Gayle's Owner Fears Hotel Tax Increase Will Cut Tourist Dollars

While the Capitola City Council is , the Capitola business community is unsettled at the idea that an increased tax could repel tourists.

Gayle Ortiz, owner of , submitted the following letter to the council asking them not to put the increase on the ballot.

Dear Councilmembers-

As a business person I'm always looking to the council for signs that they support our business community here in Capitola. I think you all do a great job of showing your support in this area. 

It is for this reason I'm asking that you reconsider your vote to support putting a 2% TOT increase on the November ballot. I believe it is not in the best interest of our lodging industry to charge more than any other community in our area. I am sure that visitors weigh those differences when choosing a place to stay. 

And that doesn't just mean dollars lost to the hotel, motel or rental but to all of the other businesses that benefit from visitors staying in Capitola. It is especially hard on those with longer stays, say 4 or 5 days. And those are the ones we want. 

So, please reconsider and decide to align Capitola with the other communities who are advocating the 1% increase. Continue sending the message to our business community that you understand their needs and support them at every opportunity possible. 

Many thanks, 

Gayle Ortiz 
Gayle's Bakery and Rosticceria 

What do you think? Do you check hotel tax rates before booking a room? Are you afraid that a higher hotel tax will drive away tourist dollars? Tell us in the comments!