Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by André Carson and 4 co-sponsors

The Hotel Fees Transparency Act mandates upfront disclosure of all mandatory hotel fees, protecting consumers from hidden charges and enabling informed booking decisions.

Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 60.

Purpose and Intent

The Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 (HR 1479) aims to enhance consumer protection by prohibiting unfair and deceptive advertising practices related to hotel pricing. Specifically, the bill seeks to ensure that all mandatory fees associated with short-term lodging are disclosed upfront in advertising, allowing consumers to make informed decisions when booking accommodations.

Key Provisions

Mandatory Fee Disclosure: The bill mandates that any provider of short-term lodging must include all mandatory fees in the advertised price of a reservation. This applies to:

Direct offerings by the lodging provider
Third-party distribution channels
Metasearch referrals (websites that aggregate prices from various sources)

Consumer Protection: By requiring full transparency of fees, the legislation aims to eliminate "hidden fees" that are often added at checkout, which can mislead consumers and complicate price comparisons.

Background and Need for Legislation

The need for this legislation arises from the prevalence of hidden fees, such as resort fees, that are not disclosed until the consumer is at the point of payment. These fees can significantly inflate the total cost of a hotel stay, making it difficult for consumers, particularly those on tight budgets, to accurately assess the true cost of their lodging options. The bill responds to consumer complaints and expert opinions highlighting the negative impact of such practices on informed purchasing decisions.

Affected Parties

Consumers: The primary beneficiaries of this bill will be consumers seeking transparency in hotel pricing, enabling them to make better-informed choices.

Hotel and Lodging Providers: The bill will require these providers to adjust their advertising practices to comply with the new transparency requirements.

Legislative Process and Timeline

Introduced: February 21, 2025

House Actions:

April 8, 2025: Ordered to be reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
April 24, 2025: Reported favorably by the Committee (H. Rept. 119-71).
April 28, 2025: Passed in the House by voice vote after a period of debate.

Senate Actions:

April 29, 2025: Received in the Senate, read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 60).

Conclusion

The Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 represents a significant step toward protecting consumers from misleading pricing practices in the hotel industry. By ensuring that all mandatory fees are disclosed upfront, the bill aims to foster a more transparent and fair marketplace for short-term lodging.

Bill