I was glad to see that a bill has been introduced in Congress targeting hidden fees that some hotels or short-term rentals tack on to advertised prices.
From Skift.com:
Democratic Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas and her Republican peer Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska have introduced the Hotel Advertising Transparency Act of 2019, a measure that would bar hotels, any other type of short-term rentals, or a “person” from advertising rates that don’t include all fees, except for government-imposed taxes and fees.
There would be penalties for any person or entity that advertises rooms without including these fees, which are variously called resort fees, destination fees, cleaning fees, or facility fees, for example, in the initially listed room rate.
It appears the hotel industry is going to mobilize to kill the legislation. Too bad. It sucks to belatedly discover that the price displayed for your room isn’t really what you are going to end up paying.
It will be interesting to see what Hawaii hotel operators have to say about the issue.
See:
“A Trend To Hate: Epidemic Of ‘Urban Resort Fees’ At City Hotels“, Forbes
The Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan calls its $35-a-night charge a “daily facility fee.” At the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington D.C., the $25 nightly add-on is called a “guest amenities fee.” Meanwhile, the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile and Grand Hyatt San Francisco prefer the equally vague “destination fee.”
No matter what you call them, these are resort fees – the same pesky, daily mandatory charges loathed by travelers at plush vacation properties with swimming pools, spas and towel service. What’s new is that these hidden fees have become increasingly common at city hotels, says Randy Greencorn, co-founder of ResortFeeChecker.com, a website that has tracked resort fees since 2015.
“U.S. House intros bipartisan legislation on resort fees,” Hotel Management.
U.S. Reps. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), and Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), introduced the Hotel Advertising Transparency Act of 2019 Sept. 25. U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) co-sponsored the bill.
“This summer, we witnessed a record number of Americans take the opportunity to travel. Unfortunately, this also meant a record number of travelers were subjected to deceptive hidden fees charged by hotels, motels and other places of accommodation,” Johnson said. “Consumers should be able to enjoy their vacation without being ripped off and financially burdened.”
The advocacy group Travelers United and nonprofit organization Consumer Reports support the legislation.
“Analysts: Including Las Vegas Resort Fees in Advertised Room Rate Would Hurt Gaming Industry“, Casino.org.
