You don’t need to spend all your money while traveling, especially on those sneaky
hotel fees that somehow end up on your bill.
Many ‘mandatory’ fees are, in fact, negotiable, and knowing which ones you can
dispute may save you hundreds on your next stay.
Resort Fees
That daily $25-50 resort fee for amenities you might never use? Hotels often waive
these charges for loyalty program members or during off-peak seasons.
A polite conversation at check-in about not using the pool or gym can lead to this fee being removed, especially if you’re staying multiple nights.
Parking Charges
While urban hotels typically charge steep parking fees, you can often negotiate these
down or find alternatives. Many hotels will match nearby garage rates or offer discounted self-parking instead of mandatory valet services, particularly for extended
stays.
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Early Check-in Fee
Hotels regularly charge for early arrivals, but this fee is highly negotiable. Calling ahead to mention your early arrival and asking about the possibility of early check-in without charges often results in the fee being waived, especially during non-peak times.
Late Check-out Fee
Similar to early check-in charges, late check-out fees can usually be negotiated away. Loyalty program members often receive this benefit automatically, but even regular guests can avoid the charge by requesting an extension at the right time – typically early in the morning of departure.
Mini-bar Restocking Fee
The restocking fee for using the mini-bar is separate from the actual items and can often be removed. Taking photos of the mini-bar’s contents upon arrival and disputing any erroneous charges helps avoid these fees altogether.
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Internet Access Charges
WiFi charges are among the easiest to have removed. Most major hotel chains automatically waive these fees for loyalty members, even at the basic level, or will
remove them if you mention competitor policies of free internet access.
Room Service Delivery Fee
Beyond the marked-up food prices, room service often includes a delivery charge
plus automatic gratuity. These supplementary fees can be negotiated, especially if you’re willing to pick up the food yourself from the hotel restaurant.
Business Center Fees
The per-page printing charges and computer usage fees are surprisingly flexible. Many hotels will waive them for business travelers or if you need to print essential documents like boarding passes or meeting materials.
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Fitness Center Access
Some hotels charge extra for gym access, even when advertised as an included amenity. These fees can often be removed by mentioning your loyalty status or by pointing out if the facility lacks equipment or services mentioned in the hotel’s marketing materials.
Phone Usage Fees
While most travelers use mobile phones, hotels still charge excessive rates for in-room phone use. These charges, especially for local or toll-free calls, can usually be removed simply by asking at checkout.
Package Delivery Fees
Hotels often charge for receiving and storing packages for guests. These handling
fees can be negotiated away, particularly for business travelers or during extended
stays, by discussing your needs in advance with the hotel management.
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Housekeeping Gratuity
Some hotels automatically add housekeeping charges to your bill. While tipping is customary, automatic charges can be removed if you prefer to tip housekeeping staff
directly or if the service doesn’t meet expectations.
Energy Surcharge
This relatively new fee, supposedly covering increased utility costs, appears on
many hotel bills. It’s often removable, especially if it wasn’t disclosed during booking
or if you’ve experienced any issues with room temperature control.
Safe Usage Fee
Many hotels charge a daily fee for in-room safes, whether you use them or not. This
charge can often be removed simply by mentioning at check-in that you won’t be
using the safe during your stay.
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Destination Fee
Similar to resort fees, these charges supposedly cover local attractions and
amenities. They can often be negotiated away if you’re not planning to use included
benefits or if you’re a frequent guest at the property.
Getting Out of Paying Extra
Keep in mind all of these, more often than not, have to do with timing, approach, and
loyalty status. Always check your bill, ask decent questions, and by all means, don’t
be afraid to have a manager present if necessary.
Hotels appreciate the satisfaction of their customer over supplementary charges.
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