Travelers are subject to all sorts of fees, from fuel surcharges on airline tickets to high costs for refueling rental cars. But the hotel industry may be the king of all fee-setters. Many hotels nickel-and- dime customers on phone calls, Internet connection and room service, making your bargain rate not such a bargain after all. You can limit your costs if you know what to watch for.
Know the rates before you pick up that hotel phone. Some chains offer free local calls; others charge $1 or $2 per call. For long distance, we’ve seen fees of $4 to $10 just to call out, plus sky-high per-minute rates. Even if you have a cell phone, carry a calling card to use if your cell won’t work. You still may be charged a fee for using an 800 number or a card, but this is typically $1 per call.
Many hotels are offering free wireless Internet service, but others charge for it. Some hotels bundle unlimited local and long-distance calls and Internet access into a single fee of $15 to $25 per day. I often take these packages when available. Some hotels, such as Wyndham, waive these fees for members of their frequent- stay program.
A number of lower-priced chains such as Microtel Inn & Suites and Wingate offer free wireless Internet access, long distance and local calls.
Go car-less
If you’re staying in a city, consider going without a car to avoid hotel parking rates of up to $45 a day.
Packages may include parking; ask. If you must have a car, consider staying a little farther out, where hotels are less likely to charge for parking.
Many hotels charge high fees for mini-bar items, plus a restocking fee of up to $5. On a trip to Venice last summer, we were charged $10, plus taxes and a restocking fee, for a 12-ounce Pepsi. Avoid such charges by stocking up on snacks and sodas before you get to the hotel.
You’ll be charged for in- room movies. Be alert when traveling with kids. My 10- year-old recently ordered every cartoon on the menu. Luckily, I was able to negotiate the fees down at checkout.
Room service may include a flat fee, a set-up charge for each person in the room and a mandatory gratuity.
Many hotels, such as Embassy Suites, include breakfast in their rates, which is especially nice when traveling with the family. But don’t sit down to a morning meal without asking whether it’s free. Inquire about fees when you make your reservation, when you check in and before you use a service. It could save you a surprise when you get your final bill.
Tom Parsons is publisher of Bestfares.com. Contact him at bestfares.com/contact.asp.
