Hotel taxes and fees: how to compare the real total

Two hotels show 120 and 135 a night. The first one is not always cheaper. Once you add taxes, local fees and anything you pay on arrival, the order can flip. To compare hotels fairly, compare the full amount you will pay for the same stay.

What can sit on top of the room rate

Sales tax or VAT. In many countries it is included in the room price. In others, including the United States, hotel taxes are usually added on top of the advertised rate.

City or tourist tax. Many cities charge a local tax per person or per room, per night. The hotel often collects it at check-in rather than when you book.

Resort or destination fees. Some hotels add a mandatory daily fee, and it is common in places such as Las Vegas and parts of Florida. It may be described as covering Wi-Fi, the pool or the gym, but you pay it whether you use them or not.

Service charges. Some hotels add a percentage on top of the rate.

Optional extras. Breakfast, parking or a cot only belong in the comparison if you need them.

Paid now and paid at the property

Part of the total may be charged when you book, and part paid at the hotel. Both are real money.

On myhoteloffers.com, the price we show is the all-in total: the amount charged when you book plus the mandatory fees the property tells us it collects on arrival. In the price breakdown, the part you pay at check-in is shown separately as "Pay at the property". When you compare with another site, make sure its figure includes those fees too.

How to compare two hotels properly

1. Use the same dates, the same number of guests and the same room type.
2. Open the price breakdown for each and note the total.
3. Note how much is paid now and how much at the property.
4. Add the optional costs you will really have, such as breakfast if it is not included or parking if you are driving.
5. Compare the cancellation terms.

A short table with hotel, total, paid now, paid at the property, breakfast and cancellation deadline makes the choice clearer than a dozen open tabs.

Currency

If a rate is charged in a different currency from your card, your bank converts it. The amount shown in your own currency is an approximate conversion, and your bank sets the final figure. Compare prices in one currency, and check whether your card adds a foreign transaction fee.

Cancellation terms change the value

A non-refundable rate is cheaper because you carry the risk. If there is a real chance your plans change, a slightly higher total with free cancellation can be the better deal. Hotel cancellation policies explained covers the terms.

Member prices

When you are signed in, many hotels on our site show a member price below the public rate, and the saving is shown on the stay. If you are a member, compare the member total. Current member prices are on today's deals.

Breakfast and parking

Breakfast included can be good value or not, depending on the price difference and whether you will eat it. Work it out per person per morning, as in our guide to whether hotel breakfast is worth it. For parking, check the property page or ask, since city hotels often charge for it separately.