Hangzhou: 3 Days, Ripped Off 3 Times!
-
I didn't report the hotel because I had just arrived and didn't want any trouble. But I did report the taxi driver.
-
Taking a taxi from Hangzhou Railway Station to the Grand Convention and Exhibition Center cost me 136 yuan. I'd originally wanted to use a ride-hailing app, but a taxi driver approached us offering 2.5 yuan per kilometer. I estimated it would be around 50-60 yuan, which seemed reasonable, so we got in. However, when we arrived, he demanded 136 yuan. On our return trip, I tried using an app again, learning from the previous experience. But due to crowds and poor signal, the app froze. Desperate to catch our train, we asked a nearby taxi driver the fare to Hangzhou Station. He quoted 150 yuan, claiming it would be the same even on the meter. We mentioned our earlier metered fare was 136 yuan, but he just pointed out we couldn't get another ride. We reluctantly got in. Then, he wouldn't leave, saying 150 yuan was too low for just two people, and only drove off after finding two more passengers, charging 150 yuan for each pair.
-
OP, check your feed – so many people have experienced similar things! I thought it was just me, but it looks like I'm not the unluckiest one after all.
-
Honey, events like the teacher qualification exams do happen, but these sudden price gouges are unacceptable. If you have proof, you can report it on the 'Zheli Ban' app or use the official complaint channels. Xiaohongshu probably has tutorials on this.
-
Actually, I wasn't overcharged in the end because I stood my ground and fought for my rights. So, I don't have evidence to report them for that. However, they retaliated by not giving me the correct room (please see Part 2 for more on that).
-
It's best to book legitimate hotels. While there are some larger, reputable guesthouses, small private ones often don't live up to their descriptions – take it from someone who's been burned before (not in Hangzhou, but elsewhere). Now, I always book proper hotels, no matter the cost.
-
Definitely next time. The issue this time was that HXG (the event organizer) released the tickets too late.
-
It wasn't even a holiday; room prices nearby skyrocketed solely because of the CP event. And honestly, the rooms were nowhere near worth what they charged. This is something that definitely needs tighter control.
-
There's more to this story, please see Part 2 (FYI, the OP isn't a pushover – those who deserved it have already faced the consequences).
-
Exactly! Problems should be addressed. I hope it's organized much better next time.
-
Honey, I actually live near the convention center and I've never even heard of these places you stayed at, which just shows how shady they must be. Next time, try booking a chain hotel like Hanting Inn for a few potential dates in advance (there are some near the venue), and then cancel the unnecessary ones once the event dates are set, haha! Also, for taxi scams or check-out disputes, don't hesitate to call the police or a consumer hotline; they usually resolve things quickly.
-
I snagged my tickets on the 15th, booked a room on the morning of the 16th, and got to Hangzhou that same afternoon. For events like CP31, honey, most people book hotels super early. My original booking was cancelled, and since I heard CP tickets were tough to get, I waited until I had my ticket to book a room. By then, almost everything was already taken.
-
Definitely stick to booking legitimate hotels.
-
Next time for sure. Lesson learned the hard way.
-
The Grand Convention Center is quite remote, so it's mostly surrounded by countryside. The places they call 'hotels' there are often just unlicensed rural guesthouses or private B&Bs, and they seem to operate with impunity. I'd really advise sticking to chain hotels or bigger, more reputable establishments.
-
'Operate with impunity' – OMG, that's spot on!
-
Do ride-hailing apps have a base fare too? I thought only regular street-hailed taxis had that.
-
Yes, that's what it shows on the app.