New York City bans destination/amenity fees

[dajop]

Zohran Mamdani, the new New York City mayor has taken steps to ban "junk" fees (destination/resort/amenity fees) imposed by NYC hotels. All hotels must now include these in advertised prices.

Mamdani Administration Bans Hotel Hidden Fees and Unexpected Credit Card Holds

www.nyc.gov

https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/new-york/new-york-city/experiences/news/nyc-bans-hidden-hotel-fees-ahead-of-fifa-world-cup

This came into effect on Feb 21, and it's definitely makes it easier to compare hotels and estimate how much you pay. Many still don't include taxes in the advertised price, so need to account for that (unless, for example you tick the appropriate boxes on the Marriott or IHG websites/apps to generate all inclusive pricing).

 

[Sandro]

It’s about time, honestly. Those "destination" or "amenity" fees always felt like a bait-and-switch when comparing rates. At least now the base price reflects what you’re actually forced to pay. Taxes still being separate keeps it slightly messy, but this is a solid step.

 

[oz_mark]

It’s about time, honestly. Those "destination" or "amenity" fees always felt like a bait-and-switch when comparing rates. At least now the base price reflects what you’re actually forced to pay. Taxes still being separate keeps it slightly messy, but this is a solid step.

It's not really bait-and-switch, but more of a drip-pricing situation.

 

[justinbrett]

They’re not banned, they just need to be included in the advertised price, which was already the case after the federal Trade Commission rule.

Seems like this guy is trying to take the credit for it… from what I can see the only difference for NYC is the extra requirements for deposits and credit card holds, which I don’t really care about.

Thread 'USA to Regulate Advertised Pricing to Include "junk fees" (e.g. resort fees) for Hotels'

Dec 18, 2024

Prices must now be advertised all inclusive, so while they can still charge resort fees it would defeat the purpose, as they are only used to beat the aggregators.

Unsure if this includes tax.

New federal rule bans 'junk fees' on hotels, live-event tickets

It would require businesses to disclose total prices upfront.

abcnews.go.com

• justinbrett
• Replies: 32
• Forum: Travel News

• 

 

[dajop]

They’re not banned, they just need to be included in the advertised price, which was already the case after the federal Trade Commission rule.

Seems like this guy is trying to take the credit for it… from what I can see the only difference for NYC is the extra requirements for deposits and credit card holds, which I don’t really care about.

Thread 'USA to Regulate Advertised Pricing to Include "junk fees" (e.g. resort fees) for Hotels'

Dec 18, 2024

Prices must now be advertised all inclusive, so while they can still charge resort fees it would defeat the purpose, as they are only used to beat the aggregators.

Unsure if this includes tax.

New federal rule bans 'junk fees' on hotels, live-event tickets

It would require businesses to disclose total prices upfront.

abcnews.go.com

• justinbrett
• Replies: 32
• Forum: Travel News

• 

When I was booking earlier in Feb, I could have sworn many New York hotels I checked before our trip there were still quoting front page pricing without including amenity fees, but are including them now (eg Hyatt, Hilton). Some of them are still not including in front page bold font price, but mentioning them in italics underneath.

 

[justinbrett]

When I was booking earlier in Feb, I could have sworn many New York hotels I checked before our trip there were still quoting front page pricing without including amenity fees, but are including them now (eg Hyatt, Hilton). Some of them are still not including in front page bold font price, but mentioning them in italics underneath.

I don’t think you’re correct. Hilton made the change US wide some time ago.

It’s been a federal requirement since May 2025.