Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025
Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 – Plain Language Summary **What It Does** This bill requires hotels, vacation rentals, and online booking websites to be upfront about the true cost of a room before you book it. Specifically, companies must show you the total price—including all service fees added on top of the base room rate—right when they first display a price. They also must clearly list any taxes or government fees before you complete your purchase. The goal is to eliminate the common practice of advertising a low nightly rate, then adding numerous hidden fees at checkout that surprise customers. **Who It Affects** This applies to any company that rents out short-term lodging, including traditional hotels, Airbnb-style rentals, and third-party booking platforms like Expedia or Hotels.com.
Consumers will be the primary beneficiaries, as they'll see true costs upfront rather than discovering extra charges during checkout. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general would have authority to enforce the law and take action against companies that violate it. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting action in the Senate. It has not yet become law.
CRS Official Summary
Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025This bill requires providers of short-term lodging (e.g., hotels, short-term rentals, and third-party online sellers) to include certain price information when displaying, advertising, or marketing reservations for lodging.Specifically, such providers must (1) display the total services price, including the base price and any service fees, if a price is displayed in an advertisement. marketing material, or a price list; (2) disclose the total services price at the time the services are first displayed to an individual seeking to purchase such services and anytime thereafter during the purchasing process; and (3) disclose, prior to the final purchase, any tax, fee, or assessment imposed by any government entity (or quasi-government entity) on the sale of such services.The bill provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general (or other authorized state officials).
Latest Action
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 60.