The smell of possibility hangs in the air for travelers – and it’s not just the aroma of hotel lobby coffee. After years of opening our wallets to find mysterious “resort fees” and “destination charges” lurking at checkout, the travel industry just served up a dish we’ve all been craving: transparency. The Federal Trade Commission’s new rule, effective May 12, 2025, means hotels and short-term rentals can no longer hide mandatory fees from the initial advertised price.
I’ve spent countless nights in hotels across America, from gleaming downtown towers to roadside motels with flickering neon signs, all in pursuit of the perfect meal. Each time, I’ve watched my carefully budgeted trip suddenly cost more than expected – that $189 room mysteriously transforming into $249 after fees appeared at checkout.
The practice known as “drip pricing” – showing a low initial price, then dripping in mandatory fees later – is now officially off the menu. “People deserve to know up-front what they’re being asked to pay—without worrying that they’ll later be saddled with mysterious fees,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. The rule covers everything from hotels and motels to Airbnb, Vrbo, and even event ticket sellers.
For someone who plans trips around legendary barbecue joints and hidden gem bakeries, this changes everything. I can finally compare the true cost of staying near that famous dumpling place versus the hotel closer to the late-night ramen shop. The $229 hotel with “no resort fee” might actually be more expensive than the $249 option with all fees included – knowledge that’s crucial when you’re trying to maximize your culinary adventure budget.
What This Means For Food Travelers
The transparency doesn’t just help your wallet – it changes how we approach destination dining. Those budget-saving dollars can now be reallocated to the experiences that matter: splurging on the chef’s tasting menu, adding that wine pairing, or saying yes to the market tour with a local guide.
The change is already reshaping the industry landscape. Marriott has been ahead of the curve, implementing transparent pricing since May 2023 by displaying all non-government fees upfront. Other hotel chains are following suit, creating what industry experts predict will be a more level playing field.
For a culinary traveler on a typical 3-night getaway to Las Vegas or New York, this could mean savings of $90 to $135, based on the average resort fee of $30-$45 per night. As KAYAK reports, “the average price of a resort fee is around $30, and it’s typically charged per night, not per stay.” That $135 represents the difference between settling for happy hour snacks and indulging in a once-in-a-lifetime chef’s table experience at that impossible-to-book restaurant you’ve been dreaming about—perhaps even one of the city’s acclaimed International Restaurants that turn a meal into a passport stamp.
I once stayed at a beautiful property in New Orleans, perfectly positioned between three restaurants I’d been dreaming about for months. The room rate seemed like a miracle – until checkout revealed an additional $38 daily “destination fee” that somehow covered amenities I never used. That extra $114 could have funded an unforgettable seafood feast at the century-old oyster bar I’d been eyeing.
For culinary travelers, this rule feels like finally getting the recipe after years of guessing at ingredients. The total price, including all mandatory fees, must now be displayed more prominently than any other pricing information – no more fine print surprises or mathematical gymnastics at checkout.
Those seeking authentic food experiences often prefer boutique hotels or short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods, where you can live like a local and discover the places that don’t make the tourist maps. Now, comparing these options against chain hotels becomes a true apples-to-apples exercise, potentially opening up new neighborhoods and dining districts to curious food travelers.
