Over at Elliott.org a reader has sent in a screenshot from a recent attempt to book a discounted hotel room in Venice. The price was supposed to be $375 a night marked down from $537. It seemed like a good deal until he saw the taxes and fees…

The reader called the website, Cheapostay.com, to ask about the outrageous fees… but was disconnected after 45 minutes on hold.

All we can say is thank goodness for that $10 instant promotion they tacked on there at the end. That really made all the difference.

No cheapo hotel: fees double price of “discounted” hotel room [Elliott]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.