If you’re looking to book a hotel through Orbitz, you may be wondering: does Orbitz charge a booking fee for hotels? Understanding Orbitz’s fee structure can help you minimize costs when booking accommodations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide a detailed look at the types of hotel booking fees Orbitz does and does not charge. We’ll outline any hidden fees to watch out for, as well as tips for avoiding fees when booking a hotel through Orbitz.
Orbitz Does Not Charge a Standard Booking Fee
When it comes to booking hotels through Orbitz, you can rest assured that you won’t be charged a standard booking fee. This means that when you make a reservation for a hotel using the platform, you won’t have to worry about any extra charges on top of the hotel’s listed price.
Orbitz prides itself on providing a transparent and hassle-free booking experience for its customers.
No Fee for Basic Hotel-Only Bookings
If you’re looking to book a hotel-only reservation on Orbitz, you’ll be happy to know that there is no fee associated with this type of booking. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, you can search through a wide range of hotels on the Orbitz website or app and make your reservation without incurring any additional charges.
This makes it a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers who are solely focused on securing accommodations.
Extra Services May Incur Additional Fees
While Orbitz doesn’t charge a standard booking fee for hotel reservations, it’s important to note that certain extra services may incur additional fees. For example, if you choose to add car rental or activities to your hotel booking, there may be separate charges associated with those services.
These fees will be clearly displayed during the booking process, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether or not to include them in your itinerary. It’s always a good idea to review the details of your reservation before finalizing the booking to avoid any surprises.
Watch Out for Hidden Hotel Fees on Orbitz
When booking a hotel on Orbitz, it’s important to be aware of any hidden fees that may be added to your final bill. While Orbitz itself does not charge a booking fee for hotels, there are other fees that you should watch out for.
Resort Fees Charged by Hotels
One common hidden fee that you may encounter when booking a hotel on Orbitz is the resort fee. Many hotels, especially those in popular tourist destinations, charge a resort fee to cover amenities such as pool access, Wi-Fi, and fitness center usage.
These fees are often not included in the initial room rate and can significantly increase the cost of your stay. It’s important to carefully read the hotel’s description and policies on Orbitz to see if a resort fee applies.
Additionally, you can contact the hotel directly to inquire about any additional fees.
Early Departure or No Show Penalties
Another potential hidden fee to be aware of is the early departure or no show penalty. Some hotels on Orbitz may charge a fee if you check out earlier than your scheduled departure date or if you fail to show up for your reservation.
This fee is usually stated in the hotel’s cancellation policy and can vary depending on the hotel. It’s important to carefully review the cancellation policy before making a reservation to avoid any unexpected fees.
On-site Services Outside of Room Rate
In addition to resort fees and penalties, some hotels may charge extra for on-site services that are not included in the room rate. For example, parking fees, spa services, or room service may come with an additional cost.
These fees can add up quickly, so it’s important to consider them when budgeting for your trip. You can usually find information about these fees on Orbitz or by contacting the hotel directly.
It’s always a good idea to carefully read the hotel’s description, policies, and any fine print when booking a hotel on Orbitz. By being aware of potential hidden fees, you can avoid any surprises when it comes time to pay your bill.
Remember to compare prices and policies on other travel websites, such as Expedia and Booking.com, to ensure you are getting the best deal for your hotel stay.
How to Avoid Fees When Booking Hotels on Orbitz
Book Room-Only Reservations
One way to avoid fees when booking hotels on Orbitz is to opt for room-only reservations. When you book a room-only reservation, you are not including any additional services or amenities in your booking.
This means that you won’t be charged any extra fees for things like breakfast, Wi-Fi, or parking. By selecting this option, you can save money and avoid any unnecessary fees.
Read the Fine Print Carefully
When booking hotels on Orbitz, it is important to read the fine print carefully. This includes reviewing the terms and conditions, cancellation policies, and any additional fees that may apply. By taking the time to understand the details of your booking, you can avoid any surprise fees that may be associated with your reservation.
Additionally, make sure to check if there are any fees for changes or cancellations, as these can vary depending on the hotel and booking terms.
Use Orbitz Coupons and Cash-Back Offers
To further avoid fees when booking hotels on Orbitz, consider using Orbitz coupons and cash-back offers. Orbitz often provides discounts and promotions that can help you save money on your hotel bookings. Additionally, some websites offer cash-back incentives for booking through Orbitz.
By taking advantage of these offers, you can reduce the overall cost of your hotel stay and potentially avoid any booking fees.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to compare prices and fees across different booking platforms to ensure you are getting the best deal. Keep in mind that while Orbitz may charge a booking fee for certain hotel reservations, there are ways to avoid these fees by following the tips mentioned above.
Orbitz May Charge Fees for Changes or Cancellations
When booking a hotel through Orbitz, it’s important to be aware that there may be fees associated with changes or cancellations. These fees can vary depending on the hotel and the specific booking details.
It’s always a good idea to carefully review the terms and conditions before making a reservation.
Change and Cancellation Policies Vary by Hotel
Each hotel listed on Orbitz has its own change and cancellation policies. Some hotels may allow free changes or cancellations up to a certain date, while others may charge a fee for any modifications. It’s important to read the fine print and understand the specific policies of the hotel you are booking.
One way to find this information is to click on the hotel listing and look for the “Policies” section. Here, you’ll find details about any fees or restrictions associated with changes or cancellations.
It’s also a good idea to reach out to customer service if you have any specific questions or concerns.
Non-Refundable Rates Have Restrictions
Orbitz offers both refundable and non-refundable rates for hotel bookings. Non-refundable rates typically have lower prices but come with more restrictions. If you book a non-refundable rate and need to make changes or cancel your reservation, you may be subject to additional fees.
These fees can vary depending on the hotel and the specific circumstances. It’s important to carefully consider your travel plans before booking a non-refundable rate to avoid any unexpected fees.
Change Fees Depend on Timing and Hotel Policy
The fees charged by Orbitz for changes or cancellations can depend on both the timing of the change and the hotel’s policy. Some hotels may have a more lenient policy for changes made well in advance, while others may charge higher fees for last-minute modifications.
It’s also worth noting that Orbitz itself may charge a service fee for changes or cancellations. This fee can vary and is in addition to any fees imposed by the hotel. Again, reviewing the terms and conditions of your specific booking is crucial to understanding the potential fees involved.
To stay up to date with the latest information on Orbitz’s fees and policies, it’s always a good idea to visit their website or contact their customer service directly.
Other Orbitz Booking Considerations
When booking hotels on Orbitz, it’s important to be aware of some additional considerations that may affect your experience. These factors include memberships that offer fee waivers, different policies for international hotels, and customer service fees for assistance.
Memberships May Offer Fee Waivers
If you’re a member of certain loyalty programs or have a particular credit card, you may be eligible for fee waivers when booking hotels through Orbitz. For example, some hotel chains offer their loyalty program members exclusive benefits, such as waived booking fees or discounted rates.
Additionally, certain credit cards may offer perks like fee waivers or bonus rewards for booking through Orbitz. It’s worth exploring these options to see if you can save some money on your hotel bookings.
International Hotels Have Different Policies
It’s important to note that international hotels may have different policies regarding booking fees on Orbitz. These policies can vary depending on the country and the specific hotel. Some international hotels may charge additional fees, such as local taxes or service charges, which are not included in the initial booking price.
It’s always a good idea to carefully review the terms and conditions of your booking to understand any potential additional fees you may encounter.
Customer Service Fees for Assistance
In certain situations, you may need to contact Orbitz customer service for assistance with your hotel booking. While many basic inquiries can be handled without any additional fees, there are some cases where customer service fees may apply.
For example, if you need to make changes to your reservation or require more extensive assistance, such as rebooking due to a flight cancellation, there may be a service fee involved. It’s important to be aware of these potential fees and factor them into your decision-making process.
Conclusion
In summary, Orbitz does not charge a standard booking fee for basic hotel-only reservations. However, change/cancellation fees, resort fees, and other hidden costs may apply in some cases.
By booking refundable rates, avoiding extras, and reading policies closely, you can often avoid fees when booking hotels through Orbitz.
