How you can avoid hidden hotel fees

California hotels are now required by law to display all fees in one place
Most travelers have been hit with extra fees during a hotel stay
NewsNation travel editor Peter Greenberg says they're negotiable

Updated: Jul 7, 2024 / 12:15 PM CDT

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(NewsNation) — Travelers have long been stung by hidden hotel fees, but what many may not know is that they are often negotiable.

Usually, this occurs during the check-in or check-out process, with visitors often surprised by the additional cost.

“A room fee; meaning a resort fee or surcharge is just taxed at the local sales tax,” NewsNation travel editor, Peter Greenberg told “Morning in America.”

“So, the hotels are trying to play a little game here and retain more of your money. But the problem is, they’re not being honest about disclosing them.”

There, however, is some good news.

“You can negotiate these fees,” Greenberg said. “Hotels don’t make money when you stay once. They make money when you come again and tell your friends – and why would you come again if you’re stuck with a resort fee they didn’t tell you about in the first place?”

Those wanting to visit California can make a more informed decision as hotels are now required by law to display all the fees you should expect to pay alongside the quoted room rate.

These fees are often labeled as resort fees, curation or hospitality fees. All other surcharges and taxes are also required to be placed in the same location.