FTC Says Hotels Must Disclose Resort Fees

When vacationers set up their travel plans, they are likely aware that airlines have moved to an “a la carte” pricing plan with many charging for checked bags, in-flight entertainment and, in some cases, for snacks and drinks. However, that is not necessarily the case for hotel resort fees, and some are asking what regulators will do to make sure hotels properly disclose such information.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) identified certain resorts as having been involved in deceptive advertising and sent 22 letters to hotel chains around the country saying that hotels needed to more prominently display and disclose the fees to their customers.

However, the FTC warning backfired and has prompted some hotel chain who weren’t charging resort fees to start including them.

Mandatory hotel fees that cover amenities like internet and access to certain areas are increasingly common. However, resort fees class action lawsuit lawyers are investigating whether or not travelers have been adequately informed of these additions to their bills, which can be as much as $40 or more per night.

One issue is that the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates airlines while the FTC handles issues regarding hotels. So while the agency has warned certain resorts, there are not consistent regulatory protections. One travel columnist has an idea that would solve part of the problem: forcing sellers of bundled flight/hotel packages to publish the hotel resort fees prior to purchase.

Some hotel companies  feel like they cannot remain competitive if they are fully honest about what it will cost travelers, and are only deceptive about the fees because their competitors are.

The same travel columnist warns that vacationers should “just figure that it’s a good possibility you’ll be hit with a hidden fee.”

However, there may be legal recourse. One of the reasons that consumer rights lawyers have launched the hotel resort fees class action lawsuit investigation is that there may be potential remedies depending on when hotels warned travelers that there would be additional costs. The belief is that if customers are not properly warned, then the resort may be in breach of contract or violate the implied warranty that the customers would get the price and services they would expect, and not be charged hidden fees.

Join a Resort Fees Class Action Lawsuit

If you or someone you know was hit with a hotel bill that you did not expect, legal options may be available. For more information check out the Hotel Resort Fee Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. There, you can submit your information to see if your case is eligible. It is the first step in obtaining a no-cost consultation with one of our partner resort fees class action lawsuit lawyers. Get started today.