A hotel in Germany has started charging its guests by the pound for an overnight stay, according to a Local 6 News report.
The hotel owner in the town of Norden, Juergen Heckrodt, said he was continually getting overweight guests, so he decided to make them step on the scales to determine room costs.
The hotel requires guests to pay half a euro or 61 cents per 2.2 pounds, according to a Reuters report.The report said that the move appears to be working with returning guests. "Much to (Heckrodt’s) surprise, the guests were thinner on their next visit," according to the report. Heckrodt said he hopes his initiative will inspire others to lose weight too and live longer. The hotel does not turn anyone away who refuses to step on the scales. If they do refuse, they are charged a regular room rate — without a discount.
Here is the link, and thanks to Bill Griffiths for the pointer. This makes sense as price discrimination if either heavier people are wealthier, or less able to choose across hotels.
I doubt either of those conditions are true.
It’s rather silly that the news report referred to “2.2 pounds” without mentioning the dreaded word “kilogram.”
I was thinking that perhaps it would be an attempt to internalize a negative externality (obesity). This does seem to be a kindler, gentler version of airlines charging for two seats when a passenger cannot fit into a single one.
Rvman:
Hmmm (while grasping at mental straws)… Overweight people put more wear and tear on beds, rugs, and chairs?
“What about the potential for a postive externality associated with having thinner (and presumably younger) customers at the hotel?”
Maybe if it’s a trendy urban “boutique” hotel.
Weight is correlated with being American. That is correlated with wealth, *especially* if they’re vacationing in Europe.
but is wealth correlated with fat American. I’m not so sure.
so what really determines someone being “overweight”?? does everyone, thin or big, get the same treatment? if the visually bigger people get the benefit of getting discounted rooms, then shouldn’t the thinner or avg weighted person have the same right? and what about the underweighted people, would they receive the same benefit if they were to gain weight? seeing how being underweight is just as unhealthy as being overweight it would be logical to give discounted rooms for those who are too thin. its a good strategy in getting more customers and promoting a healthier lifestyle. thumbs up for the owner! but i do find it a bit insulting haha. nice find!
adult webcam cams web cam webcams nude webcam cams web cam webcams porn webcam cams web cam webcams xxx webcam cams web cam webcams sexcam free webcam cams web cam webcams sex cam live webcam cams web cam webcams sexcams girls webcam cams web cam webcams sex cams sex webcam teen webcam cams web cam webcams sex web cam sex webcams chat webcam cams web cam webcams
Comments on this entry are closed.