By Dennis Schaal, of Skift.com
The new year may be bringing with it an increase in the number, variety and cost of hotel fees.
The following are among the 2013 fee trends, says Bjorn Hanson, divisional dean, at NYU's Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management. He projects that U.S. hotels' fees rose 5.4 percent in 2012 to $1.95 billion, and will rise again this year.
Here are five new fees that Bjorn Hanson, of NYU's Preston Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management says to look out for:
Minibar restocking fees: In addition to paying for the beer or M&Ms that you can't resist in the minibar late at night, hotels will charge a minibar restocking fee once you remove the first item.
Baggage holding fees: Can you nostalgically recall the days when you left your bags with a bellhop in the hotel lobby, and merely tipped him/her when you were ready to pick up your bags and head off to the airport? Fuhgetaboutit. The hotel now may typically charge you $2 per bag for the privilege of stowing away your bags for a few hours. The tip is not included.
Tiered Wi-Fi fees: Everyone craves free Wi-Fi, but hotels will increasingly go to tiered Wi-Fi fees. Internet access in your hotel room may be free at basic levels for tasks such as checking your e-mail, but expect one or two additional tiers if you want enough bandwidth to stream that Netflix movie.
Early departure fees: If you are due to check out on a Thursday, and plans change, meaning you have to depart a day earlier, the hotel may charge you the full rate for the next night anyway, even if you originally booked a refundable rate.
Cancellation fees: Hotels are getting more strict about their cancellation policies. Although previously you might have been able to cancel your stay without penalty by 6 p.m. the day before your scheduled arrival, some hotels are closing that window and changing the deadline to 48 or even 72 hours prior to arrival.
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