"raped on rates"....

Let me start by pointing out that I am a touring provider who visits the New York area very frequently. And that I do NOT up-charge my rates on these visits. Actually, I have kept my donation the same as it was when I was exclusively based out of Atlanta.

I can see both sides to the whole NYC rate issue.Yes some do take advantage, but like it or not, hotels in New York ARE more expensive than that of Boston and Chicago. I can pay a third less per night in either of those cities for a larger, nicer room vs what I get in New York. DC hotels can be a bit higher than most cities, but still not on the level of New York.  Now Vegas hotels run just about the same as New York. And like NYC the average donation rate is higher than most other cities and pretty comparable to that of New York. Hummmmm....

As far as visiting providers are concerned, I can see charging a SMALL increase to cover the additional expenses of touring in New York. But I will say that (in my opinion) many providers do increase their donation WELL beyond the extra expenses they are incurring.
I know providers and hobbyist go back and forth on this subject all the time. But sometimes I really don't think that you guys really realize what it cost for us to come and visit your city. Or any city for that matter.

Just so happens that I leave out Monday afternoon for an eight night tour. 4 nights in New York followed by 4 nights in Vegas. To give you a bit of insight I thought I'd share my expenses for this trip with you. And to be clear, I'm not refering to things like getting my nails/hair done or buying 'supplies' as expenses.

**8 night tour - 4 nights NYC/4 nights Vegas.**
$2960.65 - combined hotel accommodations for 8 nights
$531 - combined air fare (3 legs)
$100 - airport parking
$136 - 8 nights of boarding for my dog
$150 - approx fee for taxicabs to and from the airport as well as outcalls (most likely more)
$96 - internet access fee for 8 night hotel stay
$200 - visiting ad on EROS for both cities
---------
$4173.65 for an 8 night visit (core expenses only)!!!!

And just to be clear, I'm not bitching about what things cost or trying to say that providers really don't make that much money. But instead point out that we do have legitimate expenses. That it's not just pure profit. And that every provider out there is not trying to take you for all that you are worth.
-Amanda )