From the article: Avoid Extra Hidden Fees
You've got a great rate on the room. How do you avoid sticker shock when you check out? Hidden and surprising extra fees can add up quickly, making a final hotel bill more than you bargained for. Those extra hidden hotel fees... How do you avoid them?
Do Your Own Grocery Shopping
- Save part of the $75 for the dinner by using a bigger trolley and insert shopping at any market.
- —Guest paco
Reduce traveling costs.
- Avoid the hotel restaurant except if reasonable. Share one entree between two, avoid alcohol. Still enjoy the stay. At one stay in London, eating breakfast nearby at a local eatery was easier on the calories and on the cost. Friendlier also.
- —Guest Rayman
Inform yourself
- If you can, research your hotel online before you go. Websites like this one and other travel forums may have the info you need. Also, try asking for a rough estimate on the total room price (room, taxes & fees) when making the reservations. That will at least give you your minimum cost (minus incidentals). When you get there, find your Guest Services Manual. This is usually a binder or booklet listing hotel features (and related costs), as well as local restaurants and attractions. If you can't find it (usually in a drawer), call the Front Desk and someone will bring you one. Finally, if you're still not sure if something's complimentary, just ask.
- —Xofer
avoiding hotel fees
- I stayed at the Gaylord recently too! I was on business there for just one day and so used NONE of their resort options. No pool, spa, or fitness center. Sometimes they'll work with you on extra fees, so I asked for it to be removed, with that explanation. They refused to remove it. Now I know I wouldn't revisit there with my family as I wouldn't want to pay that fee 5 nights in a row when it should be included in the price. So, always best to ask before you go, what other charges will be incurred for your final checkout. This at least allows for shopping around.
- —bcofthis
Don
- Some times you cannot avoid the fees. The Gaylord Palms Resort and Spa in Orlando, Florida tacks on an extra $15 per night "resort fee." The booking voucher says the room is $116.00 per night "including taxes and fees." At check-in they stick you with an extra $15 fee which is nothing more than jacking up the room charge. OR you can find another hotel. No where on the booking voucher does it say you must pay a resort fee. You are standing there with all your luggage and kids after a long day of travel. Now how are you going to find another hotel? So you pay the extortion money. I'm surprised some lawyer hasn't filed a class action law suit. As much as I dislike some lawyers it may be the only remedy besides, of course, not staying there again.
- —donjud
