Common hidden hotel fees in the US

When you look at hotel prices in the US, the nightly rate advertised online is often not the whole story. In addition to taxes, many hotels charge mandatory fees on top of the listed price. These are added on for anything from Wi-Fi service to pool entry, because apparently “free” Wi-Fi isn’t actually free.

Unlike upgrades that you choose, these fees are often mandatory and assessed even if you don’t use any of the amenities. Yes, you read that right - you might pay for pool access even if you never take a dip. 

 Hotel fees are important to understand if you’re trying to plan your budget. A room that seems to cost $150 a night can easily end up being $200 or more when you add on resort fees, parking, and service charges. Math can be cruel that way.

Resort fees

Resort fees are daily mandatory charges for bundled amenities (yes, even if you’re not staying at what you’d label a “resort”). They are usually $20–$50 and are added to your bill each day in exchange for access to the Wi-Fi, pool, and fitness center or "complimentary" coffee. You’ll usually see them in the bigger cities like Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, and the state of Hawaii. They exist because hotels claim they're "bundling" your amenities into one fee, but travelers see it as a lack of price transparency - and we’re with you on that one. 

Destination fees and tourist taxes (city taxes)

What is a destination fee hotel? Think big, glamorous cities - but here’s where it gets tricky, because there are actually two different types of charges that might hit your bill.

Destination fees (hotel-imposed): A destination fee is just another way a hotel describes its mandatory “urban fees” that cover basic amenities. Although newer to the scene, they’re normally charged in big cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, and range from $10–$40 per night. A destination fee hotel is one that automatically adds a nightly urban fee to your bill, which may include local calls, city walking tours, or "free" bottled water. This money goes straight to the hotel’s coffers.

Tourist taxes (government-imposed): These are completely separate charges levied by cities or countries, not the hotel. Think of them as the local government’s way of saying, “Thanks for visiting, now help us maintain the tourist infrastructure.” Although more common in Europe, some cities in the US, like San Francisco, have occupancy taxes.

The main difference? Destination fees pad the hotel’s profit margins, while tourist taxes actually fund local services, public transport improvements, and tourist facilities. Tourist taxes are usually collected separately at check-in or checkout (sometimes in cash), while destination fees typically appear as line items on your final hotel bill. 

Amenity fees

Amenity fees are a bit like resort or destination fees, but are tied to certain property amenities. Think of them as the hotel’s à la carte menu of charges.. Spa access, fitness classes, and pool towels are all examples of amenity fees. Ask at the front desk if there are any you can expect on your bill, and whether you can opt out.

Hotel service charges

A hotel service fee is not a tip. It’s a mandatory percentage charge of 5-20% that some boutique or luxury hotels apply to your bill for “service.” In a way, it’s the hotel’s way of boosting revenue without raising its advertised room rates. 

Extra person charges

The fee per night for having more than two guests in a room. It can range from $10–$30 per person. Check occupancy guidelines before reserving a room to see if you can avoid it. 

Early check-in and late check-out fees

Depending on the hotel, this could be a charge of $25-75 for arriving before official check-in or leaving after check-out. Time is money, as they say. 

Parking and valet fees

Fees are charged for the use of on-site parking or valet parking and typically cost $15–$70/night in large cities. Some hotels may also charge for oversized vehicles.

Pet fees

If you want to bring your dog or cat to stay with you, you’ll have to pay for them, but they won’t get loyalty program benefits. Fees can include a flat cleaning fee of $50–$150 per stay, plus the per-night pet fee of $20–$75. Here’s hoping your furry friend appreciates this luxury.

Minibar and in-room charges

Charging a customer just for touching an item in the minibar is possible with the use of sensors. There could also be in-room charges for coffee pods, water bottles, or safes.

Hotel credit card holds and deposits

Hotels often place a temporary hold on your credit card for incidental damages or charges.  The typical amount held is $100–$200 per night, with the money being released 3–7 business days after checkout. Note: this is not a fee, but your money isn’t available to use until the hold is released, which can be annoying if you’re running a tight budget.

The biggest US hotspots for hidden hotel fees

Some cities are notorious for fee culture. We’ve researched so you don’t have to.

Smart tips to avoid or reduce hidden fees

Ready to outsmart the fee game? Here are our travel secrets: 

Book through sites that display total prices

Some travel sites now offer a “full stay cost” option that includes resort fees in the total price. Transparency at last. 

Call the hotel directly

Ask for a full list of mandatory fees up front before booking. A quick five-minute phone call can save you from billing shock later.

Take advantage of hotel loyalty programs

Resort or parking fees can sometimes be waived for elite members of the hotel's loyalty program. Loyalty has its perks, after all. 

Use travel credit cards

Many travel credit cards offer credits that can be applied to resort fees or incidentals, so make your plastic work for you. 

Consider staying elsewhere

Vacation rentals booked on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms often charge cleaning fees, but no resort fee or destination fee. Sometimes a different approach is the answer. 

Negotiate at the front desk 

When checking in, ask if fees can be waived if you do not use certain services or facilities. The worst they can say is no, and you might be pleasantly surprised. 

Understand cancellation policies

Know the deadline to cancel for free and avoid penalty fees. Timing is everything in the hotel game. 

The bottom line

Tucked away in the fine print of many hotel bills in the US are charges that can add up quickly. Resort fees, destination fees, parking charges and more can inflate the cost of your stay if you’re not careful. Luckily, you can do your homework, ask the right questions and use these booking tips to avoid hidden hotel fees.