Hotel Hidden Fees Exposed: What They Don't Tell You Until Checkout

You book a hotel for $150 per night, but checkout reveals a bill for $220. What happened? Hidden fees—those sneaky charges hotels add that aren't included in the advertised rate. Resort fees, parking fees, WiFi charges, and more can add 30-50% to your total cost. Here's everything you need to know about hotel fees, which ones you can avoid, and which ones you're stuck paying.

The Big Offenders: Common Hidden Fees

Resort Fees (The Worst Offender)

**What it is:** A mandatory daily fee ($20-50) supposedly covering amenities like pool access, gym, WiFi, and newspapers.

**The problem:** These amenities should be included in the room rate. Hotels use resort fees to advertise lower rates while hiding the true cost.

• Elite status sometimes waives it

• Booking through certain channels may include it

• Complaining loudly sometimes gets it removed

• Some states are banning mandatory resort fees

**My take:** Resort fees are a scam. They're designed to deceive customers about the true price. Always add the resort fee to the advertised rate when comparing hotels.

Parking Fees

**What it is:** Daily charge for parking ($15-60 in cities, $10-30 in suburbs).

• Self-parking: You park your own car

• Valet parking: Hotel parks your car (more expensive)

• Overnight parking: Flat fee per night

• In-and-out privileges: Can you leave and return?

• Stay at hotels with free parking (common in suburbs)

• Use public transit and don't rent a car

• Park at nearby public lots (sometimes cheaper)

• Elite status sometimes includes free parking

**My take:** Parking fees are somewhat justified in expensive urban areas where land is costly. But $50/night is excessive. Factor this into your hotel choice.

WiFi Fees

**What it is:** Charge for internet access ($10-20/day).

**The scam:** Basic WiFi is often free, but "premium" WiFi costs extra. The difference is usually minimal.

• Join the loyalty program (free WiFi for members)

• Elite status always includes free WiFi

• Ask at check-in—sometimes they'll waive it

• Use your phone's hotspot instead

**My take:** Charging for WiFi in 2026 is ridiculous. It's a basic necessity. Most hotels now include it free for loyalty members.

Early Check-In / Late Checkout Fees

**What it is:** Charge for checking in before 3 PM or checking out after noon ($25-100).

• Ask nicely—often granted free based on availability

• Elite status usually includes late checkout

• Book a rate that includes flexible check-in/out

• Explain you have a late flight—hotels are often sympathetic

**My take:** These fees are reasonable if the hotel is busy, but they should be waived when occupancy is low. Always ask before paying.

Minibar Fees

**What it is:** Overpriced snacks and drinks in your room ($5 for a candy bar, $10 for a beer).

**The trap:** Some hotels have sensors that charge you if you move items, even if you don't consume them.

• Don't touch anything in the minibar

• If you do move something, put it back immediately

• Check your bill carefully—dispute charges if you didn't consume items

• Bring your own snacks and drinks

**My take:** Minibar prices are absurd. A $2 candy bar costs $6. Just walk to a nearby store or order delivery.

Phone Call Fees

**What it is:** Charges for using the room phone ($1-5 per call, plus per-minute charges).

• Use your cell phone instead

• Use hotel WiFi for video calls

• If you must use the room phone, ask about charges first

**My take:** With cell phones, there's no reason to use the room phone. These fees are a relic of the past.

Safe Fees

**What it is:** Charge for using the in-room safe ($2-5/day).

• Don't use the safe

• Ask if it's complimentary (often is)

• Elite status sometimes includes free safe use

**My take:** Charging for a safe is petty. Most hotels include it free now.

Fitness Center Fees

**What it is:** Charge for using the hotel gym ($10-25/day).

• Stay at hotels with free gym access (most do now)

• Elite status always includes free gym

• Ask if it's complimentary—often is

**My take:** Gyms should be free. This fee is becoming rare as hotels realize it's bad for business.

Pool/Beach Access Fees

**What it is:** Charge for using the pool or beach ($10-50/day at resorts).

• Usually included in resort fee

• Sometimes waived for hotel guests

• Elite status may include free access

**My take:** If you're staying at a beach resort, pool/beach access should be included. This is often bundled into the resort fee.

Housekeeping Fees

**What it is:** Daily charge for room cleaning ($5-15/day).

**The trend:** Some hotels now charge for daily housekeeping or make it opt-in.

• Decline daily housekeeping (many hotels now offer this)

• Request cleaning every other day

• Elite status usually includes daily housekeeping

**My take:** Housekeeping should be included. Hotels are trying to cut costs while maintaining prices.

Luggage Storage Fees

**What it is:** Charge for storing bags before check-in or after checkout ($5-10/bag).

• Most hotels offer free luggage storage

• If they charge, use a luggage storage service nearby

• Elite status usually includes free storage

**My take:** Luggage storage should be free. It's a basic courtesy.

Pet Fees

**What it is:** Charge for bringing pets ($50-150 per stay, sometimes per night).

• Stay at pet-friendly hotels with no fees (rare)

• Service animals are always free (legally required)

• Some hotels waive fees for small pets

**My take:** Pet fees are reasonable given the extra cleaning required. But $150 is excessive.

Smoking Fees

**What it is:** Charge if you smoke in a non-smoking room ($200-500).

• Don't smoke in the room

• Request a smoking room if available

• Smoke outside in designated areas

**My take:** This fee is justified. Smoke smell is hard to remove and affects future guests.

How to Avoid Hidden Fees

Before Booking

**1. Read the fine print** Look for "additional fees may apply" or "resort fee" in the booking details. The total price should include all mandatory fees.

**2. Call the hotel directly** Ask: "What is the total price including all fees?" Get a confirmation number and the agent's name.

**3. Compare total costs** A $150 hotel with $40 in fees costs more than a $180 hotel with no fees.

**4. Check review sites** TripAdvisor and Google reviews often mention unexpected fees.

**5. Book directly** Hotels are more flexible about waiving fees for direct bookings than third-party reservations.

At Check-In

**1. Ask about all fees** "What fees will be added to my bill beyond the room rate?"

**2. Request fee waivers** "Is there any way to waive the [resort fee/parking fee]? I'm a loyalty member and would really appreciate it."

**3. Confirm your rate** "Just to confirm, my total will be $X per night including all fees, correct?"

**4. Get it in writing** If they agree to waive a fee, get it noted on your reservation.

At Checkout

**1. Review your bill carefully** Check every line item. Question anything you don't recognize.

**2. Dispute incorrect charges** "I didn't use the minibar. Please remove this charge."

**3. Ask for a manager** If the front desk won't help, ask for a manager. They have more authority to adjust bills.

**4. Document everything** Take photos of your bill and any disputed charges.

Fees You Can Legitimately Refuse

Unauthorized Minibar Charges

If you didn't consume items, you don't have to pay. Sensors sometimes malfunction.

**What to say:** "I didn't use the minibar. Please remove these charges."

Damage You Didn't Cause

If the room was already damaged, you're not responsible.

**What to do:** Take photos of any existing damage when you check in. Report it to the front desk.

Services You Didn't Request

If you didn't order room service or request a service, you don't have to pay.

**What to say:** "I didn't order this. Please remove the charge."

Fees Not Disclosed at Booking

If a fee wasn't mentioned when you booked, you can argue it shouldn't be charged.

**What to say:** "This fee wasn't disclosed when I booked. I don't think it's fair to charge it now."

Fees You're Stuck Paying

Resort Fees

Unfortunately, these are usually mandatory. You can complain, but you'll likely have to pay.

**Exception:** Some credit cards reimburse resort fees. Check your card benefits.

Parking Fees

If you parked, you have to pay. But you can ask if there are cheaper options nearby.

Early Departure Fees

If you booked a non-refundable rate and leave early, you'll likely have to pay.

Smoking Fees

If you smoked in a non-smoking room, you'll have to pay. The smell is obvious.

Damage Fees

If you damaged the room, you're responsible. Take photos when you check in to prove pre-existing damage.

The Credit Card Strategy

Some credit cards offer benefits that offset hotel fees:

**Amex Platinum:** $200 annual hotel credit (can cover resort fees at Fine Hotels & Resorts)

**Chase Sapphire Reserve:** $300 annual travel credit (can cover hotel fees)

**Hotel co-branded cards:** Often include free WiFi, parking, or resort fee waivers

How to Complain Effectively

If you're charged an unexpected fee:

**1. Stay calm** Angry customers get worse service. Be polite but firm.

**2. Explain the situation** "I wasn't told about this fee when I booked. I don't think it's fair to charge it now."

**3. Ask for a solution** "What can we do to resolve this?"

**4. Escalate if necessary** Ask for a manager. They have more authority to waive fees.

**5. Follow up in writing** Email the hotel manager if the issue isn't resolved. CC corporate if needed.

**6. Dispute with your credit card** If the hotel won't budge, dispute the charge with your credit card company.

The Future of Hotel Fees

**Good news:** Some states are banning hidden fees. California and other states now require hotels to show the total price upfront, including all mandatory fees.

**Bad news:** Hotels are finding new ways to charge fees. "Amenity fees," "destination fees," and "facility fees" are all variations of resort fees.

**The trend:** More transparency is coming, but hotels will always look for ways to advertise lower rates while charging more.

The Bottom Line

**Always ask about fees before booking.** The advertised rate is rarely the final price.

**Join loyalty programs.** Members often get fees waived (WiFi, parking, resort fees).

**Get elite status.** Top-tier status includes many fee waivers.

**Read your bill carefully.** Dispute any charges you don't recognize.

**Book directly.** Hotels are more flexible about waiving fees for direct bookings.

**Use credit card benefits.** Some cards reimburse hotel fees.

**Complain politely.** Hotels will sometimes waive fees if you ask nicely.

**Vote with your wallet.** Avoid hotels with excessive fees. Leave reviews mentioning hidden fees.

**Remember:** Hotels rely on hidden fees to boost profits while advertising low rates. Be informed, ask questions, and don't be afraid to push back on unfair charges.

The best hotel is one that's transparent about pricing and doesn't nickel-and-dime you with hidden fees.