Hidden Hotel Fees- Part 2

Just some more ideas to help you save money while staying in hotels:

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. One of the islands in particular that does this is the Bahamas. It always bothered me to send a client to the Atlantis at a premium rate to have them pay an additional $5 per day as an energy surcharge.

Groundskeeping fee: If your resort has acres of lush lawns, gardens or golf courses, look out -- you could be footing the bill in the form of a groundskeeping surcharge. I have personally never seen this but I'm sure it exists.

In-room safe: Some hotels are charging guests $1 - $3 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: Many 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. Believe it or not, many of the less expensive hotels, like the Courtyard by Marriott, include free internet access but the Hyatt resorts charge up to $15 per day for the priviledge of logging on.


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 an "unstocking" fee. If you know you are not going to be using the minibar, just don't even open it.