Can hotels waive incidental fees?

When booking directly with a hotel, travelers should also keep in mind that they may be able to negotiate the terms of their stay. For example, if a hotel requires a deposit for incidentals such as room service or minibar charges, travelers may be able to negotiate a lower deposit amount or have it waived entirely.



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You really can't. Hotels have the incidental charges set for a reason. Some hotels won't even allow you to check in if you don't want to pay the full amount. These are in place for damages, mini bar, smoking movie rentals, long distance calls, etc.

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When you check in to a hotel, they typically will ask for a credit card to put on file. The hotel will then put a hold on your card to account for any incidentals or other charges during your stay, such as room service or perhaps Wi-Fi fees (yes, some places still charge for that).

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The amount of hotel incidental charges can vary widely based on factors such as the hotel's location, star rating, and the services used by the guest. On average, hotel incidental charges can range from $25 to $100 per day, but this can be higher in luxury hotels or during peak travel seasons.

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When you check-in, a card is usually requested, which will be used as a guarantee for incidentals, but also in some cases for the cost of the hotel itself (unless you paid at tile of booking, of course). Some hotels will simply not accept anything else. Others will just block any incidentals on your room.

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Either way, you can sometimes wiggle your way out of either deposit – depending on the hotel's policies and your ability to present a convincing case.
  1. Request a Courtesy Hold.
  2. Preauthorization vs. Actual Charges.
  3. Ask to Waive Authorization for Incidentals
  4. Turn Off Incidentals.
  5. Other Tips That Might Help.


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Typical Hotel Policy Regarding Non-Payment
Typically, hotels have a policy that requires guests to pay for all charges at the time of check-out. If a guest fails to pay, the hotel may charge the credit card on file or pursue legal action.

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However, some hotels still accept cash, especially smaller independent hotels or budget accommodations. It's worth noting that even if a hotel accepts cash, they may still require a credit card or a cash deposit for incidentals such as room service or damages.

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