Where's the other dollar?

The key to this is to realize the $2 the bellhop kept should not be counted in the total of funds transferred from the men's point of view. From the men's point of view, each man paid $9, and each has $1 in change from the original $10. (3 x $9) + (3 x $1) = ($27) + ($3) = $30

The $2 can only be added to the actual funds transferred. actual price ($25) + bellhop's stolen funds ($2) + the change received ($3) = $30

Karl