Hotels Must Now Show All Fees Upfront, Thanks to New Rule

Travelers will no longer be surprised by hidden resort fees when booking hotel rooms. A new rule from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) mandates that hotels must disclose all mandatory fees, including resort fees, before a customer books a room. This change aims to increase transparency and allow consumers to accurately compare prices between different hotels.

Previously, many hotels advertised a base room rate and then added mandatory fees, such as resort fees, cleaning fees, or service charges, later in the booking process. These fees could significantly increase the overall cost of the stay, often catching travelers off guard. The new FTC regulation seeks to eliminate this practice by requiring hotels to include all mandatory fees in the initial price displayed to consumers.

Consumer advocates have long argued that hidden fees are deceptive and make it difficult for travelers to make informed decisions. The new rule is expected to benefit consumers by providing greater clarity and control over their travel expenses. Hotels that fail to comply with the regulation could face penalties from the FTC.