Hidden Hotel Fees (part 3)

Don't be surprised when your hotel bill reflects a higher rate than you anticipated.
Here are some other "surprise fees" that can appear on your bill.

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. If you are near a post office or a mail boxes/shipping store, it may be more cost effective to just drop the package off.

Parking: Mandatory valet parking can easily add $25 a day onto the cost of your downtown hotel -- and don't forget the tip. Ask if there is free self parking. You may have to walk a bit and possibly get wet if it rains but could save you a bundle.

Resort fee: This ubiquitous surcharge generally runs between $10 and $25 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. This is extremely common in Hawaii and will tend to include "free self parking", bottles of water, newspaper delivery and, if you are lucky, free internet access. On our last visit, one resort didn't have a resort fee but charged $15 for self parking. The other had an $18 resort fee but included self parking. Be sure to read what the resort fees include before you book.

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. Energy surcharges are my biggest pet peeve.

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. Check with your cell phone carrier on charges made from your destination. It may be less than using the hotel room phone. Palace Resorts in Mexico, in particular, include free 800 # calls and calls back to the US. That's a nice perk.

Towels: An extra towel at the pool could cost you an extra buck or two, particularly if you bring it back to your room with you. For me, it is easier for me to spot my towel if I bring one from home. A blue and red towel amidst a sea of beige makes it so much easier to find my lounge chair.

Tips for Avoiding 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. For example, we tried booking a stay at the Westin St. John Resort and Villas on Hotels.com, Travelocity and Expedia. All three sites collected taxes and "service fees" (note that these are charged not by the hotel but by the booking sites), but it wasn't until we visited the Westin's Web site that we discovered the resort also charges a $40 resort fee per night. The moral of the story? No matter where you finally book your stay, be sure to check multiple sources for a better idea of what fees may apply.

Ask Ahead of Time
You can find some information online, but often your best bet is simply to pick up the phone. Call the hotel and ask what 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.

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 Checkout
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 checkout that weren't disclosed to you in writing, point them out to the hotel staff and ask them to be removed.