FTC Warns Hotels on Price Quotes excluding 'Resort Fees' from the Total

[serfty]

FTC urges hotels to disclose resort fees up front

...
6:15PM EST November 29. 2012 - Hotels that charge customers between $10 and $30 extra in fees per night without fully disclosing them during the price-quote process could face pressure from the federal government.


This week, the Federal Trade Commission sent a warning letter to 22 unidentified individual hotels that says that failing to include resort fees during the booking process could be deceptive — and considered illegal. The hotel industry's main lobby will soon issue a notice to members saying anyone who receives a letter should seek the advice of a lawyer.

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The FTC's unusual attention to hotel pricing could ultimately bring more consistency to the way that hotels advertise fees to travelers as they plan trips and set their budget, he says. Hanson does not believe the fees will go away or be bundled into rates, because they would increase the room rate and, in turn, the amount paid in bed taxes. ...

The fees are fairly common in resort destinations such as Hawaii and Las Vegas, yet Hanson says that luxury urban properties are starting to adopt them, too. ...


These daily fees — often called "resort fees" — may include services such as use of gym or pool facilities, Internet access and local calls, as well as items such as bottled water, mini-bar snacks and newspapers.
The FTC takes issue with the fees when travelers aren't told about them before they make their reservation ... The agency would like to see the total cost of a night's stay quoted to consumers with resort fees broken out just like taxes are now ...

Hotel Fees That Are More Than You Bargained For | OnGuard Online

Listing the resort fee near the quoted price or in the fine print — or referring to other fees “that may apply” — doesn’t cut it. If you find out a hotel hasn’t told you the whole story about mandatory fees, in addition to complaining to the company, file a complaint with the FTC.

FTC Warns Hotel Operators that Price Quotes that Exclude ‘Resort Fees’ and Other Mandatory Surcharges May Be Deceptive

The last resort | BCP Business Center

 

[moa999]

Only about 10yrs too late, given about every Miami and Las Vegas does this

 

[serfty]

Only about 10yrs too late, given about every Miami and Las Vegas does this

The relevant legislation requiring inclusive pricing has only been enacted since later January Last year.

E.g.

"Heaven Resort 1 Night @ $100 + 10% Resort Fee" contravenes the legislation.

"Heaven Resort 1 Night @ $110 (including 10% Resort Fee)" or "Heaven Resort 1 Night @ $110" comply with the legislation.