What is included in a hotel stay?
A standard hotel room rate usually includes the room itself, bed linen and towels, basic toiletries, a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, a TV, and regular housekeeping, plus access to shared areas such as the lobby. Breakfast, parking, gym or pool access and airport shuttles may or may not be included — it depends on the hotel and the rate you book, so check the booking details.
Usually included
- A private room with a bed, linen and towels
- A private bathroom with soap, shampoo and often a hairdryer
- Wi-Fi (free at most hotels, though some still charge)
- TV, heating and air conditioning
- Housekeeping (daily at many hotels, less often or on request at others)
- 24-hour front desk at most mid-range and upscale hotels
- Luggage storage before check-in and after checkout
Often included, but check
- Breakfast — included in many rates in Europe and Asia; often extra in US city hotels.
- Gym, pool and spa access — the pool and gym are usually free; spa treatments are extra.
- Parking — free at many suburban and roadside hotels, often paid in city centers.
- Coffee and tea makers, a fridge or minibar — the minibar contents are charged.
- Airport shuttle — some hotels near airports offer it free.
Usually extra
- Room service, restaurant meals and drinks
- Minibar items
- Laundry and dry cleaning
- Spa treatments
- Late checkout, early check-in and room upgrades (unless offered free)
- Resort or destination fees, which some hotels charge per night for amenities such as Wi-Fi, pool access or beach equipment
How to know what you are paying for
Read the rate description before you book: it should state whether breakfast is included, the cancellation policy, and any mandatory fees and taxes. Booking sites in the US are required to show mandatory fees in the total price, but local tourist taxes may still be paid at the hotel.
FAQ
What do guests want most from a hotel?
Cleanliness consistently ranks first, followed by comfortable beds, good location and reliable Wi-Fi.
What does a hotel package include?
A package bundles the room with extras such as breakfast, parking, spa credit, tickets or airport transfers, often at a discount compared with buying them separately.
What can a hotel do for a special occasion?
Many hotels can arrange decorations, a cake, champagne or a room upgrade if you mention the occasion when booking. Some charge for these extras.
Is breakfast included in the hotel price?
Only if the rate says so. Look for "breakfast included" in the room description.