Sometimes it’s just about being nickel-and-dimed. That’s why this Hawaii hotel surcharge even surprised us.
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68 thoughts on “This Hawaii Hotel Surcharge May Catch You By Surprise”
Sometimes it’s just about being nickel-and-dimed. That’s why this Hawaii hotel surcharge even surprised us.
The creativity of fees charged by hotels is staggering. So what exactly is a Tree Fee?? Five bucks to not have your view blocked by a tree?? A slush fund for arboreal services on the hotel site…which should be covered by The Resort Fee?
No mention or explanation of fees on their website.
Bueller??? Bueller???
BTW… the optional “Tree Fee” that they are asking you to contribute to… you have to opt out in order to avoid it so it will automatically be added unless you tell them other wise.
I have a gorgeous vacation rental across from a beautiful swimming beach. No parking or resort fees! I can only rent it once a month so there is a 10 day minimum but so worth it.
This is what I always think every time I see one of these posts bemoaning hotel costs in Hawaii. Vacation rentals are sooo much cheaper than hotels in Hawaii. At least twice the space for half the cost!
Don’t just give up on Hawaii because of cost. Rent a legitimate short-term rental with great reviews, a kitchen, free parking, and lots of space!
PatG I enjoy what you have pointed out, there are viable, cost-effective, choices. If it were just 2 or possibly 3 traveling without a place to stay I would certainly avail myself of that type of accommodation. Whereas if I were traveling with several people I would look into Real STR’S because of the space needed to accommodate all of us. Cost Effective and Typical Resorts/Hotels just don’t seem to coincide nor give me what I would be seeking. Thanks PatG! Hopefully others will take Your Advice.
So people are going to start bringing cash…. leaving it in the in-room safe until check out.
The hotel is not going to want to have lots of cash on premises. They will have to pay for an armed bank transfer plus it puts the staffs safety at risk. Once word gets out they are accepting more cash, the bad guys will start doing bad things.
Save a ton of money and don’t rent a car or pay the hotel garage fees or even the fuel. Take an Uber from the airport and to any other destinations during your stay that are too far to walk or take a bus. It’s that simple.
I agree. I took Lyft from the airport as all the independent shuttle companies went under. Lyft is less expensive that the only shuttle that is left at Honolulu airport. Also, who needs a car in Waikiki? You can walk everywhere or take the public bus if you want to go further ….
We bought a timeshare… while I don’t like them, so far they haven’t penalized us like the resorts and hotels do. That might be an option for those who go back regularly like we do.
Same here. I said I’d never buy another timeshare again—at my age, it didn’t make sense. But adding all the ridiculous taxes and resort fees, it DID make sense, even if I get only a few years out of it. I have a granddaughter I like to visit and this is the only way I can financially afford to visit her.
unless you want to get rid of your timeshare one day…enjoy it while you can! For most people, timeshares are the wort investment they ever made. You probably haven’t owned it long enough to realize they don’t have the flexibility their promised and yes, their fees also go up.
Aloha! We purchased our first timeshare in 2004, and upgraded in 2009. We’ve visited 12 times since. Glad we have this timeshare because we’re in a small place right on the water, where we can watch whales cruise throughout the channel. I have plenty of choice to use, but we always go on our Valentine’s Day wedding anniversary except for two times due to my employer. Have never regretted buying, especially knowing how high even the cheaper hotels are.
I am glad it worked out for you. Met many timeshare owners who regretted buying one.
Mahalo & Aloha
It works for me. Actually I have 2 and can use them for even just one night and use points for hotels if the resort isn’t available One I’ve have for Many years and it has free parking! (I don’t rent a car, but my son can park his there.) Because I use them to visit family, and I have flexibility to travel when I want—not licked into certain high season vacation periods, I don’t have difficulty. The hard part is coordination with low airfares. But like I said, it works for me. Timeshares are not for everyone.
Aloha,
Well, you just nailed the “problem”; non room charges are 38% of the bill. On that basis, the 2% means a lot. I gave up the Hilton years ago because they wanted $15 per day for internet. I vote with my dollars. Wait for the 25% or so room tax you wrote about recently. Good Luck.
Mahalo
$457 a night total. I think they are shooting themselves in the foot. Double (two rooms) or more with children.
Stay at the kahala it’s 10 times the hotel and non of this bs. They’ll upgrade your room most of the time there’s no resort fee and usually you get room credits that will off set parking of $32 most times I’ve stayed the waive it. Plus often you can get the amazing breakfast buffet thrown in.
The Kahala is out if the way from everything. And the beach there isn’t that nice. There’s a reason for why it’s cheaper.
Actually it’s more expensive and there’s a reason it is :). They know how to treat their guest. Unless you desire to spend a week in Waikiki only and enjoy a 280 sqft closet I’d highly recommend staying there. You can also take a free hotel shuttle from the kahala so you don’t have to deal with parking. You also can use their bikes etc to get around kahala which is a much nicer neighborhood. I usually split half at halekulani and half at kahala. 3 days in waikik is enough for anyone. I should know I lived there for 12 years.
Didn’t you pay the taxes with the credit card? If so, add another 2%. Did the CFO at the hotel think this charge up? Not good for the customer.
Hawaii hotels have fee’d me into not booking my anual trip to Waikiki From $5000.00 in 20220to $7500.00 2023 for same room smae tome of year. Thanks but no thanks.