Hotels in the US: Resort Fees, Booking Tips and What to Expect

Booking a hotel in the US works differently than booking in Europe. The price you see is rarely the price you pay: US hotels add taxes, resort fees, parking and other charges on top of the advertised rate. This guide for Dutch travelers explains how US hotels really work, what resort fees are, how much to budget, and how to book without surprises.

What Is Different About Hotels in the US?

The biggest difference is transparency. In Europe, the rate you see usually includes tax. In the US, the nightly rate almost never includes the room tax (typically 10–17%), and many hotels add a mandatory daily resort fee of $20–50 on top. Your final bill can easily be 20–40% higher than the advertised price.

There are also practical differences: most US hotels require guests to be at least 21, hold a credit card for incidentals, and tipping housekeeping is expected. None of this is difficult — you just need to know it before you book.

What You Need to Book a US Hotel

Booking from the Netherlands is straightforward. You do not need a US address, phone number or credit card for most bookings — a Dutch Visa or Mastercard works fine. What you do need:

• A valid ESTA or US visa before you book non-refundable rates
• A credit card (or debit card with sufficient balance) — the hotel places a hold of $50–200 per stay for incidentals
• Your passport for check-in — a Dutch ID card is not accepted
• Patience with the deposit hold: it is released at checkout but can take 3–10 days to reappear on your Dutch bank account

If you only have a Maestro or V PAY debit card, some US hotels and booking platforms have trouble processing it. A Visa or Mastercard credit card avoids most issues. See our money in the US guide for payment tips.

Before you book anything, make sure your ESTA or US visa is in order — a hotel booking is no use if you cannot enter the country.

How Much Do Hotels in the US Cost?

Hotel prices in the US vary wildly by city, season and type. As a rough guide for Dutch travelers (per night, before tax and resort fees):

• Motels and budget chains (Motel 6, Super 8, Red Roof Inn): $50–100
• Economy chains with free breakfast (Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn): $90–160
• Midscale hotels (Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt Place): $120–220
• Upscale and luxury hotels (Marriott, Hilton, boutique hotels): $200–500+
• Vacation rentals (Airbnb, VRBO): $100–300 per night plus cleaning fees

Add 10–17% room tax and any resort fee. In cities like New York, Los Angeles and Miami, taxes push the total noticeably higher — a $200 room can easily cost $260+. Prices also spike around holidays and major events, so check the total, not just the nightly rate.

Resort Fees: The Charge Nobody Expects

A resort fee (also called a destination fee or amenity fee) is a mandatory daily charge hotels add to cover amenities like the pool, gym, Wi-Fi or beach access. The catch: you pay it even if you use none of those amenities. It is not optional, and in many cities it is now standard at hotels that are not resorts at all.

Typical resort fees are $20–50 per night. In Las Vegas, Miami and Orlando they are nearly universal; in New York, many hotels charge them too. A $150 room in Las Vegas often becomes $200+ per night once the fee and tax are added.

How to handle resort fees:

• Check the total price including fees before booking — Booking.com and Expedia usually show them
• Look for hotels that do not charge resort fees (many business and airport hotels skip them)
• Ask at check-in whether the fee can be waived — it rarely can, but it costs nothing to ask
• If the fee was not disclosed when you booked, dispute it with the hotel or your card issuer

The US Federal Trade Commission has pushed hotels to show the all-in price, but enforcement is slow — always assume a fee exists until the total confirms otherwise.

US Hotel Types Explained

Understanding the categories helps you match the hotel to your trip:

Motels and budget chains

Motel 6, Super 8, Red Roof Inn and similar are cheap, basic and often fine for one night on a road trip. Parking is free, check-in is fast, and you get what you pay for: thin walls, no breakfast, basic rooms. Dutch travelers doing a US road trip use these constantly — see our road trip on a budget guide for more.

Economy chains with breakfast

Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn and La Quinta include a free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi and consistent quality. This is often the best value for Dutch families — the breakfast alone can save you $30–40 per day.

Midscale and upscale hotels

Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt Place and similar offer larger rooms, gyms and on-site restaurants but usually charge for breakfast and parking. Luxury hotels (Marriott, Hilton, Four Seasons) add resort fees, valet parking and higher dining prices.

Vacation rentals

Airbnb and VRBO are popular in the US for groups and longer stays. You get a kitchen, more space and often a better price for 4+ people, but check the cleaning fee, service fee and house rules — total costs can rival hotels for short stays.

Booking Tips for Dutch Travelers

Where and when you book matters as much as the price:

• Compare the TOTAL price (including tax and fees) across Booking.com, Expedia and the hotel's own site — they can differ by 10–20%
• Book directly with the hotel for flexible cancellation and loyalty points; third-party prepaid rates are cheaper but non-refundable
• Most US hotels offer free cancellation until 24–48 hours before arrival — choose that rate unless the prepaid saving is large
• Book national parks and popular summer destinations 3–6 months ahead; they sell out

• City hotels are cheaper midweek; beach and ski destinations are cheaper midweek too — check our best time to visit guide for seasonal pricing
• Look for hotels with free breakfast and free parking — these perks are worth $40–80 per day

If your plans are flexible, booking 2–6 weeks out often gives the best rates. Last-minute deals exist but are risky during events like the Super Bowl, conventions or major holidays.

What to Expect at Check-In

US hotel check-in is quick but different:

1. Present your passport and the credit card used for the booking
2. The hotel places a hold on your card for incidentals ($50–200) — this is not a charge, but it temporarily reduces your available balance
3. Most US hotels require guests to be 21 or older; a few allow 18+. Under-21 travelers should confirm the age policy before booking
4. Ask about parking fees, resort fees and breakfast at the desk so there are no surprises
5. The hold is released at checkout but can take several days to clear on a Dutch bank account

Check-in times are usually 3 PM and checkout 11 AM. Early check-in or late checkout often costs extra unless you have hotel loyalty status.

Tipping at US Hotels

Hotel staff in the US rely on tips. Budget for these common ones:

• Housekeeping: $2–5 per night, left daily in the room
• Bellhop / luggage: $1–2 per bag
• Valet parking: $5–10 when your car is brought back
• Concierge: $5–20 for special requests

Tipping culture can feel strange for Dutch travelers, but it is a normal part of the US travel experience. See our tipping in the US guide for the full picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do US hotels include breakfast?

Only economy chains like Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn and La Quinta include free breakfast. Midscale and luxury hotels usually charge $15–40 per person for breakfast. Check the amenity list before booking.

What is a resort fee and do I have to pay it?

A resort fee is a mandatory daily charge ($20–50) covering amenities like the pool, gym or Wi-Fi. It is not optional — you pay it even if you use nothing. Always check the total price including fees before you book, and choose fee-free hotels when possible.

Can I book a US hotel with a Dutch debit card?

Most booking platforms accept Dutch Visa/Mastercard debit cards. Maestro and V PAY cards can fail, especially for the deposit hold at check-in. A credit card is the safest option; see our money guide for details.

Do I need to tip housekeeping?

Yes — $2–5 per night left in the room is standard. Housekeeping staff are paid partly from tips, so leaving something is appreciated and expected at most US hotels.

Is it cheaper to book direct or via Booking.com?

Prices are often similar, but booking direct gives you free cancellation, loyalty points and easier changes. Third-party prepaid rates can be 10–20% cheaper but are usually non-refundable. Compare the total price on both before deciding.

Can I stay in a US hotel if I am under 21?

Most US hotels require guests to be 21 or older, though some chains (like Motel 6 and certain Red Roof locations) allow 18+. Always check the hotel's age policy before booking if you are under 21.

The Bottom Line

Hotels in the US are not complicated once you know the system: the advertised rate is never the final price, resort fees are common, and tipping is expected. Add 20–40% to any rate you see, book with free cancellation when possible, and choose hotels with free breakfast and parking for the best value.

Before you book anything, make sure your ESTA or US visa is approved — a hotel booking is no use if you cannot enter the country. Check your status or apply today.