A couple of weeks ago, we recapped hospitality expert Bjorn Hanson's interview with Skift.com on hotel fees to watch out for in 2013.
It got us thinking: What else are hotels charging for these days?
Here are 9 irritating hotel fees that are becoming more and more common and tips on how to avoid them from Tingo spokesperson George Hobica.
Resort Fee
Even if you're not staying in a true "resort," many hotels charge a resort fee of $20–$50 per night. This fee often isn't mentioned on booking sites or in the final price—it simply appears on your bill at checkout.
One of our team members was recently charged a resort fee for services that included free yoga class, and he doesn't even do yoga. You must be proactive when it comes to avoiding this fee. Call the hotel before you even book to see if they charge it. (Tip: Hotels like Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, and Staybridge Suites don't assess this and many other fees.)
Parking Fees
Many city hotels charge upwards of $25–$35 per day to park your car.
The most annoying part is that it's sometimes mandatory that you valet it—which means you have to tip. We recommend researching nearby parking garages in advance.
You'll probably pay less than your hotel charges to park your car, and you won't have to pay someone to park it, either.
Automatic Gratuities
Some hotels automatically charge a 10% housekeeping gratuity.
Others do the same for spa services. Find out beforehand if these gratuities will be added to your bill, or you could end up tipping twice.
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