Hotel Hidden Fees: What to Check Before You Book

Start with the full stay total

Compare the total for every night, including required taxes and mandatory charges. In the United States, hotel and short-term lodging providers are subject to federal rules about displaying upfront total prices for covered mandatory fees; taxes and certain government charges may be disclosed separately before payment.

Resort and destination fees

Ask whether a mandatory resort, destination or amenity fee applies and what it includes. Do not assume a fee is optional because you will not use the amenities.

Parking, pets and extra guests

Parking charges can materially change a city-hotel stay. Pet fees, extra-person charges and rollaway beds may depend on your party and room category.

Deposits and incidental holds

An authorization hold is not necessarily a final charge, but it can temporarily reduce available funds. Ask how much is held and when the hold is released.

Breakfast, Wi-Fi and transfers

Confirm whether breakfast is included for every guest and night, whether Wi-Fi has restrictions, and whether an airport transfer is complimentary or paid.

Before you confirm

Capture the checkout total, the property's fee disclosures, the cancellation policy and the exact room name. If anything is unclear, ask the property before paying.

Frequently asked questions

Is a resort fee optional?

Usually not when it is listed as a mandatory charge for the reservation. Check the hotel's terms.

Can a hotel place a hold on my card?

Many hotels authorize an incidental deposit. The amount and release timing vary by property and card issuer.