Ever wondered why you end up spending more at hotels than you initially budgeted for? As hoteliers strive to maximize their revenue, they have mastered a few tricks to entice guests into parting with more of their hard-earned cash. Understanding these tactics can help you manage your expenses better and ensure you get the most value for your money.
This list is based on real-world trends, data, expert interviews, and surveys. It provides an insight into the strategies hotels employ to subtly influence your spending habits. From strategic room placements to expensive minibars, get ready to uncover the secrets behind hotel upselling techniques.
1. Strategic Room Placement
Hotels often place premium rooms in strategic locations where guests are more likely to see them. They might be closer to amenities, have a better view or offer more space. This encourages guests to upgrade their room for a better experience. It’s a psychological trick that plays on the human tendency to desire better things, even at a higher cost.
With the rise in online bookings, hotels are using virtual tours and attractive photos to showcase these premium rooms. They’re betting on the fact that once you see these rooms, you’ll be more inclined to opt for an upgrade, increasing your spending.
2. Expensive Minibars
Minibars are a common feature in many hotel rooms and are often stocked with a variety of snacks and beverages. However, they come with exorbitant prices. Many guests, either out of convenience or the desire to treat themselves, end up consuming items from the minibar, adding a significant amount to their final bill.
This trend is not likely going anywhere as hotels continue to profit from minibar sales. Hotels are even becoming more creative, including unique, local, or luxury items in their minibars to entice guests to spend more.
3. Premium Wi-Fi Charges
While many hotels provide free Wi-Fi, it’s often limited in speed or data usage. For faster speeds or unlimited data, guests are usually required to pay a premium fee. This encourages guests, especially business travelers who rely heavily on internet connectivity, to spend more.
The need for high-speed internet is more pertinent now than ever, as more people work remotely or need to stay connected. Hotels capitalize on this need, making premium Wi-Fi one of their lucrative upselling strategies.
4. In-House Services
Many hotels offer in-house services like spas, gyms, or restaurants. While these amenities offer convenience, they are usually priced higher than similar services outside the hotel. Yet, many guests choose to use these services for the sake of ease and comfort, thereby spending more.
As wellness and fitness trends rise, hotels are likely to continue enhancing their in-house services, making them more attractive and thus more likely to draw extra spending from guests.
5. Resort or Urban Fees
Some hotels charge additional resort or urban fees for amenities like pool access, gym use, or even daily newspaper delivery. These fees are often mandatory, adding to the total cost of the stay regardless of whether guests use these amenities.
This trend is increasingly common, particularly in tourist hotspots. Awareness of these fees can help guests budget better and avoid unexpected costs upon checkout.
6. Room Service Markup
Room service is a luxury that many guests indulge in for its convenience. However, it comes with a hefty markup. From the food prices to the service charge and often a delivery fee, room service can significantly increase your hotel bill.
As hotels continue to emphasize on personalized guest experiences, room service is becoming more sophisticated and thus, more expensive. It’s a trend that’s here to stay, making it a key factor in increased guest spending at hotels.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
