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In the world of event planning, every detail counts. From ensuring seamless transportation to orchestrating unforgettable experiences, planners have their hands full. But one challenge consistently tests their patience: unexpected hotel fees.
These hidden costs not only inflate budgets but also erode trust between planners and hotels. Let’s dive into the hotel fees that drive planners up the wall.
A Growing Problem for Planners
If there’s a topic that annoys meeting planners more than any other, it’s the many hidden fees they face – for the use of everything from the pool to the parking lot – with each hotel being different from the next. It’s a practice that has spiraled out of control since the late 1990s when hotels began introducing ‘resort fees’ for using their pools, health clubs, and other amenities.
“All of these clauses are put into contracts in the hope of going unnoticed or misinterpreted,” said Bonni Scepkowski, president/chief strategy officer at Stellar Meetings and Events, as quoted in Skift Meetings. “Your bottom line can be decimated in the neighborhood of 30 to 40% or more.”
Relief on the Horizon
There’s some relief on the horizon. Congress recently passed the No Hidden Fees Act, and the Federal Trade Commission has entered the “Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees” into the Federal Register. Additionally, various states are moving forward on legislation, with California leading the way. But until these measures fully take effect, planners must remain vigilant.
What Are the Most-Hated Fees?
In an article, Skift Meetings reached out to planners to share what they consider to be the most egregious hotel fees, along with others that are annoying but potentially negotiable. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Resort Fees
Often disguised as charges for amenities like Wi-Fi, pool access, or fitness centers, resort fees are mandatory even if the amenities are never used. These charges originated in the late 1990s and have since ballooned, causing planners to scramble to adjust budgets.
2. AV Fees
Exclusive in-house AV services leave many planners in tight spots. “I’m paying $3,500 for a TV and power drop for eight people for a two-day meeting,” said Amanda Corley, owner of The Curated Concierge, in the Skift report. “For these prices, I can buy a projector and screens, fly out my college kid to run it, and have money left over. The AV racket is next-level.”
3. Destination Fees
This urban version of the resort fee includes additional nightly charges, often labeled as “All Access Passes” or similar. One such fee included access to amenities like the business center, bottled water, and lobby bicycles—items that used to be complimentary.
4. F&B Service Charges
Service charges for food and beverage (F&B) often feel excessive. Bonni Scepkowski highlighted instances where fees were buried in fine print, combining gratuities, administrative fees, and event fees. “That’s three different ways to say ‘service charge,’” she noted.
5. Parking Fees
According to ResortFeeChecker.com, the average hotel parking fee has climbed to $44 a night. Many hotels outsource parking services to third-party vendors, leaving planners little room for negotiation.
6. Setup Fees
Gone are the days when place settings came standard. Nandita Mohile, senior events director at Oliver Wyman, shared an experience where planners were charged setup fees alongside per-person costs for placing notebooks at each table setting.
Staying Proactive
While legislation may help curb hidden fees in the future, planners need to stay proactive today. This includes:
- Carefully reviewing contracts for hidden fees.
- Negotiating terms upfront with hotels.
- Using tools like ResortFeeChecker.com to anticipate additional costs.
By staying informed and vigilant, planners can protect their budgets and ensure smoother events.
Note: This article incorporates insights from Skift Meetings and ResortFeeChecker.com. Content is used for informational purposes with appropriate attribution.
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