When booking a hotel you may want to consider the extra services available and how much they might cost. Hotels routinely offer extras such as late check out, room service, internet, car parking and more. You may find that some of these services are included in the price of the room while others command an additional fee.

Late check-outs

Late check-outs are a popular extra and hotels are usually happy to oblige, often offering an hour or even two at no extra charge if the room is free. Late checkout fees vary wildly, many hotels charge an hourly rate of $10 to $20, while others have a standard fee of half the nightly rate up to the full night’s rate if the checkout is after a set time, say 4pm.

Car parking

Car parking is another service that is often treated as an extra. In regional areas, car parking is more often than not included in the cost of the accommodation, however in cities where parking is traditionally difficult to find, hotels are likely to charge an overnight parking fee. Again, there is a huge variation in parking fees but an average benchmark would be between $15 and $30 per night for secure on-site parking.

Internet

Many hotels nowadays provide a wireless internet service for clientele. While this is lately becoming available as a free service, it is still frequently a user pays basis. The average cost of 24hr internet connection is $25. If you intend to use the internet during your stay, it is worthwhile investigating charges before you book.

Room service

The price of room service meals are generally inflated from the price offered in the hotel restaurant and an additional 10 to 20% service fee is traditionally added to the total cost of the order. If keeping to a budget is a concern, using the hotel restaurant is probably preferable, however if convenience and privacy is more important, the extra charge is one you’ll likely be happy to pay.

Phone charges

STD phone charges were once a danger zone when staying at a hotel, but with the increase in mobile phone usage and the introduction of phone cards, unexpected expensive phone bills are now mostly a thing of the past. Hotels are still likely to charge high rates to use in room phones for STD or mobile calls, with rates too varied to mention, so avoid excessive phone use where possible.

Breakfast

Breakfast is another extra offered at all good hotels. Many hotels provide a bed and breakfast rate, where breakfast is bundled into the price of the room. This can often be at a reduced cost to you so if you intend on eating at the hotel, organising a bed and breakfast package in advance could save you money. Breakfast can be anywhere from $15 per head up to $40 or more at 5 Star hotels.

Other services

Pay TV, laundry services, daily newspapers, business and secretarial services, bottled water and a fully stocked mini bar are all common extras that may also be available during your stay.

When booking a hotel, make a list of the extras you require and check directly with the hotel to ensure you know up front what, if any, extra costs you can expect on your bill.