Stop Overpaying For Your Stay
Do you get that sinking feeling at checkout that your hotel bill is far higher than you expected? You are not alone. Hotels have become masters of creative accounting, burying surprise fees where you would least expect them. But what if you could turn the tables? This list arms you with the knowledge to spot these tricks. Read on to learn how to keep your money in your wallet, starting with exposing the sneaky ways hotels gouge you.
1. Mini-Bar Price Markups
That tiny bag of chips in the mini-bar costs 5-10 times its retail price. Thanks to motion sensors, you can be charged just for moving an item. Plus, these surprise costs often appear unitemized on your final bill without any warning.
2. Early Check-In Charges
The desire to check in early might not be the free perk you think it is. Common in busy cities, this charge isn't always disclosed during booking. Unfortunately, paying for it won't necessarily mean your room is ready.
3. Resort Fees That Add No Real Value
Have you ever seen a mysterious resort fee on your bill? These daily charges usually exceed $50 and cover amenities you might not actually use. The worst part is that they are rarely disclosed upfront, making for a nasty surprise at checkout.
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4. Late Checkout Penalties
Seems like lingering a little too long in your room could cost you dearly. Hotels typically enforce late checkout penalties without any notice or grace period. Also, these hourly charges can quickly add up and sometimes surpass the rate of a full night's stay.
5. Parking Fees At Suburban Hotels
Don't assume parking is free, even at suburban hotels in low-demand areas. You could face a nightly fee of up to $40 that wasn't included in the advertised rate, especially when there are minimal alternative parking options conveniently located nearby.
6. Room Service Delivery Fees
Ordering room service comes with extra charges beyond just the tip. A delivery fee that is often up to $10 is added per order and sometimes isn't disclosed until checkout. In some cases, this fee still applies if you self-pick up.
7. Mandatory Gratuities On Bills
Your bill might include a mandatory gratuity that you can't adjust or remove. This automatic surcharge, which varies by venue, is a sneaky addition to your tab and is rarely mentioned upfront on the menu.
8. Phone Call Surcharges
Using the hotel phone can lead to shocking surcharges, with local calls costing up to $3. You might even be billed if the call fails to connect. International rates are extremely inflated, and these expensive calls aren't blocked by default.
9. Wi-Fi Charges In Premium Rooms
While the lobby Wi-Fi might be free, connecting in your premium room could cost you. Expect to pay up to $15 per device daily for slow speeds unless you upgrade. It's a classic upsell that feels entirely unnecessary today.
10. Currency Exchange At Hotel Desks
Swapping your cash at the front desk is a costly convenience. The hotel's exchange rates are far worse than any bank's, and they often add hidden service fees. And unlike banks, this service isn't regulated, and you rarely get a breakdown.
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Feeling a little outraged? Good. Now, let's channel that frustration into action. Here's how you can flip the script on your next hotel stay.
1. Use Loyalty Programs For Free Perks
Beat the system by joining the hotel's loyalty program. Membership is a great way to get free Wi-Fi and late checkout, two commonly charged-for items. You'll also be first in line for complimentary room upgrades and can redeem points for future stays.
2. Book Direct To Avoid Hidden Fees
Skip the third-party booking sites where hidden fees lurk. Dealing directly with the hotel for your booking usually means better terms if you need to cancel, and can even lead to them waiving some charges. Plus, you'll ensure your loyalty benefits are applied to your stay.
3. Ask For Fee Waivers At Check-In
Don't be afraid to ask for a fee waiver when you check in, especially during off-peak times. By mentioning you won't use certain amenities, it can convince staff to remove resort fees. A polite request goes a long way and frequently succeeds.
4. Use Credit Cards With Travel Perks
Let your credit card do the heavy lifting. The right one can reimburse certain hotel charges, offer free room upgrades, and waive foreign transaction fees. Many also include valuable travel insurance, giving you peace of mind on your trip.
5. Use Mobile Hotspot For Wi-Fi
Why pay for slow hotel Wi-Fi when your phone offers a better solution? Using your mobile hotspot avoids daily internet fees and provides a secure connection for multiple devices. And it's often faster than the hotel's own sluggish network, too.
6. Find The Hotel Happy Hour
Don't head straight to the pricey hotel bar for a drink. Check if there's a manager's reception or lobby happy hour, which usually includes free drinks and appetizers. It's the perfect way to pre-game your evening without draining your travel budget.
7. Use Travel Apps To Compare Fees
Turn to technology before you book your next trip. Travel apps are great for comparing the total cost of a stay, as they tend to highlight hidden charges. They also feature guest reviews and can send you alerts if prices drop.
8. Confirm All Charges Before Checkout
Before you hand over your card, always review your itemized bill. This simple step prevents surprise fees and avoids incorrect post-stay charges. It gives you a final chance to dispute anything that looks off and ensures your billing is accurate.
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9. Leave Reviews Highlighting Overcharges
Make your voice heard by leaving an online review that details any overcharges. Along with warning future guests, it puts pressure on hotels to be more transparent. Also, management often responds to public feedback, which can lead to meaningful policy changes.
10. Take All The Toiletries
Those fancy little bottles of shampoo and lotion aren't just for your stay; they're included in your room rate. As a parting gift to yourself, feel free to take them home. It's a small victory against inflated prices elsewhere. Plus, you can even order more in some hotels free of cost.
