Is it illegal not to include VAT in hotel prices?

colmil

I have just looked at Londontown for a hotel in London next week, and v.a.t. is not included, Holiday Inn are doing the same for Bloomsbury.

This looks like a nasty trend to me, and I'm sure that quoted prices MUST include VAT by law, can anyone confirm this? An unexpected 17.5% will be a nasty shock to most people!

In any case, everyone should be aware of this, I am awaiting a reply from Londontown and will post their reply.

Networkguy

I don't know about the leglity but this is common for London and not just on the website you talk about.

Even on the hotels own sites, they quote VAT exclusive prices and whilst it does say so in the small print, is easily overlooked plus it's not consistant.

If you go to the holiday inn website you will see them quoting both inclusive rates and exclusive rates on the same page.

geo555

On the search screen, where is says "prices" - excluding UK Tax. Use the dropdown menu to change to "including UK tax"
The site probably caters for business customers as well, where a VAT invoice will be required, hence the prices without VAT.