Senate Committee Greenlights Hotel Fees Transparency Act

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation has approved the Hotel Fees Transparency Act (S. 2498), a key step in regulating hidden hotel fees. The bipartisan vote on July 31 supports greater transparency in hotel pricing, aiming to standardize the disclosure of mandatory fees.

Introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), the bill seeks to establish a uniform standard for displaying mandatory fees across the lodging industry. This follows the U.S. House of Representatives’ approval of a similar measure, the No Hidden Fees Act, in June.

The bill, supported by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), now requires full Senate approval. AHLA’s Interim President and CEO Kevin Carey praised the committee’s vote and urged swift action from the Senate.

Carey emphasized the importance of transparent booking processes and a level playing field across various lodging platforms. He noted that while only 6% of hotels charge mandatory fees, with an average of $26 per night, the new legislation will ensure clear fee disclosures.

The bill’s passage would align the lodging industry with efforts to enhance fee transparency in other sectors, despite recent setbacks in airline industry transparency efforts.