So you’ve noticed all those great deals on hotels right now – Vegas, Hawaii, Mexico…The tourism business is trying to lure visitors in this slow economy.
BUT…before you book a room at what you think is an AMAZING price, beware of the hidden costs that can accumulate when you stay at a nice hotel. There are questions you should ask before you give your credit card to make sure the trip will be within your budget.
This really is my travel pet peeve, and I am seeing it more and more lately. Just like airlines are charging us for things that used to be free like blankets or checking a bag, hotels are in on the game. It really bugs me when travelers stay at a SUPER nice hotel, 4-5 stars, and by the end of the trip feel nickel and dimed.
For instance… That resort fee that is tacked on to a room rate isn’t THAT new, but when you think you are booking a room for $200 a night, with the resort fee and taxes it can turn into $250 a night. Speaking of hotel taxes, they are often more than 10% -it is a way for communities to raise revenues without having the locals pay for it. Ask about any resort fees and taxes you will have to pay so you get a TRUE cost of your stay.
Another sneaky way of getting more money out of you is to charge for the hotel shuttle service to and from the airport – especially when it is the only option of transportation in a remote location – say an island for example. I remember when this used to be free – but recently stayed at a place where it cost $20 per person for the ride. And if you rent a car at an airport where there are car rentals and don’t need a shuttle, ask about the cost of parking at the hotel everyday – I’ve seen $50 a day in major metropolitan areas. Can you say “Cha-ching’?
Fees to play tennis…food prices hiked way up…gym fees…and the worst: daily wifi fees if you want to stay connected. The irony is that there are inexpensive business hotels like a Hilton Garden Inn that give you many of these things, PLUS breakfast for free. The leisure traveler is hit harder.
Ask about all these fees and more -think about what you want to do when you travel. Now that most airlines are charging something like $25 for the first checked bag, and $35 for the second, you need to decide if you want to bring your golf clubs since that could add $70 to the cost of your ticket, assuming you are not connecting with another flight on another airline – then it could be more than $100. Many resorts offer club rentals, but the price can be somewhere near $70, so you still pay extra either way if you want to golf.
I’ve seen some “kids stay free” deals… but really research how much the kids’ hotel activities are, and if there are childrens’ menus so you aren’t paying extra high prices for a half eaten meal.
Bottom line: ask all the questions to ascertain how really good that “deal” is.
