Hotel surcharges: From free to fee
Some hotels now charge guests for having their room cleaned or their luggage transported by a bellhop. To avoid the fees, decline daily housekeeping service -- requesting a change of towels only every few days -- and carry your own bags. Credit: iStock
When it comes to fees and surcharges, hotels have taken a page from the airline industry. U.S. hotels earned $1.7 billion from such charges in 2010, according to a study by Bjorn Hanson, chairman of the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management at New York University.
Travelers may not know about extra fees until they appear on the bill at checkout. To avoid them, read the fine print on all written material -- it is much easier to request a fee waiver before your trip than it is to dispute one after the fact. Before booking a room, even online, call the hotel to ask about any fees -- and whether you can opt out. Here are a few of the more common fees cropping up at hotels:
RESORT These cover usage of swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis courts and other facilities or amenities, usually at hotels with "resort" in their title. These fees are seldom waived, even if you don't use any of the extra facilities or amenities. Parking and valet charges also are common add-ons at hotels.
HOUSEKEEPING/BELLHOP Some hotels now charge guests for having their room cleaned or their luggage transported by a bellhop. To avoid the fees, decline daily housekeeping service -- requesting a change of towels only every few days -- and carry your own bags.
ROOM SERVICE In addition to the cost of food, you may pay an automatic gratuity (up to 20 percent) and a delivery and tray fee.
BOTTLED WATER If you don't see a sign that says "complimentary," assume you will be charged for drinking the water. Five-star hotels charge as much as $8 a bottle. Also, the minibar restocking fees can give you sticker shock.
LUGGAGE STORAGE Storing bags before checking in or after checking out can cost $2.50 to $5.
INTERNET Using Wi-Fi or a hookup in your room can cost $10 to $25 a day. Some hotels charge by device, not by room, so using the Internet on your laptop and your iPad could cost you double.
ENERGY SURCHARGE This charge is billed to cover energy use -- from turning on lights to running the heater. It's especially popular in hot-weather states, where air- conditioners are a must.
