The Most Common Fees:
Airport shuttle: Before you assume that the shuttle from the airport to your hotel is free, be sure to ask; some hotels are starting to charge a fee for this usually complimentary service.
Bellhop/housekeeper gratuities: Sometimes called a service charge or service fee, this expense may be charged per day or per stay, and it covers gratuities for bellhops and housekeeping staff. Look out for this charge particularly if you're traveling with a convention or large group.
Bottled water and snacks: Think twice before touching that "complimentary" bottle of water that the hotel has left on your desk. It could cost you upwards of $5. Same for for fruit plates, cookies or other munchies. If in doubt, call down to the front desk before indulging.
Cancellation: Before assuming that you can cancel your reservation a day or two before you arrive, read your hotel's cancellation policy carefully. You may be penalized the price of a night's stay (or more).
Checking in and out: Have your travel plans changed? Some hotels will charge you a fee for checking in early or checking out late.
Energy surcharge: In an effort to pass rising energy costs on to consumers, many hotels now tack an energy surcharge of several dollars a day onto their guests' bills.
Groundskeeping fee: If your resort has acres of lush lawns, gardens or golf courses, you could be footing the bill in the form of a groundskeeping surcharge.
In-room safe: Some hotels are charging guests just for the privilege of having a safe in their room, even if it's never opened. The fee supposedly covers both the cost of the safe and insurance for its contents.
Internet: Most hotels, particularly those serving business travelers, offer high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi services. Costs vary widely; while many hotels offer complimentary Internet access, others charge per minute or per day, so be sure to ask before logging on. Also, note that some hotels charge for Wi-Fi by device, not by room.
Luggage holding: Need your hotel to store your bags for a few hours after you check out? At certain hotels, you'll have to pay a few bucks for the privilege.
Minibars: There are a number of different fees associated with minibars -- even if you never eat or drink any of the goodies inside. Picking up an item and putting it back can trigger the minibar's sensors, immediately adding the price of the item to your bill. On sensitive machines, even jostling minibar items as you add your own food to the fridge can incur a charge. And if you try to avoid the hassle entirely by calling ahead and asking the minibar to be emptied before your arrival, beware you could be charged a "restocking" fee.
Packages: Some hotels charge $1 to $25 to mail packages for their guests, with similar fees for receiving packages. These fees may vary based on the size or number of packages.
Resort fee: This ubiquitous surcharge runs anywhere from $10 to $60 per day and can cover a wide variety of services and amenities, such as a business center, a pool, a gym, daily newspaper delivery, housekeeping or "free" local calls. Even if you don't use any of these services, you'll still get stuck with the tab.
Taxes and other local charges: Taxes are no huge surprise to most travelers, but what about concessionary fees to pay for local building projects or tourism marketing efforts? Hotels often pass these mandatory charges straight from the local government to you.
Telephone: Before picking up the receiver, study your hotel's list of telephone charges carefully. Some hotels charge for local and toll-free calls, while others do not. You may occasionally be charged simply for dialing, even if your call is never connected.
Towels: An extra towel at the pool could cost you an extra dollar or two, particularly if you bring it back to your room with you.
Tips for Avoiding Hotel Fees:
Do Your Research
Beyond taxes, it can be difficult to figure out which fees will be charged at a particular hotel or resort before you book. Most of the fees listed above aren't listed on hotel booking sites in your final breakdown of charges.
Ask Ahead of Time
Call the hotel and ask which fees will apply to your stay -- and whether any of them can be waived ahead of time. Keep in mind that fees can vary within the same chain, so it's best to dial the individual property directly instead of calling the 800 reservations number. Write down the names of any staff members you speak with and which fees they agree to waive.
Don't Tip Twice
Before you leave a tip for your housekeeper, make sure the hotel isn't already charging you a housekeeping gratuity fee. If it is, you can skip the additional tip or ask for the fee to be removed so that you can tip at your own discretion.
Stock Up
Bring your own snacks and bottled water to help yourself resist the lure of the minibar or the edible "gifts" the hotel leaves on your desk.
When in Doubt, Ask
During your stay, don't take anything for granted. Before using the gym or taking an extra towel at the pool, ask if a fee applies.
Join a Loyalty Program
Some hotels offer special perks including waived fees to members of their loyalty programs.
Use Your Cell Phone
Hotel telephone charges can be confusing and pricey, so avoid the hassle entirely by using your own cell phone.
Allow Plenty of Time at Check-Out
Many travelers are in such a hurry to leave their hotel that they sign and pay their bill without looking it over and that's just what hotels are counting on. Allow yourself plenty of time to survey the charges and dispute any that seem unfair. You'll have a much better chance of getting them removed from your bill if you negotiate before you sign on the dotted line.
Know Your Rights
Federal law requires that all hotel fees be clearly disclosed. This usually happens in the fine print so read the terms and conditions of your reservations agreement carefully. If you discover fees at check-out that weren't disclosed to you in writing, point them out to the hotel staff and ask them to be removed.
Best way to avoid unexcepted hotel fees and extra charges is to have your travel agent handle your reservations. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
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