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British Tourist Outraged by HP Sauce Charge in Benidorm, Sparks Social Media Debate
A British holidaymaker has ignited a social media firestorm after expressing indignation over being charged a €1 fee for two sachets of HP sauce at a Benidorm bar, deemed by some as an exorbitant cost. The tourist, vacationing in the popular Spanish coastal destination with family, stopped at The 4 Kings bar on Avenida Mediterraneo for breakfast when the unexpected charge appeared on their bill, leading to online mockery and varied reactions.
Breakfast Bill Controversy at Benidorm Bar
The visitor, seeking a relaxed breakfast experience, was taken aback when the final bill included an additional euro for the condiment. The surcharge of 50 cents per sachet of HP sauce prompted the disgruntled tourist to voice her displeasure on a local Benidorm Facebook group.
Accompanying a photograph of the bill alongside the sauce sachets, the tourist posted: “Be warned if you’re having breakfast here, €1 for two HP sachets, total rip off.”
The order, comprising two ‘jumbo’ breakfasts, a jug of orange juice, one coffee, and the two brown sauce sachets, totalled €15.90. However, it was the sauce charge that became the focal point of online discussion.
Social Media Reacts: Bargain Breakfast or Sauce Surcharge Scandal?
Contrary to the tourist’s complaint, many social media users, predominantly British, defended the Benidorm establishment. They argued that the overall price of the breakfast items represented excellent value, overshadowing the minor condiment charge.
- One commenter stated: “That’s an absolute steal, 2 jumbo breakfasts, juice, coffee, and sauce for €15.90.”
- Another added: “If anything, this might attract more customers to the bar.”
Humorous responses also emerged, with one user joking about losing sleep over the charge and another offering “thoughts and prayers” for the tourist’s predicament.
A regular patron of The 4 Kings commented on their positive experiences: “Always had good food & service at 4 kings … 50 cents isn’t a problem, you pay for branded sauce.”
Broader Context: Tourist Frustrations with Overseas Meal Costs
This incident is not isolated, reflecting a wider trend of tourists expressing frustration regarding meal expenses when traveling abroad. Instances of perceived overcharging have surfaced in other popular tourist destinations.
Past Incidents of High Prices in Tourist Hotspots
In 2023, DK Oyster in Mykonos, Greece, faced numerous complaints from tourists alleging excessive charges for food and beverages. Despite promoting a ‘luxury experience,’ numerous patrons reported receiving surprisingly large bills.
- Honeymooners claimed to have been charged £25 per oyster.
- One couple reported a near £700 bill for drinks, appetizers, and a salad.
Another couple recounted being presented with a staggering bill for a ‘quick snack’ and drinks at the same Mykonos establishment. Alex and Lindsay Breen from Toronto, Canada, on their honeymoon, were charged almost £350 (400 euros) for a beer, a cocktail, and a dozen oysters.
The Breens alleged that the restaurant did not provide a priced menu beforehand and processed their payment in a separate room, rather than at their table. Furthermore, when they requested a bill breakdown, they were shown a computer screen displaying information in Greek.
Spain: Top Destination for Tourist Scams?
Recent reports indicate Spain as a leading location for tourist scams. A study analyzing data from various sources found that over one million holidaymakers have experienced fraudulent activities in Spain within the last five years.
While France, the USA, and Greece are also listed as hotspots for scams, Spain reportedly leads with an estimated 1,054,729 tourists affected by scams in the past five years, highlighting potential concerns for visitors to the European nation.