Hotels are moving further into the ancillaries space, reports say, with guests unable to guesstimate their costs of stay because charges vary from property to property.
This year, US hotels will make US$2.25 billion from add-ons, up six per cent on reported ancillaries revenue in 2013. Fewer and fewer hotel services now are free.
From bag storage at US$1 to US$2 per bag and US$1.50 a night to hire in-room safes, the costs are mounting.
New fees can include 'fine print' gouging such as an 'admininstration fee' to re-stock a mini bar and automated systems that bill if sensors in the minibar see items have been removed for more than 60 seconds. There even are cases of US$25 a day 'personal use fees' for guests who put their own drinks in the mini bar.
Add resort fees, facility use fees, bicycle use, internet use, mandatory tips (per person) and costs can quickly grow out of control.
The American Hotel and Lodging Association says fees are common and it recommends its members disclose them at the time of booking.
Hotels are moving further into the ancillaries space, reports say, with guests unable to guesstimate their costs of stay because charges vary from property to property.
This year, US hotels will make US$2.25 billion from add-ons, up six per cent on reported ancillaries revenue in 2013. Fewer and fewer hotel services now are free.
From bag storage at US$1 to US$2 per bag and US$1.50 a night to hire in-room safes, the costs are mounting.
New fees can include 'fine print' gouging such as an 'admininstration fee' to re-stock a mini bar and automated systems that bill if sensors in the minibar see items have been removed for more than 60 seconds. There even are cases of US$25 a day 'personal use fees' for guests who put their own drinks in the mini bar.
Add resort fees, facility use fees, bicycle use, internet use, mandatory tips (per person) and costs can quickly grow out of control.
The American Hotel and Lodging Association says fees are common and it recommends its members disclose them at the time of booking.
