Last Updated: 11/06/09
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 What's the Worst Hotel Fee You've Paid?
 Hotels have always offered their share of unreasonable fees -- such as exorbitant taxes and dollar-a-minute telephone charges -- but in recent years the industry has begun upping the ante. Ever been socked with a $25-a-night "resort fee," or had the pleasure of paying $3 simply for having a safe in your room, even if you never used it? These are just a few of the pesky fees that hotels are tacking onto travelers' bills.
What fees might apply to your stay, and more importantly, how can you avoid them? Read on...
The Most Common Fees, A to Z
Airport shuttle: Before you assume that the shuttle from the airport to your hotel is free, be sure to ask; some hotels are starting to charge a fee for this usually complimentary service.
Bellhop/housekeeper gratuities: Sometimes called a service charge or service fee, this expense may be charged per day or per stay, and it covers gratuities for bellhops and housekeeping staff. Look out for this charge particularly if you're traveling with a convention or large group.
Bottled water and snacks: Think twice before touching that "complimentary" bottle of water that the hotel has left on your desk. It could cost you upwards of $5. Ditto for fruit plates, cookies or other munchies. If in doubt, call down to the front desk before indulging.
Cancellation: Before assuming that you can cancel your reservation a day or two before you arrive, read your hotel's cancellation policy carefully. You may be penalized the price of a night's stay (or more).
Checking in and out: Have your travel plans changed? Some hotels will charge you a fee for checking in early or checking out late.
Energy surcharge: In an effort to pass rising energy costs on to consumers, many hotels now tack an energy surcharge of several dollars a day onto their guests' bills.
Groundskeeping fee: If your resort has acres of lush lawns, gardens or golf courses, look out -- you could be footing the bill in the form of a groundskeeping surcharge.
In-room safe: Some hotels are charging guests $1 - $3 just for the privilege of having a safe in their room, even if it's never opened. The fee supposedly covers both the cost of the safe and insurance for its contents.
Internet: Many hotels, particularly those serving business travelers, offer high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi services. Costs vary widely; while many hotels offer complimentary Internet access, others charge per minute or per day, so be sure to ask before logging on.
Luggage holding: Need your hotel to store your bags for a few hours after you check out? At certain hotels, you'll have to pay a few bucks for the privilege.
Minibars: There are a number of different fees associated with minibars -- even if you never eat or drink any of the goodies inside. Picking up an item and putting it back can trigger the minibar's sensors, immediately adding the price of the item to your bill. On sensitive machines, even jostling minibar items as you add your own food to the fridge can incur a charge. And if you try to avoid the hassle entirely by calling ahead and asking the minibar to be emptied before your arrival, beware -- you could be charged an "unstocking" fee.
Packages: Some hotels charge $1 to $25 to mail packages for their guests, with similar fees for receiving packages. These fees may vary based on the size or number of packages.
 Parking: Mandatory valet parking can easily add $25 a day onto the cost of your downtown hotel -- and don't forget the tip.
Resort fee: This ubiquitous surcharge generally runs between $10 and $25 per day and can cover a wide variety of services and amenities, such as a business center, a pool, a gym, daily newspaper delivery, housekeeping or "free" local calls. Even if you don't use any of these services, you'll still get stuck with the tab.
Taxes and other local charges: Taxes are no huge surprise to most travelers, but what about concessionary fees to pay for local building projects or tourism marketing efforts? Hotels often pass these mandatory charges straight from the local government to you.
Telephone: Before picking up the receiver, study your hotel's list of telephone charges carefully. Some hotels charge for local and toll-free calls, while others do not. You may occasionally be charged simply for dialing, even if your call is never connected.
Towels: An extra towel at the pool could cost you an extra buck or two, particularly if you bring it back to your room with you.
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