The ABCs of fees

Added fees are among the biggest gripes of America's hotel guests, according to a new nationwide poll by Consumer Reports National Research Center. (See Top travel gripes.) With the economy in turmoil, many hotels weren't as aggressive at nickel and diming guests in 2009 as in previous years. But now that the initial shock of the bad economy has worn off, expect to see more fees, which generated $1.75 billion at their zenith in 2008, according to longtime industry analyst Bjorn Hanson, a professor of hospitality and lodging at New York University's Tisch Center. Here's what to watch out for:

Resort fee

Many properties with pools, spas, hiking trails, golf courses, or tennis courts charge an extra $12 to $40 per day whether or not the guest has used those amenities. This is one of the toughest fees to get reversed because the chains usually advise guests in advance. The fee might be reduced if you book a multiday stay.

Minibar

You know about the $5 candy bars, but more chains are charging about $2.50 to have a staffer replenish minibar items. Another sneaky trick: motion sensors. If you remove and replace an item, you might be charged.

Baggage storage

Besides tips for the bellhop, expect to pay from $1 to $2 per bag to stow luggage temporarily if you arrive early or leave late. Hotels get away with such charges because storage is an optional service, which people are less likely to dispute.

Cancellation fee

A few years ago, you generally had until 6 p.m. on arrival day to cancel without a penalty; now it's more like 48 to 72 hours ahead. Cancel later, and you might have to pay for an overnight stay. Cancel a prepaid reservation during peak season, and you might forfeit the entire amount.

Early arrival or departure

Hotels are moving away from a $50 penalty and charging either a night's stay or a "day" rate of about 60 percent of the overnight rate. If you belong to a hotel loyalty program, you might avoid the fee.

Internet use

Expensive hotels usually charge $10 to $20 per 24-hour period. Free wireless Internet is becoming more common in hotels' public spaces. And many chains have public computers where you can send e-mail messages or print documents free.

Fax fees

The going rate to fax from a hotel's business center is about $1 per page, but some hotels charge $5 for the first page.

Package delivery

At a high-end hotel, expect to pay $2.50 to $5 for overnight delivery to your room.

Room service

Besides charging inflated prices for corn flakes or a container of yogurt, many swank hotels pad the bill with a tray charge and service fee, each between $2.50 and $5, plus an automatic tip of about 18 percent.

Tips for staff

In recent years, some chains tacked on $5 to $10 per day for bellhops, porters, doormen, and other employees, particularly at resorts. But the sour economy has cost many of those employees their jobs. Hotels are having a tougher time justifying such mandatory charges and are doing away with them, according to Hanson.

In-room safe and energy surcharge

Many chains are eliminating those daily fees, which used to run about $2 for the safe and as much as $6 for energy use.

How to avoid annoying fees

• Before booking, ask a hotel employee if there are charges for anything other than room occupancy and sales tax.
• Scrutinize the hotel's arrival and departure policies.
• Before using room service, the business center, the fitness center, or other amenities, ask about fees.
• If you think you've been billed unfairly, speak up. Ten to 20 percent of those who complain get a reversal, Hanson says.