Check the Fine Print When Booking Hotels.
It's reported that many hotels are now adding 'service fees' to each nite causing the ending charge to be much higher than is booked. The state of Florida is currently looking into this practice and urges everyone to ask when you book the reservation. Some of the charges are 'resort fees' which cover the use of the grounds (towels, pool, etc.) and some even charge for use of the in room safe. This could inflate a $50 a nite rate to $75 after all of the charges.
Most hotels will disclose this information up front, but there are some that do not until you are checking in or checking out. Just be aware and double check so you are not surprised when you arrive on vacation. While this isn't just a 'Florida' problem, Florida seems to be the only state addressing it.
I have complained about these "resort" fees for ages. to spend $300.00 for a room in Orlando and get hit with a resort fee my question is "what is the $300.00 for? They often tell you that the fee covers local telephone calls and a newspaper. The hotels should be forced to quote the price with the fees included. Due to competitive forces they will probably eliminate such fees.
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