Hidden fees that could add hundreds to your hotel bill this summer

Whether you’re heading abroad this summer or staying in the UK, holidaymakers could be paying more than they expected for hotels due to ‘trickle down prices’.

Consumer Site Which? said that some sites you book your hotel stays through may not be 100% clear about the price you can expect to pay. Companies will often neglect to share the full price, which includes unavoidable taxes, which is now being investigated in the UK.

But where could tourists pay extra? Which? has created a list of just a few of the areas that hotels can charge.

Cost of free cancellation

• Many hotels offer free cancellation options, but these often tend to be more expensive than the normal booking without the cancellation option.
• Which? shared at a hotel, the Marriot Delta, that it cost £24 more per night just to have the free cancellation option and it was mid-week in February.

Early check-in or late check-out fees

• Check-in at most hotels doesn’t start until 14:00-15:00 and you have to check out by 10:00 or 11:00 in the morning.
• But many hotels offer visitors the option of early or late check-in, however, this will incur an additional fee.
• Which? shared, this tends to be around £10 in places like Travelodge and Premier Inn, but can be as high as £40 in some hotels.
• So really think about whether or not you need a longer stay.

Bank-breaking hotel breakfast

• Lots of hotels offer a brilliant breakfast buffet, often featuring the much-loved full English.
• But getting breakfast is an extra charge, with Travelodge breakfasts costing around £10.
• Or, if you are flying from Heathrow, breakfast at the Sofitel will cost an extra £20.
• For those who really want breakfast, you can always head to a place like spoons for a cheap breakfast.

WiFi charges

• Many hotels no longer charge for WiFi, but if you happen to be staying at a Britannia chain hotel, then you only get two 20 minutes of free surfing.
• Or you can pay £7 per day for unlimited access.

Discretionary service charge

• Hotels often add a discretionary service charge to your bill, which is often buried in the fine print.
• You can ask to remove it if you don’t want to pay. But remember to check.