10 surprising hotel fees and how to avoid them

Experts reveal that hidden fees can quickly inflate your bill, leading to unexpected expenses…

Ski Vertigo, a leading travel expert, provided ten surprising hotel fees, how they add up, and practical strategies to avoid them. By being aware of these hidden charges and knowing how to avoid them, you can save a significant amount on your next hotel stay.

Resort Fees

Resort fees are mandatory charges that cover various amenities such as pools, gyms, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even local phone calls. These fees are often not included in the initial booking price, making the room seem cheaper than it actually is.

• Amount: £20-£50 per night.
• Why It’s Surprising: These fees are sometimes buried in the fine print and not mentioned until you’re checking out.
• Avoidance: Look for hotels that clearly state “no resort fees” or inquire about all-inclusive packages that cover all amenities. Additionally, read the fine print on booking websites to see if these fees are listed separately. Booking through travel websites that disclose all fees upfront can also help.

Parking Fees

In busy urban areas or resorts, hotels often charge for parking, whether valet or self-parking. This can add a significant cost to your stay, especially in cities where parking rates are high.

• Amount: £10-£40 per night.
• Why It’s Surprising: Guests often assume parking is included, especially in suburban or rural locations.
• Avoidance: Seek out hotels offering free parking, or consider using public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid the need for a car. Some hotels might have nearby free or cheaper parking options. Inquire about parking fees during booking, and compare overall costs with other nearby accommodations.

Wi-Fi Fees

Despite advertising free Wi-Fi, some hotels charge for in-room internet access, especially if you require a faster connection or access for multiple devices.

• Amount: £5-£15 per day.
• Why It’s Surprising: Wi-Fi is often expected to be free, especially in the age of digital connectivity.
• Avoidance: Join the hotel’s loyalty programme, which often includes free Wi-Fi as a member benefit. Alternatively, use your mobile phone as a hotspot if your data plan allows it. Check if free Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the hotel, such as the lobby or restaurant.

Early Check-In and Late Check-Out Fees

Arriving at the hotel before the designated check-in time or wanting to stay a bit longer after the check-out time can incur additional charges.

• Amount: £10-£50.
• Why It’s Surprising: Guests may not realise that arriving a few hours early or leaving late can cost extra.
• Avoidance: Confirm the check-in and check-out times when booking and plan your travel accordingly. Some loyalty programmes or direct bookings offer flexible check-in/out times, or you can request these times in advance and confirm if there are any associated fees. If you have a tight schedule, ask the hotel if they offer complimentary baggage storage instead.

Mini-Bar and Snack Fees

Items in the mini-bar are notoriously overpriced, and some hotels have sensors that detect when items are moved, potentially charging you even if you don’t consume them.

• Amount: £2-£10 per item.
• Why It’s Surprising: The convenience of the mini-bar can make it easy to overlook the high prices.
• Avoidance: Avoid using the mini-bar altogether. Bring your own snacks and drinks, or purchase them from a nearby convenience store. Check if the mini-bar can be locked or if you can request its contents be removed to avoid accidental charges.

Room Service Fees

Ordering food to your room often comes with delivery charges, service fees, and automatic gratuities on top of the already high menu prices.

• Amount: £5-£15 per order plus gratuity.
• Why It’s Surprising: The allure of room service can mask the multiple fees associated with it.
• Avoidance: Use food delivery apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash, which often have lower fees and a wider variety of dining options. Alternatively, explore local restaurants within walking distance. If you must use room service, check the full breakdown of fees before ordering.

Housekeeping Gratuities

Some hotels automatically add housekeeping gratuities to your bill, which might come as a surprise at checkout.

• Amount: £1-£5 per night.
• Why It’s Surprising: Many guests assume tipping is at their discretion.
• Avoidance: Check your bill for these charges and, if you prefer, tip housekeeping directly in cash. You can also request minimal housekeeping services during your stay to reduce or eliminate this fee. Inquire about housekeeping gratuities at check-in to understand the hotel’s policy.

Baggage Holding Fees

If you need to store your luggage before check-in or after check-out, some hotels charge for this service.

• Amount: £1-£5 per bag.
• Why It’s Surprising: Many guests expect this service to be complimentary.
• Avoidance: Ask about this service when booking and seek hotels that offer free baggage storage. Sometimes a polite request to the front desk staff can result in the fee being waived. If not, plan your travel schedule to minimise the need for baggage storage.

Business Centre Fees

Using the hotel’s business centre for printing, faxing, or computer access can come with high fees, often charged per page or per minute.

• Amount: £1-£5 per page.
• Why It’s Surprising: The convenience of a business centre can overshadow the cost until the bill arrives.
• Avoidance: Use online services to print documents or visit nearby office supply stores that offer printing and faxing at lower rates. Bring your own laptop to avoid using the hotel’s computers. If you need to print something, ask the front desk if they can do it for you at a lower cost.

Cancellation Fees

Non-refundable bookings can lead to hefty fees if your travel plans change unexpectedly. These fees are particularly high during peak seasons or special events.

• Amount: One night’s stay or more.
• Why It’s Surprising: Travel plans can change, and guests often overlook the fine print regarding cancellations.
• Avoidance: Opt for flexible booking options even if they cost slightly more upfront. Read the cancellation policy carefully before booking, and consider travel insurance to cover unexpected changes. If you need to cancel, do so as early as possible to minimise fees.

Tips to Avoid Hotel Fees

1. Read the Fine Print: Always review the hotel’s policies and fine print for hidden fees. Understanding the terms and conditions before booking can save you from surprises at checkout.
2. Book Directly: Sometimes booking directly with the hotel can provide better rates and fee waivers. Hotels often have best rate guarantees and might offer additional perks for direct bookings.
3. Use Credit Card Perks: Some credit cards offer travel benefits, including fee reimbursements for things like Wi-Fi, resort fees, and even late check-out. Check your credit card’s travel benefits and use them to offset hotel fees.
4. Loyalty Programmes: Joining hotel loyalty programmes can lead to waived fees and additional perks such as free breakfast, room upgrades, and more. Even if you don’t stay at the same hotel chain frequently, it’s worth signing up.
5. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to call the hotel and ask about any potential fees not listed online. A quick phone call can clarify what to expect and sometimes result in fee waivers or upgrades. Always confirm details verbally and in writing to avoid misunderstandings.