There are a few key points to remember when booking hotel accommodation that you might not be aware of. Things like confirming the amenities provided and any additional services like whether they serve continental or a hot breakfast are essential to most savvy travelers. You need to know what is included in the room rate or if they have a restaurant or bar on the premises. Other key points to ask when traveling on a budget is whether there are any hidden extras like additional hotel or government taxes (this is a big one if you’re traveling to Asia), safe and phone access fees or additional resort fees, to name a few.

You might not know about these extras until check-out time, and if you don’t ask about them when or prior to booking the hotel room, you might find yourself footing the extra bill. Some of these items are hidden in the fine print on your registration card, which you automatically sign, when you are anxious to get through the check-in process and get to your room. And once you have signed, some hotels will be quick to point out that you acknowledged these extra fees, which can amount to an extra twenty or thirty dollars a night if there are internet access fees added on.

Ideally, the best time to ask about these fees is before you make the booking. When you make your reservation, there can be fine print that charges you a one night cancellation fee for changing your mind. Since it is common for hotels to charge these extra fees to help them cover costs, it is certainly something you should look for when comparing one hotel to another, based on the rate they are quoting.

Furthermore, if you need wireless Internet, you might wrongly assume that all hotels offer this in their standard room rate. However, some of them will charge you an extra $15 per 24 hour period, even if you just want to check your e-mail. On the other hand, you might find other hotels only charge $5 more per night and clearly include it within their booking terms and conditions, making them a better deal all round. Most hotels can’t do anything about the hotel and government taxes, but the additional amenity fees can sometimes be waived, if you request for it to be waived before-hand.

On the flip side, there are some unscrupulous hotels that advertise a lower rate knowing you will incur additional charges when you get there. If you check-in and sign the registration card, you are acknowledging these fees and this can cause issues when you are checking out.  The time to discover them is not when you are at the desk because you may be subject to any cancellation penalty on the hotels booking, even if you have to scurry around to find another hotel room at the last minute. Be sure to read all fine print, even when making your reservation or you might find yourself paying a higher rate than you could get at a hotel that had these fees included.

If you have already made your booking, there are still a few things you can do at the check in desk to ensure you aren’t going to be charged for hidden extras.  If you don’t plan to use the phone, ask them to turn it off so you won’t be tempted or inadvertently charged. Ask if there is an internet access fee before turning on your laptop computer and browsing the web.  If there is a safe in the room, ask if there is a safe usage fee. The newest add-on fee is called an energy fee. Some hotels, especially those in resort destinations might have a resort fee and an energy fee that you should also be aware of.

The front desk clerks will explain these fees as a requirement, but you can talk to a supervisor and often get them waived if they weren’t outlined up front.  You might find that they will argue these fees were to help them cover the costs of operating the resort. When you are booking at hotels, you want to be sure that you of all the inclusions and exclusions upfront to know exactly what you are paying for and what sort of services and amenities to expect.

Have a look at this video that can teach you how to resolve any issues regarding your hotel booking or trip>>>

If you are using the internet to research hotels, you can always narrow down the ones you like the best and then call them individually to see what kind of extra fees they have, if you can’t readily see them in their online marketing communication.  Be on the lookout for phone access, safe access, internet access, resort fees and energy fees. Some may charge an access fee for the pool, exercise room and other amenities. Uncovering these hidden fees at hotels by reading the fine print and calling before you finalize the booking will ensure you have the best and most relaxing holiday ever.