Hotels charge various fees beyond the base room rate to cover operational costs, maximize revenue, and simplify their internal accounting. The most common is the "resort fee" or "destination fee," which hotels claim covers amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, pool access, fitness center use, and local phone calls. By separating these from the base rate, hotels can appear more competitive on third-party booking sites that sort by price. Additionally, hotels take "incidental holds" or "security deposits" upon check-in to protect against potential damages to the room, unpaid room service, or mini-bar charges. This is typically a temporary authorization on your credit card. Other fees, such as parking, pet fees, or early check-in charges, help offset the specific labor and maintenance costs associated with those services. While many travelers find these "hidden" fees frustrating, they have become a standard industry practice to maintain profit margins while keeping advertised "headline" prices lower for consumers.