Guest-gouging is on the rise

(Article from Consumer Reports Magazine, July 2007)

Consumers will shell out an estimated $1.75 billion this year in hotel fees and surcharges, according to Bjorn Hanson, lodging consultant for analyst PricewaterhouseCoopers. That's a $175 million in­crease from 2006. The fancier the hotel, the more apt you are to be slapped with extras. Among them:
Resort fee. Many hotels with hiking trails, golf courses, or tennis courts charge $12 to $40 a day for those amenities, whether you've used them or not.
Minibar. Hefty charges for snacks aren't new. Charging a fee, usually $2.50, to have a staffer restock snacks is. Some minibars are equipped with sensors. If you remove and replace an item--or bump into the bar--you could be billed.
Baggage. Stowing luggage before check-in or after checkout? You might pay $1 to $2 a bag.
Cancellation fee. Many hotels require 48 to 72 hours' notice to avoid a charge equal to one night's stay. If you cancel a prepaid stay in a popular destination during peak season, you might forfeit the entire amount.
Early arrival or departure. Arriving before check-in or leaving a day early could cost you dearly. Penalties range from $50 to the cost of an extra full-day's rate. Hotel loyalty program members might be exempt from those fees.
Internet surcharge. Some budget chains offer free high-speed access, but it can cost $10 to $20 at pricier hotels.
Telephone surcharge. With more guests using cell phones, more hotels are offering free local calls. Beware of connection charges. If you hook up your computer for dial-up Internet access and stay connected for more than 20 minutes, you could incur costly long-distance rates.
In-room safe. Using one generally costs about $2 per day.
Fax fee. The going rate is about $1 per page; some charge up to $5 for the first page.
Package delivery. Many hotels charge $2.50 to $5 to receive an overnight package for you.
Room service. Paying $7 for cornflakes is just the start. At many swank hotels, expect a tray charge and a service fee, each from $2.50 to $5, plus an automatic tip of 15 to 21 percent.
Tips for staff. They might be mandatory, particularly at resort hotels, where they total $5 to $10 per day.
Energy surcharge. Usually $3 to $6 per day, this fee is most prevalent in big-city hotels.

What you can do
When you book, find out whether there are charges beyond room occupancy and sales tax. If you plan to use room service, a business center, a gym, or a hotel phone, ask about fees. Check out the arrival and departure policies; hotels are increasingly penalizing guests who violate them.
If you think a fee is unfair, try complaining. CR staffers told us they were able to erase fees for an unused room safe and minibar, an Internet connection that was “too slow,” and pricey phone calls. But don't be surprised if your gripe falls on deaf ears. Bjorn Hanson says that although desk clerks are trained to address concerns, they won't always remove charges. Resort fees are among the toughest to negotiate away.