31 Aug Hotel Industry Ramps Up Fees and Surcharges in 2016

Vacations tend be an expensive affair, with travelers having to pay for transportation, lodging, food, entertainment, and more. The last thing any of us want to do when finally arriving at our destination is have to pay more for things like nicer rooms, a cup of coffee, or parking. Some of these “nickel-and-dime” fees often go unnamed or unexplained, and are simply tacked onto the reservation as “hotel fees.”

With so much being charged for so little, it’s no wonder that the hotel industry stands to make more than $2 billion on fees and extra charges alone in 2016. Many travelers are starting to take notice and post reviews on sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp, alerting people to hidden hotel fees. However, that doesn’t seem to be enough, as more hotels are engaging in the practice of monetizing basic necessities and very minor services that once used to be complimentary.

Where to Look for Extra Fees

Sadly, you won’t have to look far. Things like early check in fees and cancellation fees have been around for quite some time, but now, everything from coffee pots to using the in-room safe can carry a charge. Other types of fees include:

• Internet or WiFi fee
• Parking fee
• Telephone call charges
• Mini bar restocking fee
• Business-related fees
• Room service delivery fee
• Baggage holding fees

Many of these are listed on any given hotel’s website, but the casual customer may not realize what carries an extra charge until they check in. In any case, it is wise to think twice about using some of the equipment in the room or opening that bottle of water on the table.

Avoid Hotel Industry Fees Altogether

Of course, there are ways you could avoid paying extra fees altogether. The best way to turn your back on nickel-and-diming is to bid the hotel industry adieu and look for another lodging solution. For an experience similar to the one you’d get at a hotel, resort rentals present a good opportunity to lock down cost-efficient accommodations.

Many resort rentals take the form of villas or suite-style accommodations that are much larger and more spacious than hotel rooms. One way to avoid the bogus fees of hotels is to use that space to stock up on your own supplies—instead of paying exorbitant costs for coffee, water, and snacks, use the space in your rental’s full kitchen to store your own food.

Break Free from Fees and Save Money

Vacations are already expensive enough without extra fees, but they don’t necessarily have to be. Resort rental units offer high quality accommodations rented out directly by owners at rates that don’t include high fees and hidden charges. Book a great rental online today with ResortRentals.com for a reliable, cost-efficient lodging solution!