15 Extra Hotel Costs to Watch Out for Before You Check Out

A hotel room can seem like a great deal when you first book it. Then you reach checkout and discover that parking, resort fees, Wi-Fi, minibar purchases, and other extras have pushed the final bill much higher than expected.

Some of these charges cover services you may actually use, while others can show up even if you never take advantage of the amenities. Checking the hotel’s policies before your stay can save you from an unpleasant surprise at the front desk.

Here are 15 extra hotel charges to look out for before booking or checking out.

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Bottled Water and Snacks

That bottle of water on the desk might look like a complimentary welcome gift, but it could come with a hefty price tag. The same goes for snacks, coffee pods, and drinks left around the room.

Before opening anything, check the room’s price list or call the front desk to ask what’s free. A bottle of water that looks like a small treat could add $6 or more to your bill.

Resort Fees

Resort fees are among the charges that frustrate hotel guests most. Hotels may add a daily fee to cover amenities such as pool access, gym use, towels, Wi-Fi, business centers, and local phone calls.

The frustrating part is that you may have to pay even if you never use any of these services. A room advertised at $129 a night can cost much more once a $30 or $50 daily resort fee is added.

Destination or Facility Fees

Some hotels use labels such as “destination fee,” “urban fee,” “amenity fee,” or “facility fee instead of calling the charge a resort fee. These fees may cover the same types of extras, including Wi-Fi, bottled water, fitness facilities, and local perks.

You don’t have to be staying at a beach resort to encounter them, either. City hotels charge these fees too, so check the full booking price instead of relying on the advertised nightly rate.

Related: 15 Bills You Should Always Pay Early to Avoid Late Fees and Financial Stress

Parking Fees

Parking can add a lot to a hotel stay, especially in downtown areas, beach towns, and popular tourist destinations. Self-parking might cost $25 or $40 per night, while valet parking can cost even more.

Check the parking rates before making a reservation. A hotel with a slightly higher room rate may be the cheaper option if parking is included.

Early Check-In Fees

Arriving before the hotel’s regular check-in time doesn’t always mean you’ll get your room early for free. Some hotels allow early check-in when a room is ready, while others charge an extra fee.

If your flight gets in several hours before check-in, call the hotel ahead of time and ask about your options. You might be able to arrange early access without paying extra, but don’t assume.

Late Checkout Fees

An extra hour or two on departure day can sometimes cost you more. Hotels have cleaning schedules and incoming guests to prepare for, so late checkout isn’t always available at no charge.

Ask the front desk about the policy before your final morning. Depending on the hotel’s availability and your loyalty status, you may be able to stay a little longer without an added fee.

Wi-Fi Charges

Free Wi-Fi is common at hotels, but some properties still charge guests for internet access. Others include basic service in the room rate and charge extra for faster connections.

Check whether the fee covers the entire room or applies to each device. If everyone in your family connects a phone, tablet, or laptop, the cost could add up faster than expected.

Minibar Sensor Charges

The minibar can cause confusion if you’re unfamiliar with how it works. Some hotel minibars have sensors that automatically register an item when you move it.

You could potentially be charged just for picking up a drink to read its label and putting it back. If you need to move anything to make room for your own food or medication, ask the front desk first and consider taking a photo of the minibar when you arrive.

Housekeeping or Service Charges

Some hotels add housekeeping, gratuity, or service fees directly to the final bill. These may appear as daily charges or under a general service fee.

Don’t assume a service charge goes directly to the person cleaning your room. If you want to leave your housekeeper a cash tip, mark it clearly to avoid confusion.

Airport Shuttle Fees

A hotel airport shuttle may sound like a free perk, but some properties charge for the ride. Others charge per passenger or per trip, and certain hotels require guests to book a spot ahead of time.

Ask about the price and schedule before relying on the service. If you’re traveling with several people, compare the total shuttle cost with a taxi or rideshare.

Package Holding or Delivery Fees

Having a package delivered to your hotel can be convenient during a business trip or an extended vacation. Some properties, though, charge handling or storage fees to receive and hold deliveries.

You may also face a fee if the hotel has to send a package back out for you. Check the property’s package policy before shipping anything to the front desk.

Luggage Storage Fees

Many hotels let guests leave their bags for a few hours after checkout, but the service isn’t always free. Some properties charge per bag, especially in busy tourist areas.

Ask about the cost if you have several suitcases or need to leave them there for most of the day. Even a small fee per bag can add up when you’re traveling with family.

Credit Card Holds and Deposits

Hotels often place a temporary hold on your credit card at check-in to cover possible room charges, damage, minibar purchases, or other incidentals. This amount is separate from the actual room payment and may be higher than you expect.

Ask how much the hotel plans to hold and when the money should become available again after checkout. The hold can take several days to disappear, depending on the hotel and your bank.

Cancellation Fees

A low hotel rate may come with strict cancellation rules. Some reservations allow free cancellation until a set date, while discounted or prepaid bookings may be nonrefundable.

Read the cancellation terms before confirming your reservation. Saving $20 on a room isn’t much of a bargain if you lose the entire payment after your plans change.

Local Taxes and Tourism Fees

Most hotel bills include taxes, but some destinations also charge tourism fees, occupancy taxes, improvement district fees, or other local surcharges. These extra costs may not be obvious when you’re first comparing room rates.

Hotels may have little control over government or local fees, but guests are still responsible for paying them. Check the final booking total before reserving so you know what the stay will actually cost.

A few minutes spent checking hotel fees before booking can save you from a much bigger bill later. Look beyond the nightly rate, ask about charges you don’t recognize, and make sure you know which amenities are included in your reservation.

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