11 Hotel Extras to Check For and How to Avoid the Sting.

Taking a trip away usually means you’d like to have a break away from your usual life stresses. What you don’t want to be doing is fretting over what sneaky hotel extras might be added onto your bill when you depart. Check out these extra hotel expenses below that you can easily avoid. Don’t waste vital holiday time worrying about a charge if you’re unsure- if in doubt, pop down to the hotel reception and ask. Check all the terms and conditions of the hotel before booking and keep your eye out for any mandatory charges you might face that aren’t included in the headline price. You might also want to check our 9 thrifty tips on making the most of your holiday cash.

Photo by: Andrey Burmakin/Adobe Stock

1. Mini bars

Many travellers have been caught out by these before. Additional charges for items within the mini bar should be made clear but this isn’t always the case. Even just removing an item from the fridge can trigger a charge, without even consuming it! These items often have inflated rates to cover the convenience for you having them in your room. These can be avoided by simply popping out and grabbing what you need from the local shop. Some hotels may include bottled water or soft drinks within your rates free of charge, but always check.

Top tip: If you’ll be arriving to your accommodation late at night, consider packing a bottle of water within your case so you have something to hand if the local shop is shut and you want to avoid paying excessively within the hotel.

2. The lobby bar

Drinks will have inflated costs so avoid the sting and head out to a local bar and pay local prices.

3. Wi-Fi

The costs for wi-fi can be extortionate, whereas something it can be included in your rate. Consider whether wi-fi is completely necessary for your trip and compare the costs between hotels before you book. Some hotels even provide free-access PCs for guests to use. If you want to avoid extra charges, consider hopping to the nearest bar or café to use their free wi-fi for the cost of a drink.

4. Laundry

If you haven’t packed enough clothes for your trip or need to have something dry-cleaned, the hotel may provide laundry services. In some cases, the cost of these services can equal the cost of simply buying new clothes. Consider heading to the local laundrette and paying a better fee.

5. Parking

Hotels often have a very limited number of spaces next to the accommodation. This means a higher price tag is normally involved. Shop around for local parking nearby which can be lower cost.

Photo by: ymgerman/Adobe Stock

6. Breakfasts

Unless included in the price, avoid the overpriced breakfast on offer as you can normally head down the road to experience some local flavour and more cost-efficient food.

7. Room service

Unless you really, really, really have to, avoid ordering room service. Often, you’ll pay for the item, the luxury of having it delivered to your room, and maybe a tip for whoever turns up. Whatever you need, you can probably source yourself. Eat out or bring snacks into your room.

8. Early check-in/Late check-out

Be familiar with the check-in/out policy of your desired accommodation. Try to make your activities and schedule fit in around this to avoid additional charges for arriving early or late. If you know it’s unavoidable, compare the costs between hotel options before booking.

9. Exchanging currency

Rates at the hotel are usually worse than those you’d find at the airport so avoid unless absolutely necessary. Read our 9 thrifty tips on making the most of your holiday cash.

10. Telephone

Hotels can charge an inflated rate per minute for any phone calls you make on the phone in your room- even on Freephone numbers. They try to justify this by explaining that you’re blocking one of their lines. Check before travelling what costs you might incur by using your mobile phone abroad or use pay phones.

Photo by: Robert Kneschke/Adobe Stock

11. Taxes

When making your booking, be clear on whether taxes have been included in the headline price or whether this will be added on at the end. Avoid this nasty shock and check the small print before booking.

Avoid unnecessary hotel extras

Always check what’s included in your booking and what the charges will be for anything extra. Compare these charges against other hotels before making your booking to ensure you get the best deal.

Written by Jessica Juby.

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