Think those low hotel rates are too good to be true? Lately I’ve been hearing about clever “hidden” hotel fees. Seems that some properties are  tacking on miscellaneous surcharges at checkout – surprise! Here are 10 reported hotel fees that are sneaky, surprising, or just plain annoying.

1)      Resort Fees – These are daily “catch-all” charges added to your bill for things you might think are complimentary – like access to the fitness center, swimming pool or business center; or extra amenities like beach towels, high-speed Internet service and the “free” newspaper slipped under your door. Resort fees can range from $15 to $40 per day. So what if you don’t use the pool or gym – or read the newspaper? Some meeting planners are requesting a “no resort fee” clause in their hotel contracts.

2)      Supplemental Room Charges – Most common complaint – a surcharge of $1 – $3 a night for use of the in-room safe. Or an extra charge of up to $10 a night for an additional amenity like refrigerator, or a charge for the coffee maker or roll-away bed.

3)      Concierge, bellhop and housekeeping fees –  Don’t stiff the staff – tip appropriately, but watch for additional fees at checkout. Some hotels add an additional $10 – $30 or supplemental daily charge to your bill for these services.

4)      Fitness Center - Want to work out during your meeting or business trip? It will cost you. If not included in the “resort fee” expect to pay anywhere from $10 – $40 a visit.

5)      Grounds keeping – Make sure to stroll the grounds –fees upwards of $3 a night for upkeep of lushly landscaped grounds at some resort properties have been reported.

6)      Towels – Again, use of towels might be included in your resort fee, or you might be expected to fork over a buck or two for one. Remember to return it, or you will be charged $5 or more.

7)       AV Blues – AV fees can really add up. Meeting planners who want to bring in their own AV company are complaining about hotels that charge a fee for not using that property’s in-house service (much like a restaurant charging a corkage fee).

8)      Valet Parking – Some hotels offer self parking (for a fee), but many downtown hotels charge up to $25 a day for mandatory valet parking – and don’t forget to tip!

9)      Room Service – Figure on a charge of up to $30 for a simple American Breakfast (pastries, coffee, juice) from room service. Delivery charges and 18% gratuity usually added on as well.

10)  Mini-bar – Got the late-night munchies? That little snack will cost you, oh, about $5 for a candy bar. Better to run out to a local convenience store. And if you open the door to sneak a peek, don’t touch – sensors might add a restocking charge to your account.

And, a few reports from our own staff:

• A hotel that added 22% service to F&B charges – and then taxed the service charge! Thank goodness meals are included on a cruise.
• Group luggage pull – $2 per bag. No charge for baggage sweep on a ship – it’s standard practice.
• Box or luggage hold fee. Many hotels now charge to store boxes before your meeting or to hold luggage for a few hours after check-out; again, not an issue on a ship.
• My favorite: A “5-star” Miami hotel that charges $30 service fee to fill the hot tub in your guest room – don’t worry, you won’t find a hot tub charge on your cruise account.

Not all hotels are guilty of these sneaky “hidden fees”, but be aware and check your hotel bill or group contract carefully for miscellaneous charges. Demand transparency, especially in regard to resort fees. Many of these items can be negotiated in advance or disputed at checkout.

Want to avoid the whole “hidden fees” issue? Book a cruise! Save big with these budget items included in your cruise rate: Meals in main dining room as well as casual dining and room service, entertainment and shipboard activities, meeting space and AV equipment.

Of course, additional “onboard revenue” charges may appear on your shipboard account, but these are transparent and optional – such as surcharges in specialty restaurants, spa services, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, Internet access, and casino gaming.

Have you encountered any hidden fees – either at checkout or in group contracts? We would love to read your comments.

Filed under: Miscellaneous