United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Hotels raking in over 2bn a year in fees
US hotels are following the lead of airlines by raking in a whopping $2.25 billion in added fees, according to a new industry report.
The study by Bjorn Hanson, professor at New York University’s hospitality school says a multitude of services now carry an added fee which range from minibar and in-room safe usage, internet access, resort fees, welcome drinks, luggage storage and many more.
Hanson says it is often difficult to accurately budget for a stay prior to arrival and that some services are charged for even when not used by guests.
"The airlines have done a really nice job of making hotel fees and surcharges seem reasonable," says Hanson.
US hotels will this year take 6% more in fees than 2013 and almost double compared to a decade ago.
Hanson urges guests to be "extra-attentive" when reading the fine print as fewer and fewer services come for free.
The American Hotel and Lodging Association defended hotels’ fee policies saying it is common practice in the travel business and that its members disclose fees at the time of booking.
Hanson estimates that hotel mark-up on added fees is as much as 80%-90%.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Gatwick braces for strike