rip off Qatar?

emgee
By emgee

Bahrain- a really good 3 course meal for two bottle of wine and coffee= BD30. Qatar, the same menu QR550. Why?
Then subject to a "limousine"-actually an old Caprice with an overweight and malodorous driver who did not know where New Salata was QR50. Where was this?? Marriot. At least the Ramada you get a new Merc 350 as limo and only QR30.
What is it with the 17% service and tax? Service charge should be discretionary based on the service received. Not compulsory. It should also go the staff and not restaurant profits. On top of which a gratuity is expected. So your meal cost is increased by 17% plus (minimum) 10% for a tip.

By OrangKedah• 27 Jan 2008 22:13
OrangKedah

Yes, we have to reconsider our stay here!

By Hummers_rock• 27 Jan 2008 14:54
Hummers_rock

Not sure if I have forgotten how expensive Doha is, or things have increased in price over the last couple of months. One thing is for sure, we have to reconsider our stay here.

'Our freedom is but a light that breaks through from another world'

By amnesia• 27 Jan 2008 00:50
amnesia

@irf, I find that hard to believe...

First of all, don't compare Qatar and Dubai, choose, it's either Doha and Dubai or Emirates and Qatar.

Let's take a look at Papa John's for example.

Two medium pizzas, starter, and appetizer costs 75QR in Qatar

The SAME deal costs 82 QR in Emirates.

oh and if we want to go even deeper.

http://www.dubai-eating.com/12541.htm

Look at all the complaints about Pizza Hut in Dubai here. Same service? I think not.

__________________________

By anonymous• 26 Jan 2008 22:54
anonymous

Omigosh! What happnd to Inshallah?

By irf77• 26 Jan 2008 21:19
Rating: 5/5
irf77

Take pizza hut for example, in Dubai we can meal for two offer for 39 dirhams, which include medium pizza, salad, two pepsi, garlic breads... qatar to start with no meals, you can get each thing seperate for 77 riyals,.. double !!!!!!! same standard of service

By dweller• 26 Jan 2008 19:36
Rating: 4/5
dweller

of alcohol.

the hotels I believe have to purchase via QDC which is now Qatar Airways controlled.

Prices now appear ridiculously high compared to what they were some years ago when syndicates were operated voluntarily and making a profit for alcohol syndicates wasn't allowed.

The purchase limit was initially QR 400 and eventually increased to QR 500 which was more than enough for everybody.

The bar in the QGPC (Offshore) Falcon Club (until it was closed) charged QR2.25 for a small can of beer and short were QR 1 per shot. I guess that profit now comes before all else.

By amnesia• 26 Jan 2008 19:19
Rating: 4/5
amnesia

lol you haven't lived in Bahrain that long then :P

I've lived there for 17 years and it's well more expensive that Qatar.

Alcohol is more expensive here so that may answer why your meal with a bottle of wine was.

__________________________

By Weasel• 26 Jan 2008 17:23
Weasel

"17% is 7% tax and 10% service charge" - A rip-off indeed! I thought Qatar was one of those place with a high S.T. until now.

By mariam-mar• 26 Jan 2008 12:27
Rating: 4/5
mariam-mar

All Star studed Hotels charge this ever since. So better not eat at the hotel.

By emgee• 26 Jan 2008 12:01
Rating: 5/5
emgee

Thanks Weasel, but I do understand. The 17% is 7% tax and 10% service charge which is supposed to be discretionary and should go to the waiters who tend your table if good service is given. A gratuity is then a voluntary addition if the service has been exceptional. Here, the service charge is just another way to artificially inflate prices. Several hotels have removed it and now they only add 7% Tax. Service charge was removed only after increasing their prices co course.

By Weasel• 26 Jan 2008 10:45
Rating: 4/5
Weasel

Service charge/tax - Let me clear this up for you. You don't seem to know the difference between service tax and a tip.

Back in India Service Tax is something that the hotel (or any other service provider, 58 in total) pays the government. This cost (8%) is passed on to the customer and appears as "Service Tax" on your bill.

And, yes Qatar is a rip-off. You pay a lot more for a lot less.

By anonymous• 26 Jan 2008 09:50
anonymous

So. Then don't eat outside

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.