The Lunacy Of The $23.66 Hamburger...or... The Lunch That Ate My Wallet!

On Friday, I enjoyed a morning full of information and motivation at the Craig Proctor Superconference at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes Resort in Orlando, Florida. Even though I was worried about my Dad, who had suffered a heart attack the previous day, the day was otherwise positive.

Lunch time came about, and we headed down to a small restaurant by the pool. I hadn't wanted to carry my wallet all day, so I had tucked a twenty dollar bill in my business card case. After all, I reasoned, lunch couldn't POSSIBLY run any more than that.

We sat down and I checked the menu. Now, I'm not ignorant to hotel prices, especially resort hotels where these conferences are held. I'm used to routinely spending $12-15 on a box lunch or other fare. When I saw that a hamburger was on the menu for $15.00, I figured it would fit nicely. I ordered a Dr. Pepper to go with it.

My friends and I enjoyed some light conversation, and after some time, my hamburger was delivered. It had crispy bacon, and french fries. I ate it and felt that, while it wasn't the best I'd had, it did hit the spot.

After a bit more conversation, the check was delivered. I stared down in disbelief. The total was $23.66!!

Many thoughts flashed through my mind, but they all collided against one, HUGE, over-riding thought. How in the (WORLD) could a hamburger cost more than twenty dollars???

I made two observations. First, my Dr. Pepper, which was refilled twice (probably because the cup was so small), cost four dollars. It was about the size of a McDonald's small soft drink. Second, an 18% gratuity was added to my bill automatically "for my convenience".

I was incensed. I was outraged. I was about to toss my twenty dollar bill on the table and walk off, but I couldn't quite make myself do it.

I finally borrowed the extra money from my friend Patrick and paid the bill. The server asked if I wanted my change back, and I managed to keep a sharp retort in check as I answered in the affirmative. I was wondering where the rest of the cow was that I had paid for ;-)

I may be speaking from my middle class upbringing, or the fact that I try to live by a budget, but under NO CIRCUMSTANCES can I see a bacon cheeseburger and fries being $23.66. If I wanted to spend that much money, I'd be expecting a steak. Needless to say, the Marriott rubbed me the wrong way completely. When I hold my seminars and training events at hotels as I've done in the past, I may not consider the Marriott any more. That's unfortunate, as the Marriott was my hotel of choice. It's interesting how things like that can change one's perspective, whether warranted or not.

As a side note, I went to McDonalds the next day for lunch. I had their Angus 1/3rd pound burger with bacon. It tasted at least as good, I refilled my Dr. Pepper two times (in a large cup, thank you), and I paid about six bucks. Balance was restored - for now.