How to Avoid Extra Person Charges at Hotels?

If you’re a frequent traveler, you know how frustrating it can be to see extra person charges on your hotel bill. These charges can add up quickly and make your stay much more expensive than you anticipated.

Luckily, there are several ways to avoid these charges and save money on your next hotel stay.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best strategies for avoiding extra person charges, so you can enjoy your travels without breaking the bank.

Book a Room That Fits Your Needs

When booking a hotel, it is important to carefully consider the room size and capacity. One of the main reasons travelers incur extra person charges is because they book a room that does not fit their needs. To avoid this, keep the following tips in mind:

• Know the Room Capacity: Before booking a room, check the hotel’s website or call the front desk to confirm the maximum number of guests allowed in the room. Keep in mind that hotels have strict fire codes and violating the room capacity can be dangerous.
• Request a Rollaway Bed: If the room capacity is not enough for your group, request a rollaway bed. Most hotels offer this service for an additional fee, but it is often cheaper than booking an additional room.
• Find Hotels That Offer Sofa Beds: Some hotels offer rooms with sofa beds, which can accommodate an extra person without incurring additional charges. Check the hotel’s website or call the front desk to see if this option is available.
• Book a Suite or Apartment-Style Room: If you are traveling with a larger group, consider booking a suite or apartment-style room. These rooms often come with separate sleeping areas and plenty of space for everyone to sleep comfortably. Keep in mind that these rooms may be more expensive, but they can save you money in the long run by avoiding extra person charges.

By booking a room that fits your needs, you can avoid extra person charges and enjoy a comfortable stay at your chosen hotel.

Be Honest About Your Accommodation Needs

One of the most unpleasant surprises for hotel guests is finding out they have been charged extra for having additional people in their room. To avoid these charges, guests should be honest about their accommodation needs.

• Don’t Try to Sneak Extra People Into the Room: It is important to remember that hotels have strict occupancy rules for safety reasons. Trying to sneak in extra people may result in uncomfortable situations and additional charges.
• Be Clear About Your Sleeping Arrangements: If you plan on having more than two people in your room, make sure to communicate this when making your reservation. Some hotels have rooms with more than one bed or a sofa bed that can accommodate extra guests.
• Communicate with Hotel Staff: Upon arrival, it is worth mentioning that you have additional guests in your party and confirming that your room can accommodate everyone. This will prevent any misunderstandings and unexpected charges during your stay.

Hotels want their guests to have an enjoyable and comfortable stay, but they also have to follow their occupancy rules. By being honest and clear about your accommodation needs, you can avoid extra person charges and ensure a stress-free stay.

Join a Hotel Rewards Program

When it comes to booking a hotel, it is worth mentioning that some hotels may charge an extra fee for additional guests in a room. This can be an unpleasant surprise for travelers who are not aware of this policy. However, there are ways to avoid extra person charges, and one of them is to join a hotel rewards program.

Hotel rewards programs offer a range of benefits to their members, from earning points that can be redeemed for free nights to enjoying exclusive discounts and perks. One of the benefits of joining a hotel rewards program is the ability to accumulate points that can be used to cover extra person charges.

For example, Marriott Bonvoy program members can use their points to cover the extra person charge, while Hilton Honors members can earn points that can be used for free nights or to cover extra person charges. Keep in mind that the number of points required to cover extra person charges may vary depending on the hotel and the rewards program.

Joining a hotel rewards program can also offer other benefits that can enhance your stay. For instance, members may enjoy early check-in and late check-out, room upgrades, access to exclusive lounges, free breakfast, and more. Furthermore, some rewards programs offer a higher earning rate for loyal members, which means that you can accumulate points faster.

If you want to avoid extra person charges and enjoy other benefits, it is recommended to join a hotel rewards program. Remember to compare the benefits of different rewards programs and choose the one that meets your needs and preferences. On the other hand, if you are not interested in joining a rewards program, you can always call the hotel in advance and ask about their policy regarding extra person charges.

Negotiate With the Hotel

When booking a hotel room, it is important to keep in mind that many hotels charge extra fees for additional guests. These fees can add up quickly and significantly increase the total cost of your stay. However, there are ways to avoid these extra person charges, and negotiating with the hotel is one of them.

It is worth mentioning that negotiating with the hotel may not always be successful, but it is worth a try. Here are some tips for negotiating with the hotel:

• Ask If They Can Waive Extra Person Charges: When checking in at the hotel, ask if they can waive extra person charges. Some hotels may be willing to do this if the room is not at full capacity or if you have a long-term stay.
• Explain Your Situation: Explain your situation to the hotel staff. If you are traveling with children or elderly family members who do not require an additional bed, let them know. Also, if there was a misunderstanding when booking the room, politely explain the situation and ask if there is any way to waive the extra person charges.
• Be Polite and Professional: When negotiating with the hotel, it is important to remain polite and professional. Remember, the hotel staff are just doing their job, and getting angry or confrontational will not help your case. If the hotel is unable to waive the extra person charges, thank them for their time and move on.

On the other hand, if the hotel is unwilling to waive the extra person charges, there may be other options available. For example, you could consider booking a larger room that can accommodate all guests without incurring extra person charges. Alternatively, you could look for hotels that do not charge extra person fees, or consider staying at an Airbnb or vacation rental instead of a hotel.

It is important to do your research and compare different hotel chains and their extra person fees before booking a room. Keep in mind that some hotels may offer discounts or promotions that can offset the cost of extra person charges. Additionally, some hotels may waive extra person fees for members of their loyalty program.

Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to avoid extra person charges at hotels. However, by negotiating with the hotel, explaining your situation, and remaining professional, you may be able to avoid these fees and save some money on your stay.

For more information on hotel fees and how to save money on your travels, check out NerdWallet.

Consider Alternative Accommodations

When planning a trip, finding the perfect hotel can be a daunting task. However, it can be even more frustrating when you are hit with extra person charges for having more people in your room than the hotel’s standard occupancy. Fortunately, there are alternative accommodations to consider that can help you avoid these extra fees.

One option to consider is to book an Airbnb or vacation rental. These types of accommodations often offer larger spaces, such as apartments or homes, that can accommodate more people without any additional fees. Plus, they can often be more cost-effective than booking multiple hotel rooms.

If you prefer a more social atmosphere, a hostel or budget hotel may be a good option. While the rooms may be smaller and have shared bathrooms, they often offer private rooms that can accommodate multiple people without extra fees. Additionally, many hostels have communal areas where travelers can meet and socialize with one another.

If you do prefer staying in a hotel, it is worth mentioning that some hotels do not charge extra for children. Keep in mind that the age limit for children may vary by hotel, so be sure to check their policies before booking.

Regardless of the alternative accommodation you choose, it is important to remember to check the policies of the establishment before booking. Unfortunately, many hotels have strict policies regarding the number of people in a room and can charge extra fees if you exceed their standard occupancy. By considering alternative accommodations, you can avoid these extra person charges and enjoy your trip without any surprises.

Conclusion

Extra person charges can be a frustrating and unexpected expense on your hotel bill. But by following the tips outlined in this article, you can avoid these charges and save money on your travels.

Remember to book a room that fits your needs, be honest about your accommodation requirements, join a hotel rewards program, negotiate with the hotel, and consider alternative accommodations.

With a little planning and some smart strategies, you can enjoy your travels without worrying about extra person charges.