra for the gym water cooler and you better not be sneaking in with a refillable bottle
They always give me free ones and I just refill them with perfectly safe tap water.
I think if you’re travelling, carrying a filter bottle is a good move, and you can then have clean-tasting water anywhere instead of banking on a hotel gym.
The markup is not for the water, it’s for the bottle. And most people won’t have brought a bottle
They’ve also got sinks right in the room!
Get some ice from the ice machine in the morning. You’ll have cold water all day.
Or hit up the local market for a pack of water bottle right after you check in? Not every hotel has a “free” water cooler and I don’t always trust tap water.
I’ve been to a lot of hotels in my life, and only one of them had a fitness centre. All of them had drinkable tap water.
I always bring my bottle to trips. I can find a fountain or water cooler somewhere in the hotel.
I got jammed $18 for two dark chocolate kind bars and a bottle of Naked blueberry juice. Fuckin hotels
People gauge me all the time. I can’t help it, it’s genetic.
I just grab water as I check in. I will ALWAYS assume it’s free. I’ve rarely been asked to pay for it.
or find the hotels that give them out for free
most marriott brands do
we pack waters, soda and granola bars – or stop at a CVS if we are somewhere downtown.
I don’t think I’ve ever had my prices gauged at a hotel.
You want convenience? You pay convenience prices. It’s a hotel not a supermarket. They carry the necessities and charge movie theatre pricing for a reason. Price gauged lol
I thought everyone did this? That and take the free water from the lobby each day if they have it. Or in your room if they leave it and keep it in the minibar fridge, change it each day
And if you’re in a city like NYC, all tap water is good drinking water just keep a bottle on you.
W Hotel. Go to gym, get filtered water and a free pipe aka green apple.
Most cities have delicious tap water.
Some of them also have free bottled water in their if they don’t lol.
Same bottles both times normally too!
Gouge. Price Gouge.
Lot of arrogant assholes in the replies…👀
I usually go to a grocery store and get a pack of water and keep it in the room
Secondary pro tip: if you’re going to try to use the glass with the paper doily on top? Give it a good wash first. Next time you’re in a hotel hold the glass up to the light first.
Bottom line: hotel maids aren’t paid enough to actually wash those glasses. Yes, even at the Ritz or Four Seasons.
Resort fee to access fitness center!!!
gouged, not gauged
Or just buy a liter of water at a gas station, if you need bottled
This is the dumbest fucking thing I’ve ever read. Every hotel room has a faucet. And what kind of fucking asshole travels without a refillable cup these days?
I just stop by a supermarket and keep water around. Cheap and also better tasting than tap.
Those giant bags for your dirty laundry or what you would like to have dry cleaned are free giant bags of ice for your cooler when you get back on the road trip.
I work in a hotel. I beg people to take water from the coolers that are 5 feet away from the counter and offer them free cups and a good 40% of the time they refuse and get the expensive bottled tap water anyway and just drink it next to the cooler. It’s infuriating, but I reckon they are usually just from places where the water sucks ass/poisons you if it’s not bottled so they avoid it.
But dont the rooms have faucets?
Last hotel didn’t have a fitness center. Buying your own water from the nearest store is the safest bet.
Gauged: verb
• to determine the exact dimensions, capacity, quantity, or force of; measure.