So what is this talk about junk fees? The Women’s Travel Group never adds them. Simplifying the definition: hotels are listed by price on line. The cheapest appear first. (Sponsored ads above them). We, normal people, are likely to click on the cheapest link if for the same hotel.
Once you click ‘yes ‘you want that property, you then choose your room type. All good so far. But to book that room you will see a list of extra fees in a shockingly expensive invoice. Except for taxes, these extra charges are called ‘junk fees’. They are deceptive and should be listed up front before you fall in love with the room.
Junk fees exceed the cost of the service they are supposed to cover. You don’t see them on the first page or two of your hotel or other website.
Hotel rooms are generally less if you agree to a non refundable payment. There is a junk fee for refundability. Non refundable payments are cheaper
Resort fees, even though you just read the resort’s amenity list includes a pool, you might see a fee to use it, get a towel or a lounge chair.
The hotel has parking. Valet or even self parking might be a large fee on your total.
Admission to the beach, part of the hotel description, can cost a fee.
Wifi,described as free, might be on the list of additional fees in the small print.
Some fees are even added to the ‘free night’ you thought you snagged.
These fees add up exorbitantly. The New York Times wrote that Wyndham Properties, Hyatt and IHG charged the highest, from 3.8 percent to 6.5 percent of the hotel room rate. Wow, doing the math a $350 room ends up being $373+taxes. Taxes are not considered junk fees; but now your room is $399 or more.
With support from the Biden Administration, the Federal Trade Commission; their logo from the site above, is working on regulating these fees.Here is where we ask you to contact your state’s Attorney General with showing fees you had to pay and where they were listed on the site you used. The FTC is working for you.
Here is where to complain to the FTC: Reportfraud.ftc.gov
PS our tour costs include any and all extra fees so there are no surprises. A few cities charge a small city tax payable on check in. You can rest assured you will not get a junk fee invoice.
Award winning tour operator, The Women’s Travel Group, tips for travel for women.
Contact us for more information at 646 309 5607 or by email. We answer promptly.
