US House Approves Bill Targeting Hidden Hotel Fees

The US House of Representatives has passed the Hotel Fees Transparency Act, which will change how people book their stays. This bipartisan bill aims to make sure places to stay show the full cost of rooms, including extra charges for resorts and services, before guests finish booking.

Hotels Must Show Total Costs Upfront Under New Law Backed by Nevada Leaders 

The House passed this law by voice vote on April 28. It requires all hotels, short-term rentals, and websites that book travel to display the total price up front on their websites and ads. This includes fees often added at the end, like resort fees, charges for specific places, and cleaning costs. The bill now goes to the Senate, where they are already looking at a similar version.

Backing for the bill runs high in Nevada, where tourism plays a key role in the state’s economy. Politicians from both parties and industry spokespeople say the law could help restore traveler confidence as Las Vegas keeps vying for US and foreign visitors.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, who co-sponsored the bill in the Senate, said the law ensures fairness for travelers and boosts Nevada‘s tourism economy, reported The Las Vegas Review-Journal. Her fellow Senator, Jacky Rosen, noted that many Nevada resorts already show prices and suggested the bill would make this practice standard across the country.

In Las Vegas, hotels charge resort fees that can range from around $26 at cheaper places to over $55 at fancy hotels. These fees cover things like internet, gym use, and parking, but often do not show up until you are almost done booking.

Tourism Advocates Back Federal Push for Transparent Pricing in Travel

Virginia Valentine, who heads the Nevada Resort Association, backed the bill. She said it would help make pricing practices more consistent across the board, including websites that book for you and short-term rentals, giving customers better ways to make smart choices.

Dina Titus, who represents the Las Vegas Strip, called the bill a practical way to boost tourism as the hospitality industry faces economic challenges. She stressed the importance of getting rid of hidden fees that annoy travelers and shake their trust.

On the other hand, Mark Amodei, a Republican representative, pointed out that transparent pricing builds confidence in states like Nevada that rely on tourism. Susie Lee, a Democratic representative, said the bill aims to protect working families from unexpected expenses.In December 2024, the Federal Trade Commissionordered full price disclosure starting May 10. However, changes in leadership at the agency have raised doubts about enforcement, so lawmakers want to make these transparency rules part of federal law.