You Get What You Pay For….Or Do You: Looking Out For Hidden Hotel Fees

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

My husband and I are huge road warriors taking to the open road as we travel, mostly by car to where we want to go. And, while were fine about finding an impromptu place to lay our heads down for a few hours at night, we’re and always have been, about the “luxury” sans the cost. And, while logically we know we won’t be spending “that” much time in our room we prefer a room with a nice “view”, both inside and out.

But, when it comes to accommodating our tastes, find accommodations that are, well, accommodating, most of us wind up more than we have to (according to experts), primarily in surcharges. These are those unexpected feed for things you never though of factoring in., and they include everything from making a phone call to sending or receiving a parcel or package. In fact, these extra charges are among the key ways hotels make a profit.

According to statistics, last year alone, hotels in the U.S. took in over 1.6 billion dollars in surcharge fees. And, they’re now devising new and more innovative ways to add extra charges as well, so YOU will need to know what to look and look out for.

Keep an eye on taxes, which is one of the ways to calculate the actual cost of the hotel. Remember, no estimated cost per room includes taxes, it’s an amount you’ll have to ask about and factor in for a fair assessment of true costs in total. Make sure you know what the tax rate is for the area you’re traveling to, since they “do” vary. And, don’t forget about individual fees charged by the hotels. Plan for these by calling ahead and asking. Watch out for “resort fees”, which suggests an extra charge for simply being “high quality” than other hotels in the area and can mean an extra $25 to 50 (possibly even an extra fee per night)

Some facilities, are making a conscious effort to let prospective guests know about feed and total costs (including taxes and “resort fees”) up front so that there are not surprises, while others also factor in the additional fees (surcharges) and costs and present them up front as well.

If however you do see extra costs and fees on your bill make sure to immediately bring it to the attention of the staff (or manager) at the front desk, it may simply be a matter of having them either correct your bill or having them explain it to you. If however charges are dismissed as simply mandatory, but without adequate breakdown and explanation, you have grounds to dispute and taking the issue up with the hotel company.

Long Island Travel & Leisure Articles > You Get What You Pay For….Or Do You: Looking Out For Hidden Hotel Fees