Hidden Hotel Fees
Stay Vigilant
Keep Costs Under YOUR Control

The fee that used to be the most annoying was the fee for phone calls. With most travelers carrying their own cell phones now, that has gotten to be less of a problem. Just in case you're traveling where your mobile phone doesn't work, remember to check out the hotel policy on phone fees before you make a call on your room phone and chat away. And make sure you bring your cell-phone charger so you aren't forced to use their phone.

Smaller hotels tend to include wi-fi for free. It's the big hotels that want to charge you for it... especially in your room. If you're staying in a hotel with sky high wi-fi (I just loved saying that!) fees, check to see if you can use your laptop in the lobby or club area for free... or if you can use a computer in their business center without a fee.

If you're booking your room on the hotel website, see if they tell you about surcharges. You'll probably discover that those "hidden hotel fees" really ARE hidden... they may not list all of them. Check with the big third-party booking sites before you make the reservation. Sites like Orbitz and Travelocity and others will usually tell you about the fees you may run into.

Mini-bar fees aren't hidden, but they are getting higher all the time. Some hotels even charge you a re-stocking fee in addition to what you pay for the snack or beverage. Why not grab a bottle of wine and some snacks from a shop on the street. You'll probably have a better selection, and you'll definitely save money.

Remember that the bottled water sitting out above the mini-bar probably isn't free unless it has a sign telling you it's complimentary.

That resort you're going to for a little rest and relaxation may have a hefty, per guest, resort fee. Make sure you know about it, and find out what that resort fee covers. Is it for activities you're going to use? Is there a resort nearby where you could avoid those fees?

We've heard that some hotels have started charging a fee to hold your bags after checkout.

You may be a frequent traveler and think you know which hidden hotel fees to expect... you know, parking fees, and things like that... but it pays to make sure they haven't increased or changed. There are laws against hidden hotel fees, but it pays to be vigilant.

One last thought, make sure to get a statement of your bill the night before checkout. You'll have a chance to look at it and talk to management about any fees that you don't feel are fair. You may not win the argument about those hidden hotel fees this time, but at least you won't be surprised at the last minute... and you can plan to stay somewhere else the next holiday.

Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it!   Judy and Mark

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