By | May 15, 2025
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How To Avoid Hotel Incidental Charges

Avoiding hotel incidental charges is all about understanding what might be billed to your account, asking the right questions, and being intentional during your stay. Here’s a complete guide to help you prevent surprise fees:

🏨 How to Avoid Hotel Incidental Charges

✅ 1. Understand What Incidental Charges Are

Incidental charges are extra costs billed on top of your room rate, such as:

  • Mini-bar use
  • Room service
  • Parking
  • Late check-out
  • In-room movies or pay-per-view
  • Resort fees
  • Damages or excessive cleaning
  • Phone calls from the room
  • Gratuities or tips added automatically

✅ 2. Ask About the Incidental Hold at Check-In

  • Hotels usually place a hold on your credit/debit card (often $50–$200 per night).
  • Ask:
    • “How much is the incidental hold?”
    • “When will it be released?”
    • “What charges apply to it?”

⚠️ Debit cards may take longer for holds to be released—credit cards are safer for holds.

✅ 3. Say No to Extras

  • Politely decline use of the mini-bar, pay-per-view, or in-room dining.
  • Some guests request mini-bars to be emptied or locked before check-in.
  • Don’t use the room phone for outgoing calls—use your mobile instead.

✅ 4. Avoid Damaging or Staining Property

  • Keep food and drinks off the bedding and furniture.
  • Don’t hang wet clothes on wood surfaces.
  • Report any issues (like a broken lamp or stained carpet) immediately to avoid being blamed.

✅ 5. Return All Hotel Property

Make sure you:

  • Leave robes, towels, and chargers behind.
  • Avoid taking decorative items or specialty glasses—they might be tagged with RFID or listed as billable.

✅ 6. Check for Hidden Fees in Advance

Before booking or checking in:

  • Ask if there are resort fees, parking fees, or Wi-Fi charges.
  • Sometimes these aren’t obvious when booking online.

✅ 7. Opt Out of Housekeeping or Special Services

  • Some hotels offer incentives (e.g., food credits) for skipping daily housekeeping.
  • Avoid requests that result in service charges like:
    • Towel delivery fees
    • Extra bedding fees
    • Early check-in or late check-out

✅ 8. Get a Receipt and Review Your Bill

  • Always ask for a final bill before checking out.
  • Review every charge and question anything that looks unfamiliar.
  • Most hotels will remove incorrect or disputed charges if addressed immediately.

✅ 9. Use Loyalty Programs

  • Hotel loyalty members often get perks like:
    • Free Wi-Fi
    • Waived resort fees
    • Complimentary upgrades
    • Early/late check-out with no charge

✅ 10. Book Directly with the Hotel (Not 3rd Party)

  • Third-party sites may not disclose all fees.
  • Booking directly gives you more control and better leverage if issues arise.