While surprises and unexpected discoveries can be among the most memorable parts of a vacation, no one wants a surprise at hotel checkout in the form of unexpected expenses. But many hotels, like airlines, have realized that extra fees add profit to their bottom line, and have tacked on an unpleasant array of revenue-enhancing add-ons. In 2025, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission enacted a ban on so-called “junk fees” in an effort to eliminate misleading pricing practices on hotels, vacation rentals, and ticketing to live events. But careful consumers should still pay close attention when they’re booking — and during their stay. Here are some charges you’ll want to be aware of before your next getaway.

Resort or Destinations Fees

Though unpopular, resort fees have become increasingly common. And these mandatory daily amenity charges can be significant. In extreme cases — we’re looking at you, Las Vegas — they may be three or more times the cost of the room itself! 

Fortunately, the FTC now requires those charges to be shown up front, but they can be easy to miss among the many other mandatory taxes and surcharges. Use any third-party aggregator you like to compare a number of hotels at once, but it’s usually best (and the same price) to book directly from the hotel’s website. And when checking out, it’s always a good idea to take a screenshot of your confirmation and price, just in case there’s a last-minute attempt to add on an extra fee that wasn’t disclosed during booking.

Incidental Credit Card Holds

Charging meals or spa services to your room can be convenient, but the holds that hotels place on your credit card at check-in can put a serious crimp in your cash flow. Depending on the hotel, these temporary authorizations can range anywhere from $25 to a whopping $250 per night. In addition, some hotels will not accept debit or prepaid gift cards. It’s always good practice to inform your financial institution when you’ll be on the road, and to check with the hotel when booking or checking in to see how much of a temporary hold to expect.

Room Service Charges

Break out the magnifying glass before calling down for that coffee. In addition to paying super-premium prices — $16 bottled water, anyone? — hotels will often stack delivery and service charges of 20% or more onto your tab, and usually, there’s an extra line on your check to add an additional gratuity for your delivery person. Extra charges for to-go containers and even more expensive fees for real plates and cutlery are increasingly becoming the norm, and some hotels are removing ice machines and tacking on a fee for that, too. (If your room is equipped with an ice bucket, make sure there’s a liner to avoid contamination.)

Parking Fees

Parking fees are big revenue generators for hotels, especially in major cities. Thankfully, hotels that have instituted mandatory parking fees — even if you don’t have a car — must now disclose them up front. If you have a big SUV or a rooftop rack, you may be hit with an even higher surcharge. Check for lots near the hotel with an app like SpotHero and compare prices before handing your keys over to the valet.

Wi-Fi Charges

Hopefully, your hotel will offer complimentary Wi-Fi in both your room and in common areas. If it doesn’t, check in advance to see if the daily charge is per room or per device. Families with tablets and laptops and phones can quickly rack up a hefty bill, although not the $1,000 per device fee that Marriott once charged conference attendees. Many chains offer complimentary Wi-Fi for members of their loyalty programs, so it may be worth signing up.

Early Check-In and Late Check-Out Fees

If rooms are available, hotels may be happy to let you check in early or leave a little late, but they may also charge a hefty price for the privilege. These fees can range from $25 to $50 or more, but the hotel needs to disclose the fee in advance.

Automatic Gratuities

Generous tips are always appreciated by employees. But whether it’s for housekeeping, spa treatments, or room service, make sure that the hotel hasn’t already added on an automatic service charge.