Find Cheap Airfares - Tips and information on discount travel

photo credit: The Consumerist

So, you think you’ve found some great hotel rates and you’ve booked your dream vacation…You did your research, you packed your bags, and now you’re ready to set off on your trip. You know exactly how much money your hotel is going to cost you because you spent an ample amount of time reading the hidden print, comparing hotels and prices, and reading reviews…right?

Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more common to find hidden costs tacked onto your hotel bill, either when you check out or when you check in. So what are some of these hidden costs and how can you get around them?

For starters, there are taxes and excise fees. You expect these, of course, but you might be surprised to find out that in some cases they can be as much as 20%. Yes, that’s right, 20%. That might not be a lot if your room is only $50 per night, but at $200 per night, that’s a big chunk of money. Make sure when you book your room that these fees are included in the total cost, BEFORE you give them your credit card information.

Some hotels have also started adding “energy fees.” These can range anywhere from $3 to $10 per night. If you find this fee on your total bill when you check out, pointing out to the manager that the fee was not mentioned in any of the information pertaining to the room might get you out of paying it.

Amenities fees. You might expect to pay for something out of your mini-bar, but what about towels at the hotel pool? It’s true that some hotels charge you to use their swimming pool towels. If you end up taking that towel back to your room, you might even pay more for it. It’s always a good idea to pack your own beach towel, just in case.

If you arrive at your hotel hours before the regular check-in time, then make sure if they go ahead and let you in your room that they’re not going to charge you an “early check-in fee”, which could be as much as $50 or more. If you’ve had a long flight and you’re tired, then you might not mind paying it. On the other hand, if it’s just a couple of hours before the check-in time anyway, you might be able to wander around town or get a bite to eat first to save that money.

Gratuities have also been added to hotel bills. These can include gratuities for maid service, bartending services, and wait staff services in the hotel restaurants. Before adding your own gratuity, make sure that one hasn’t already been added for you.

Lastly, there are sometimes charges added to your final bill that simply weren’t yours to begin with. If you notice a phone charge that you didn’t make, or a movie that you didn’t purchase, then ask that it be removed. Most of the time the management will do this, although you might need to make your case for it.