Can Hotels Charge Extra Fees for Using In-Room Safes?

In-room safes are a standard feature at many hotels, designed to provide guests with a secure place to store valuables during their stay. However, some hotels may charge extra fees for their use. Whether or not hotels can charge for in-room safes depends on a variety of factors, including the hotel's policies, the location, and the terms of your booking.

1. Hotel’s Discretionary Policy

Hotels generally have the discretion to set their own policies regarding additional charges for amenities like in-room safes. While some hotels include the use of the safe as part of the room rate or as a free amenity, others may charge an extra fee. It is important to understand how your hotel handles this particular service.

• Common Policies:
  • Free Use: Many mid-range to luxury hotels provide in-room safes as a complimentary service for guests.
  • Fee-Based: Budget hotels or resorts, on the other hand, may charge a daily fee for using the in-room safe, often disclosed when checking in or during booking.

2. Disclosure of Charges

Under most consumer protection laws, hotels are required to clearly disclose any extra fees or charges at the time of booking or upon check-in. If a hotel charges an additional fee for using an in-room safe, they should inform you of the charge upfront.

• Transparent Disclosure: If the hotel charges an additional fee for the use of in-room safes, this charge should be made clear before you book the room or at the time of check-in. This includes showing the daily or one-time fee in your booking confirmation or the hotel’s terms and conditions.
• Example: If you book a hotel online and the website does not mention any fees for using the safe, but you discover the charge at check-in, the hotel may be required to explain and justify this fee.

3. Why Hotels Charge for In-Room Safes

Some hotels, particularly budget or lower-end properties, may charge for the use of in-room safes as a way to cover operational costs. These costs may include the installation and maintenance of the safe, insurance, or the potential for loss or theft.

In other cases, the charge is used as a revenue stream for the hotel. Since the safes are considered an extra service, they may be subject to a fee similar to other hotel amenities like mini-bars, parking, or room service.

4. Are Extra Fees Legal?

The legality of charging extra fees for in-room safes depends on the jurisdiction and the hotel's transparency about the charges:

• U.S. Laws: In the United States, most states have consumer protection laws that require hotels to disclose all fees upfront, including any charges for using in-room safes. If the fee is not clearly disclosed at the time of booking or at check-in, the hotel may not be able to charge you for it.
• EU and International Laws: In the European Union and many other countries, hotels must disclose additional charges at the time of booking or check-in. If you were not informed about the in-room safe fee prior to arrival, you might have the right to dispute the charge.

5. How to Avoid Unexpected Charges

To avoid being surprised by extra fees for in-room safes or other amenities, take the following steps:

• Check the Booking Details: When booking a hotel room, review the full listing to see if any additional fees are mentioned, including those for using the safe. Many hotel booking sites will list fees for services like parking, Wi-Fi, or in-room safes.
• Inquire During Check-In: If the fees are not disclosed beforehand, ask the front desk at check-in if there are any charges for using the in-room safe or other services. This will help you avoid surprises later.
• Compare Room Rates: Some hotels may advertise a lower room rate but charge additional fees for amenities like the in-room safe. When booking, compare the total cost (including any additional fees) to see if the price is still competitive.

6. What to Do If Charged Unfairly

If a hotel charges you for using an in-room safe and you believe the fee was unfair or not disclosed, you have several options:

• Ask for an Explanation: Speak with the hotel staff to get clarification on why the fee was charged and whether it was clearly disclosed to you during the booking or at check-in.
• Dispute the Charge: If the fee was not properly disclosed or was unclear at the time of booking, you can dispute the charge with the hotel management. Some hotel chains have a customer service hotline or resolution process for dealing with billing disputes.
• Report to Consumer Protection: If the dispute cannot be resolved with the hotel directly, you can report the charge to a local consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau (BBB), especially if you were not informed of the fee at the time of booking.

Example Scenarios:

1. Scenario 1: Fee Was Disclosed at Booking

- You book a budget hotel and notice that the booking website mentions a daily fee for the in-room safe. You use the safe during your stay, and the hotel charges you as expected.

- Outcome: Since the fee was clearly disclosed during the booking process, you pay the charge without dispute.

2. Scenario 2: No Fee Disclosed at Booking

- You book a mid-range hotel and use the in-room safe during your stay. Upon check-out, the hotel adds a $5 per-day fee for the use of the safe that was not mentioned at the time of booking.

- Outcome: You question the fee with the hotel staff, as it was not disclosed when you booked the room. The hotel staff may offer to waive the fee or provide an explanation if the charge was a mistake.

3. Scenario 3: Dispute Resolution

- After staying at a hotel, you realize that an additional fee for the in-room safe was added to your bill, but you were never informed of this charge.

- Outcome: You contact the hotel’s customer service and explain that the fee was not disclosed during booking. If the issue is not resolved, you file a complaint with a consumer protection agency or your credit card company to contest the charge.

Conclusion:

Hotels can charge extra fees for the use of in-room safes, but these charges must be clearly disclosed to guests, either at the time of booking or during check-in. If a fee is not properly disclosed, you may have grounds to dispute the charge. To avoid unexpected costs, always review the booking details carefully, inquire about additional fees at check-in, and ensure that you are aware of any charges for services like in-room safes. If you are unfairly charged, you can request a refund, negotiate with the hotel, or file a complaint with the appropriate consumer protection agency.