Buzz
In the past, the price displayed for a hotel room was typically the final amount you paid, and any additional charges added to your bill at the end of your stay were rare. Nowadays, concealed hotel fees have become standard practice. What initially appears to be a fantastic deal might end up costing significantly more than expected when you’re billed for essential services and amenities you assumed were included. To prevent an unwelcome shock at check-out, investigate these typical hidden charges before organizing your next getaway.
1. RESORT FEE
man settling payment at the hotel reception | iStockResort fees are among the most deceptive tactics hotels use to increase costs for guests. Here’s the scenario: You find a room listed for a fixed rate—say, $150 per night—on a booking platform or a hotel’s website, and you book it because it fits your budget. However, upon arrival, you’re hit with an additional $50 per night. Historically, resort fees were only applied by actual resorts to maintain high-cost amenities like gyms and tennis courts. Today, even budget hotels add these fees to cover basic (and often unnecessary) services such as Wi-Fi, newspapers, phone calls, and faxes. These fees can range from a few dollars to as much as $65 per night. To avoid surprises, carefully review the fine print before booking, as these charges are frequently excluded from the initial total.
2. EXTRA PERSON FEE
two women entering a hotel room with luggage | iStockAdding an extra guest to your hotel stay can quickly increase the room’s cost. If a room is designed for two people, having a third adult might result in an extra charge of $20 to $50 per night. (Children, however, often stay for free.) To ensure an accurate price, always specify the exact number of guests when booking. If you’re considering sneaking someone in, be prepared for a potential surprise fee if discovered.
3. WI-FI FEE
woman sipping from a cup while using a laptop on a hotel bed | iStockIf you’re traveling for business or can’t imagine a day without streaming, confirm that Wi-Fi is included in your hotel room rate before booking. While many hotels provide free Wi-Fi, some well-known chains and upscale accommodations charge as much as $20 per night for internet access. Review the hotel’s Wi-Fi policy beforehand, or if you’re looking to save money, be ready to disconnect during your stay.
4. PARKING FEE
vehicles parked in a lot | iStockPlanning to bring your car to the hotel? Be prepared for potentially steep parking costs. In major cities, some hotels only offer valet parking, which can exceed $75 per night. Others impose a mandatory parking fee on all guests, regardless of whether they use the parking facilities. If you notice a charge for parking you didn’t use, request its removal from your bill. To save money, consider using a nearby public parking garage instead of the hotel’s lot.
5. EARLY CHECK-IN/EARLY CHECK-OUT FEES
couple checking in at the hotel reception desk | iStockArriving at your hotel before the designated check-in time—even if your room is available—could result in a fee as high as $50. While this charge can be avoided by waiting until the official check-in time, early check-out fees are more complicated. If you need to leave your stay a day earlier than planned, you might be charged anywhere from $50 to the price of an entire night.
6. SAFE FEE
hotel room safe | iStockHotel room safes are a common feature that many guests seldom use. However, even if you never open the safe during your stay, some hotels may still charge you simply for having one in your room. At certain budget hotels, this fee might be as low as $1.50—small enough to go unnoticed on your final bill. If you spot a safe fee on your invoice, don’t hesitate to challenge it. While proving you didn’t use the safe can be difficult, it’s wise to inquire about potential safe fees when booking your stay.
7. PET FEE
dog resting on a bed | iStockEven if you find a pet-friendly hotel, your budget-friendly trip with your furry companion might still face unexpected costs. Some hotels impose a flat “cleaning” fee of $50 to $100 for pets, regardless of whether they cause any mess. Others charge a nightly rate, typically ranging from $10 to $25. On the bright side, many hotels cater to pet owners by eliminating these fees and even providing pet beds and treats.
8. COFFEE MAKER FEE
hands pouring a cup of coffee | iStockWhile you might assume that complimentary morning coffee is a basic hotel amenity, some establishments add a hidden charge for it. Certain hotels now impose a small fee for using the in-room coffee makers. If you spot a “coffee-maker fee” on your bill, it’s wiser to seek out free coffee in the hotel lobby instead.
