A cheap hotel room can become considerably less cheap once the booking screen starts adding extras. The Federal Trade Commission now requires businesses offering short-term lodging to show the total price upfront, including mandatory fees they know about, but travelers still need to know which charges deserve a closer look.
That matters because a $150 room and a $150 room plus several unavoidable charges are two very different deals, even if the first number looked fantastic in a search result. The FTC’s rule took effect in May 2025, and it targets misleading pricing for short-term lodging such as hotels and vacation rentals. A little fee detective work before clicking “Book” can help keep a vacation budget from developing a nasty surprise.
