What you pay at the hotel: taxes, fees and the deposit
The booking closed at one price and the bill shows another. Usually that is not a mistake but a local tax.
4 min read ·
City tax and resort fees
Many European cities charge a tourist tax per person per night, collected by the hotel rather than through the booking. The amount depends on the city and often on the hotel's rating, which is why it is not part of the price you saw.
In resort areas there is sometimes a daily fee covering things like pool towels, the gym or internet. That is also collected on site.
The card deposit
At check-in it is normal to be asked for a card as a deposit. That is a hold, not a charge: an amount is frozen and released after you leave, usually clearing within a few business days.
Make sure the card's limit covers both the hold and the rest of the trip.
How to check in advance
Three questions prevent most surprises:
- Does the price include taxes, or is there something to pay at the hotel?
- Is there a daily fee, and what does it cover?
- How large is the deposit and when is it released?
Questions that keep coming up
Can the city tax be paid in advance?
Usually not. The hotel collects it for the local authority, so it is settled on the bill, in cash or by card depending on the hotel.
Do I get the deposit back?
If nothing was damaged and no paid services were used, yes. It is a hold being released, which can take a few business days to show on the card.
Why do two hotels in one city charge different tax?
The tax is usually set by the hotel's rating and the number of nights, so it differs between hotels in the same city.
Rahlio shows what is collected at the property separately from the price, and repeats it on the confirmation that is emailed to you.