11 Unexpected Hotel Fees

So, you’ve gone to the trouble of searching and re-searching and have found yourself a great hotel at a great rate. You book it. You’re pleased. Then later – upon cancellation or upon arrival – you learn about some of the crazy add-on fees this hotel charges. Now you feel like you’ve ‘been had’. It’s disappointing, but the practice of squeezing more money out of hotel guests appears to be growing. Here are the unexpected, hidden hotel fees you need to be aware of.

1. Room add-on fees

These fees include things like resort fees, city tax fees or even processing fees. You may also find that third-party reservation sites through opaque sites (like Priceline), tack on fees. Those fees are often not shown but may be there. Be sure to read the fine print before booking the online reservation and at check-in ask what additional fees will be tacked onto the room rate.

2. Parking fees

It’s standard that underground, attended parking lots are charged on a per-night basis, but what about the hotel that’s suburban with a huge lot and no security attendant. In past, parking in that type of lot was free. Now, hotels are beginning to charge fees for those too. If you are a hotel loyalty member or have booked a package deal, that parking could be included. Also check the area to find out if free or cheaper parking is available nearby.

3. Hotel cancellation fees

You used to be able to cancel a hotel reservation 24 hours in advance without penalty and sometimes cancellations before 6pm on the day of were fine too. Well, that’s changing. Hotels now may opt to charge the fee for cancellation 48 or more hours prior to check in. Again, read the fine print before reserving.

4. Early check-in fees

In the past, hotels enabled check-in to your room prior to the posted check-in time. They did it as a courtesy as long as the room had been cleaned. There’s a growing trend now to charge an early-arrival fee even if you arrive only a couple of hours ahead of time.  When this happens, ask to store your bags with the desk and come back later. Most hotels will store bags for free, however, be sure to ask if there is an additional charge for that service.

5. WiFi fees

Thankfully, WiFi is one fee that used to be a standard charge and is now becoming a free inclusion. If it isn’t included, loyalty members can often request and receive it. Another option is to use your cell phone to create a wifi hotspot by tethering your phone to electronics. Though, be cautious of extra data charges with your cell provider. One more option is to go to public areas of the hotel (the lobby, the restaurant or bar) to find out if the service is free there.

6. In-room safe fees

It’s important to use an in-room safe when traveling with computers and tablets or with extra cash or to safely store your passport and other pieces of identification. When you’re out of your room, most any employee or even previous guests can get into your room. Traditionally, using the safe was free but that may no longer be true. Read labels on or near the safe that notify you of an added charge.

7. Cleaning fees, housekeeping fees

Leaving a gratuity for cleaning staff is a common practice but it’s always been an option, not a requirement. However, some hotels are tacking the cleaning fee directly onto your final room bill. I just hope the cleaning staff actually get that extra money! And if that happens, make sure you haven’t left a second tip inside the room.

8. Local calls and phone fees

Thankfully, this is becoming less common as we carry mobile phones. At check-out, review the line items to make sure you haven’t been charged for calls made by the previous guest. Once in Rio de Janeiro, my final hotel bill included pages and pages of extra local calls. The desk clerk was good about removing them, but as a first-time business traveler, the incident left me embarrassed and rattled.

9. Minibar fees

Don’t use mini bars unless you’re willing to pay the price. Be cautious of even moving items around in a bar fridge. Some suggest not even opening the refrigerator as it may result in extra charges. If you want a soda or water, use the pop machine in the public spaces. Or just buy snacks ahead of time then fill the room’s ice bucket with ice from the hall’s machine and keep snacks there.

10. Pool and spa towel fees

To avoid these, it’s a good idea to take your room towel to the pool with you. If you see towels are free there, then you can pick up a dry one on your way back to your room.

11. Early departure fees

You reserved the room until Thursday, but now need to check out on Tuesday. That could cost you!

The best ways to avoid these unexpected hotel fees is to thoroughly read the fine print before reserving. Another good habit is to join the hotel’s loyalty program. Even if you stay in that hotel once, joining their program can help avoid extra fees and can score you a better room or better chance for an upgraded room. Once while checking into a Westin, I showed my loyalty card and they said ‘congratulations, you’re the guest of the day. You get free wifi and free breakfast both days you’re here’. Now, I don’t really know if they had oodles of other ‘guests of the day’, but I was happy to enjoy the free perks they gave me because I showed my loyalty card.

If you’re unsuccessful in avoiding the extra hotel fees and feel they’re excessive and unfair, you can always resort to social media to vent your displeasure. Sometimes a polite public shaming will result in extra points added to your loyalty program or a public apology or a freebie next time.