That great nightly rate you found might not be the final price you pay. Hotels often tack on additional charges—some disclosed only at checkout—that can significantly inflate your total bill. These fees aren’t always easy to spot during the booking process, especially on third-party platforms. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid surprises and keep your travel budget in check.

Here are the 10 most common hidden hotel fees travelers should watch out for:

1. Resort Fees
   Resort fees, also known as destination or facility fees, can range from $15 to $50 per night and often cover amenities like pool access, fitness centers, or “free” Wi-Fi. These fees are common at hotels in Las Vegas, Florida, and New York—even if you don’t use the amenities.
2. Parking Fees
   Many urban and resort properties charge extra for parking, sometimes as much as $40–$60 per day for valet service. Always check whether parking is included before you arrive, especially in downtown areas.
3. Early Check-In and Late Checkout Fees
   Arriving a few hours early or leaving a bit later? Some hotels will charge you for the convenience. While loyalty members may get flexibility, standard guests could see $25–$75 charges for modifying check-in times.
4. Wi-Fi Charges
   While most major hotel chains now include Wi-Fi, some properties still charge daily rates—especially for high-speed access. Joining programs like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy often unlocks complimentary internet.
5. Mini-Bar and Snack Fees
   Those convenient snacks and drinks in your room come at a steep premium. Even moving an item from the minibar or triggering a sensor could result in automatic charges. If you’re not planning to indulge, request the minibar be emptied or locked.
6. Safe Usage Fees
   Some hotels include a daily “safe fee” simply because a room safe is present. It might only be a few dollars per night, but over a weeklong stay, those charges add up.
7. Towel and Linen Fees at Budget Properties
   Hostels and some low-cost hotels may charge for towels or daily linen changes. These fees aren’t always clearly disclosed, so double-check the amenity section when booking.
8. Housekeeping Gratuity or Service Fees
   Some hotels automatically add a housekeeping service charge to your bill, especially in major cities or resort destinations. These fees are separate from voluntary tips and often go unnoticed until checkout.
9. Energy Surcharges
   Common in tropical or desert destinations, energy surcharges help hotels offset utility costs. These fees might be listed vaguely in the fine print but can total $5–$15 per day.
10. Booking or Administrative Fees on Third-Party Sites
    Booking through platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, or Priceline may result in hidden service or admin fees. While convenient, third-party platforms can mask added costs until the final booking page. When possible, book directly with the hotel’s site for better transparency and access to loyalty perks.

How to Avoid These Fees

• Read the fine print before confirming any reservation. Look at the “Taxes and Fees” section for line-item charges.

• Join a hotel loyalty program like World of Hyatt or IHG One Rewards to receive free Wi-Fi, waived resort fees, or room upgrades.

• Book direct through the hotel rather than third-party sites to avoid administrative fees and access member-exclusive pricing.

• Call the property in advance to ask about potential add-ons or optional fees. It’s better to clarify than be surprised.

• Pay with a hotel gift card purchased through cashback apps like Fluz to offset costs—even if the fees can’t be avoided, you can soften the financial hit by using rewards.

For example, you can earn cashback with a Marriott gift card or get rewards with a Hilton gift card to help cover those extra charges without spending more out of pocket.

Conclusion

Hidden fees can turn an affordable stay into an unexpectedly expensive one. By knowing what to look for—and using tools like loyalty programs and cashback apps—you can avoid the worst surprises and protect your travel budget. Always read the fine print, ask questions, and look for ways to stack rewards to get the most value out of every stay.