When a Pre-Arrival Email Reads Like a Penalty Notice

I've just received a pre-arrival communication from a brand-new luxury property. It begins: "Please note that our standard check-in time is from 3 pm. Should you wish to guarantee an earlier arrival before 9 am, pre-registration is required, and a full night's room charge will apply."

The email continues in this vein for two paragraphs. Half-day charges. Full-night penalties. Warnings about departure times. An invitation, buried at the end, to contact reservations "should you wish to arrange early arrival or late departure," followed by assurances they'll be "pleased to assist in ensuring your stay is as comfortable and seamless as possible."

Nothing says welcome quite like a list of fees.