More Add On Fees

Remember when travel started to change dramatically, with add on fees for everything from additional fuel costs, to baggage fees, food service charges, and charges for advance seat selection?  A $200 ticket could be more like $275 by the time all additional fees were tacked on.  Then, hotels, not to be left behind, started adding fees.  For many years resorts have been charging what they call a "resort fee,"  whatever that means.  Now things are getting worse.

In order to increase their bottom line, hotels have added additional fees to many hotels.  First, some of the hotels that used to include a free breakfast, no longer do.  I was recently at a Courtyard by Marriott, a hotel that used to have a wonderful free breakfast served daily.  Not anymore.  Now they have a designated area for the purchase of hot and cold breakfast items, and in many cases, Starbucks.  A bowl of oatmeal was $6.95 at a Courtyard I recently stayed in.  A full breakfast will cost you close to $15!  Also, many hotels used to offer in room coffee.  Many still have it, but at a cost.  Each K-cup will cost you $3.50.  Parking has been added to many hotels that didn't charge in the past.  Resort fees are to be expected everywhere these days, and can be very costly.  Finally, some hotels charge for the use of the business center and wi fi.

You must consider all these costs when book a hotel room, especially hotels that used to include breakfast, and no longer do.  That is a huge expense, especially if traveling with a family.  It's amazing how corporations invent new ways to increase revenue.  Since most of these  charges are add ons, only a savvy traveler will notice that hotels have risen, when you include all the extras.  Know what you're getting when you book your next hotel.