Sharma claimed he was astounded when charged nearly $15 for a bottle of water after requesting a simple glass.He criticized the overall lack of assistance, such as with luggage, and a perceived absence of empathy from hotel staff. The student, accustomed to the service at Indian hotels, particularly Taj, found the US experience a stark contrast.
“My biggest culture shock – American Hotels. They just don’t get hospitality. Funny how they ask for tips but won’t even give complementary water. I stayed at 3 star, 4 star AND today 5 star hotel (Caesar’s Palace). Maybe I’m spoilt with Taj hotels in India. But basic things like helping with luggage, being accomodating were missing. I check in at 2am tired from the flight and asked for a glass of water, they say “it’s $14.99 for a 200ml bottle you can buy it”. And this is a $200 per night hotel! Complete lack of empathy. Unbelievable! Never expected this :/” wrote Sharma.
Sharma’s now-viral post prompted responses from people. Though Caesar’s Palace hotel later upgraded him, most agreed with his views on hotels in the US and Europe. Many users in the reply said that the hospitality offered by hotels in Europe is especially poor.
“Agreed, Indian hospitality is a notch above American. They have way less help and charge for every thing they can,” wrote popular influencer Deedy on X.
“Ishan, America understands hospitality differently !! Whether it be planes, hotels, Restaraunt’s, ships etc It’s been so for decades. Their concept is just to provide the basic facilities, unlike in Asia / India where we are spoilt by Airlines hotels and the like with extras. You pay for everything in the US & their union regulations are so tough, it’s the law to tip in most states (and everyone expects it), Cali, Illinois, Florida & New York states are some of the places where you experience this,” wrote Sanjay Lazar.
One users wrote, going by the name KP wrote, “Looks like your first trip to the US given the kind of tweets you’re writing about airports, hotels etc. In the US (and Europe), most people drink tap water. The water here is by and large clean and drinkable unlike India. In India, that is not the case. You will find a clean and packed glass in your room which you can use to drink water from the tap.”
To this users responded that Ishan “asked for a glass of water not a fancy bisleri my guy.”
https://x.com/MohitB98/status/1823259923465056452
