Over the years, we’ve see the increasing trend of hotels charging junk fees. We’re not just talking about luxury properties charging resort or destination fees, but even things like security fees, electricity fees, and more. Well, OMAAT reader Susan just shared a fee situation she faced at a Marriott affiliated property, which I’d consider to be particularly egregious, given how dishonestly it’s presented.
In this post:
Marriott charges all guests $2.87 “city fee,” for parking?
Susan reached out after recently staying at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Dallas Plano/Frisco. The property is in a suburban area, right next to a huge shopping center, with an endless amount of parking. So it’s not a hotel where you’d expect to find a charge for parking.
When booking the reservation, the guest made note of how the hotel now has a $2.87 parking fee, which wasn’t the case when the hotel opened, when parking was free. That’s fine, because she wasn’t parking a car at the property, and she says she would’ve stayed elsewhere if she had been (presumably on principle).
However, at check-out, she noticed a $2.87 per night “City Fee” on the folio, as it was described. Note that she works for the state of Texas, so she’s tax exempt, and also pays attention to the details on folios.
As she explains:
When I received my bill the morning of checkout–first shot–I happened to connect the $2.87 “city fee” (making it look like Plano has a tax) because it was what I thought I had seen the parking fee. I stopped by the front desk and the agent happily and apologetically removed it. But had my brain not connected the same numbers from “CITY FEE” meant to the numbers I saw under “PARKING FEE,” I would have had no idea. That’s what I expect is happening to every other guest at both hotels–whether one has a car or not.
It’s sad that deceiving customers has become the goal
In an ideal world, hotels wouldn’t have junk fees, and would try to be transparent with their pricing. But I realize that’s a big ask, and unlikely to happen.
At a minimum, could they try to not actively mislead consumers? So let’s recap:
- The hotel recently decided to add a $2.87 fee for parking, which was previously free; okay, I guess that’s their prerogative…
- The hotel then automatically charges guests that $2.87 fee, regardless of whether or not they’re parking, hoping that people won’t notice
- The hotel then claims this is a “city fee” rather than a parking fee, which can’t be described as an honest mistake; obviously the hope is that people won’t notice this, since people are much less likely to question government taxes and fees
What always intrigues me in these situations is what process caused things to be the way they are. Does the general manager come up with the idea, the owners, or what? And is there an explicit discussion about “hey, let’s put this on the folio as a city fee rather than a parking fee?” And then the other person is like “yep, sounds good,” rather than “but wait, that’s a lie?”
Bottom line
A Fairfield by Marriott recently started charging $2.87 per night for parking. Okay, that seems a little greedy, but fair enough. The issue is that the hotel seemingly just adds this to all folios, regardless of whether or not guests park, and then claims that this is a “city fee,” rather than a parking fee. I don’t think I need to explain why that’s wrong, but I do think it’s important to call hotels out for this.
What do you make of this Marriott property’s parking scheme?
Marriott has progressively gotten worse. Their lack of personnel training over the last few years and now deceitful upcharging, is an indicator of their downward spiral in the hospitality business.
I'm a lifetime Titanium member. Over the past five years i've slowly removed my business from marriott And shifted it to Accor and Pan Pacific hotels, Shanghai law and sometimes hilton or hyatt. Marriott has eroded their service level all over and their club.Lounges have become a joke with horrible food just about everywhere with the exception of asia where Basically they have told marriott to go f#ck themselves. I've done that with my twenty...
I'm a lifetime Titanium member. Over the past five years i've slowly removed my business from marriott And shifted it to Accor and Pan Pacific hotels, Shanghai law and sometimes hilton or hyatt. Marriott has eroded their service level all over and their club.Lounges have become a joke with horrible food just about everywhere with the exception of asia where Basically they have told marriott to go f#ck themselves. I've done that with my twenty five thousand dollars a year. They become a horrible company. These little charges are all Everywhere and resort fees have become obscene. They can kiss my resort the ass before.I'll ever pay one. Less less less at marriott.
If every guest who gets charged this fee calls Marriott HQ and complains, I bet Marriott will stop this unethical behavior. It's bad for business!! Do you part and make the call direct to JW Marriott HQ in Bethesda, MD. The number is (202) 393-2000. Let's do this!!
It’s not just Marriott, Hilton properties charges as much as $20 a night for parking! You have to scan a QR code on parking lot signs, enter CC information and pay separately. I refuse. Why play these games? Just tell me what it costs for the room and be done with these ridiculous add ons!
A class action lawsuit will be filed after enough people catch on and the states attorney general catches wind of this deceptive pricing. They'll lose a lot of customers doing that also. I know for a fact, I'll NEVER go to a Marriott knowing this information. That's one less customer they never even had to begin with. There's plenty of other hotels that don't deceive you for your money!!!
Is OMAAT going to contact Marriott for a comment? City of Plano?
Is the city aware that the hotel is charging this fee? Saying it is a city fee and not giving it to the city screams three words: FRAUD, ILLEGAL, SCAM.
I will not use this chain again
In the past years hotels never charged their guests a parking fee, but to list it as a city tax that is wrong also. Everything now a days has some type of fee and it is just getting worse. One reason people stay at hotels is because they are traveling for business or just visiting family and don't want to crowd a family member a home which is under standable. The American people are being...
In the past years hotels never charged their guests a parking fee, but to list it as a city tax that is wrong also. Everything now a days has some type of fee and it is just getting worse. One reason people stay at hotels is because they are traveling for business or just visiting family and don't want to crowd a family member a home which is under standable. The American people are being gouged any kind of way the rich/wealthy can continue to fill their pockets. Most American can barely afford to eat, less know pay rent or a mortgage. The saying is the rich keep getting richer and the poor just keep getting poorer. What is the solution for that. And yes it is just plain old greed.
Parking fees yet if anything happens to your vehicle on their property they deny all liability.
This is just outright theft.
This is a grap scheme, like the author said most people don't look at the bill not right away if they do this is cheap of the company to get money from the costumer, it is greedy and immoral, I cannot believe this, m.k.
A Residence Inn in Pennsylvania charges $12 for parking. Within spitting distance, a Hampton Inn, a Fairfield Inn, and Spark by Hilton permitted free parking.
I ended up staying at Hampton Inn and Spark on different occasions.
Greedy I went to a Marriott in Fort Lauderdale that I have been to before they charge 17 nightly with no security. My question is why don’t they just go up on the price nightly instead of a person being surprised when they check in or out
GREEDY
This is getting way out of hand
When they stop getting patrons they'll cry their going bankrupt. It's their fault all along !
It is a rip off plain and simple, they should be in the business to make money, and their charges go to the collective mother company, which will ultimately cover expenses like resurfacing parking lots, or refurbishing damaged properties, as well as all incidentals in every day operations, that's the cost of doing business. This is outside the boundaries of good business practice.
I recently stayed at Cambridge in Pittsburgh, and they charge a...
It is a rip off plain and simple, they should be in the business to make money, and their charges go to the collective mother company, which will ultimately cover expenses like resurfacing parking lots, or refurbishing damaged properties, as well as all incidentals in every day operations, that's the cost of doing business. This is outside the boundaries of good business practice.
I recently stayed at Cambridge in Pittsburgh, and they charge a HUGE amount for parking, as the arena is immediately next door, and ALL parking is fair game to someone attending an event.
Myself, my daughter, and grandson stayed overnight to go to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh for my grandson the next morning, instead of a 3 hour drive starting at 3am.
I shop at different stores in the same state some charge 5.5 tax others charge a higher tax can someone tell me why
Some different cities charge different sales tax than others. Same with hotels, the hotel-motel tax is different in different cities than others.
Cities and counties in the same state have different tax rates. You must not be from around here.
IT'S BEYOND SAD, IT IS DEVILISH! NOW THAT THE ECONOMY IS GOING SOUTH QUICKLY. IT'S COMPANIES COULD CARE LESS ABOUT Honesty AND Truthfulness. EVENTUALLY ALL WILL COME TO LIGHT, ON GOD'S JUDGEMENT SEAT.
In Pittsburgh the Marriot I stayed at on the north shore charged me roughly 50$ for two nights. I can't even drive. I took a Lyft. Parking fees are really crazy and the lot at that one is huge. It's not like parking downtown.
Under $3 is nothing compared to the fees charged in downtown Chicago you're looking at 15-20 per day there
Simple. Don't stay there. Period. Stay at hotels with no parking fees
Well, that's the point. If someone is not driving a car, then there shouldn't be a parking fee. The hotel adding one to people NOT driving is why this is so wrong.
The marriott we just stayed in near l.AX charges its guests fifty eight dollars a night to park in their lot! That is outrageous and disgusting and sinful
No problem to have my truck pay the valet
Fee . So when its broken into or damaged
Hotel will be held liable.
Our experience with Marriott was horrible. Never again.
Can u say " See You ( Marriott )in Court "
Looks like I’ll stay elsewhere!
A reason to avoid all Marriott properties.
A reason to avoid any hotel or motel that charges for parking.
Six of us from my VFW traveled on VFW business to Lansing Michigan in one van.
We didn't stay at the Marriott but imagine charging all six rooms a parking fee for one van.
I'm a long-time Marriott card holder and frequent Fairfield Inn customer. If Marriott sticks me with a parking fee or "city fee", I'll take my business elsewhere.
Sounds like las vegas,
Now we are turning into California,
Where we are getting taxed to death
......
I will be watching my invoices a little closer in the future and maybe looking elsewhere to spend my nights... "Good night (bye) Marriott!
great way to kill your brand. i wont be booking with them.
At this point, I would ask in advance what's the hotel chatges to the tenant.
If there's any extra changes it's up to the tenant to stay or leave
It appears that someone in Marriotts executive leadership has decided that they need the $2.87 one way or another.
In this highly competitive industry why take the low road by appearing to cheat not only your guests, but also the city?
Wouldn't it be better to simply increase the room rate by $2.87 and offer "free parking" over your competitors? It would seem this would alivieate both guests from feeling cheated, and staff...
It appears that someone in Marriotts executive leadership has decided that they need the $2.87 one way or another.
In this highly competitive industry why take the low road by appearing to cheat not only your guests, but also the city?
Wouldn't it be better to simply increase the room rate by $2.87 and offer "free parking" over your competitors? It would seem this would alivieate both guests from feeling cheated, and staff from the embarrassing situation of trying to explain the fee/tax.
This is fraud—plain and simple. So where is the call from the state prosecutor's office? Sadly, unless enough people complain, no such call will be forthcoming.
This aligns with something I noticed recently looking at Marriott properties in the suburban Houston area where several list small parking fees. I haven't actually stayed at any of these properties yet, so I don't know how the charge shows up on the bill. I have no issue, in principal, with a property's discretion to charge for parking or any other fee they wish - we as consumers have the freedom to discriminate based on...
This aligns with something I noticed recently looking at Marriott properties in the suburban Houston area where several list small parking fees. I haven't actually stayed at any of these properties yet, so I don't know how the charge shows up on the bill. I have no issue, in principal, with a property's discretion to charge for parking or any other fee they wish - we as consumers have the freedom to discriminate based on the cost and their business practices. And $2-4 is certainly better than the $10-20 often charged at suburban properties. But how they arrive at these small, odd, fixed (veruses percentage) amounts is questionable - it does make it seem that they may be attempting to disguise it. If they are indeed billed as some sort of municipal fee/tax, that is obviously an issue the municipality and Marriott should address.
Why do you keep writing “fair enough” after mentioning the price?? This is why they charge because your writing like it’s ok, stop it.
I stayed at the Marriot in Phoenix by the Mayo clinic and was charged 7.00 a night for parking. I was not happy.
In Tampa the Westin charges up to 50 per day outrageous
I think it is terrible to charge to park
I am very disappointed in Marriott. I will switch to IHG properties.
I am sick of all this gouging that is going on. I don’t care that the fee is only $2.87, it is the principle. When you start to add up al these little fees, Marriott are making more money and not providing additional service. I am a lifetime gold member at Marriott and a gold member at Hilton. A fee like this is enough to make me chose Hilton over Marriott when booking, even if Hilton is a little more expensive.
Recently I was twice in Fairfield, one in Miami that had a strong swear guess that the poor janitor trying to spray the floor of our room!
The second one was also recently we were in Fairfield of Temecula and while we were waiting over there, we saw that how the manager of hotel her name was Hope treating a customer with the rude and extremely obnoxious attitude. We felt sorry for that customer...
Recently I was twice in Fairfield, one in Miami that had a strong swear guess that the poor janitor trying to spray the floor of our room!
The second one was also recently we were in Fairfield of Temecula and while we were waiting over there, we saw that how the manager of hotel her name was Hope treating a customer with the rude and extremely obnoxious attitude. We felt sorry for that customer that seems was a that seems was a physician and be scared for ourselves.
Hotel breakfast that they solicit people for it it was horrible. It was look like that you are in the drill camp. This Manager was given a rude angle, problem issues to her subordinate like a janitors, and the lady was working in the lobby. She was really needed to go . We saw indifferent events how she rudely treat her employee and also be fine because she’s cutting corner and saving money for owners. She get away from complains of her absolutely unacceptable attitude and illegal harassment to her employees.
Marriott by putting their name on this kind of places they’re just selling their brand and this little cockroach hotels tarnishing the brand. Seems Marriott like many others coming off there customer care for Parking more dollars.
We were using this hotel from the time I was a kid as a professional adult business owner but I’m gonna avoid to be with them again I sadly tell you, Maria deep down to the bottom of hotel and hospitality business.
If someone could translate this into English for me I'd really appreciate it.
English please
We are Bonvoy lifetime titanium and are staying more and more at independent hotels.
My wife and I recently spent 3 nights at Fountaine Bleu in Miami Beach. Upon check-in, we presented a cc for any room charges incurred. Nowhere in booking, however, was a daily $53 fee mentioned until that time. Supposedly, it went for pool usage, beach chairs, 2 hrs daily bike use, et al. The main pool was under repair, thus not usable and the others are significantly smaller. We didn’t use any of it So...
My wife and I recently spent 3 nights at Fountaine Bleu in Miami Beach. Upon check-in, we presented a cc for any room charges incurred. Nowhere in booking, however, was a daily $53 fee mentioned until that time. Supposedly, it went for pool usage, beach chairs, 2 hrs daily bike use, et al. The main pool was under repair, thus not usable and the others are significantly smaller. We didn’t use any of it So at check out, I just asked to have the fees removed because the main pool was being remodeled; therefore, part of my daily $53 was unusable. It was removed without hesitation. Sometimes you just have to ask. (Side note: you can’t use the fridge to store anything because everything in it is on a sensor. So just by moving something it’s a room charge)
Exact same situation at the Fairfield in Flagstaff, AZ. Makes me wonder if this is corporately sanctioned.
Typical underhanded cheating by a greedy corporation. Integrity is a lost virtue in the business world of America.
I would expect Marriott Corp. to do something about a situation that damages their reputation. It’s dishonest to charge a parking fee disguised as a tax and applying this to all guests. Time for Marriott Corp. to put a stop to this!
Greedy and deceptive
It's the same thing as school property taxes. You gotta pay them whether you have kids in school or not.
That's not the same at all. The taxes that you pay that goes towards schools, go towards other things, as well. Those are collective taxes that serve the city as a whole.
This "city tax" is deceptively being imposed by a private business. And is solely for their benefit, not for the good of the whole city.
I recently was charged $15/day for the privilege of leaving my vehicle so I could sleep in the Marriot in Waterbury Ct. Never again will Marriot get anymore of my money.
Ocean manner in Ft. Lauderdale Florida charges 18 dollars a day to park and don’t tell you to you get there so driving a rent a car no one else is allowed to drive now you pay the money to park and they drive it to valet
Guess I won't be staying at any Mariot hotels in the future.
Greedy...period.
This is ridiculous on so many levels!! Why should people be charged for parking at a hotel?! Especially Marriott hotels.
Question ..... Has their city enacted a junk fee for parking on a per room basis to help pay for parking in the city? They may just be passing that on. Maybe do some research before you call them thieves.
Please someone sue this hotel. Trace back all the fees illegally charged to customer, get it back and then add a 10000% fine on top of it.
This same situation exists at a Town Place Suites Hotel, by Marriott in Corpus Christi, Texas. There is ample parking everywhere, including a restaurant, street parking and even a multi screen theater, all within 50 feet of this hotels entry. In this instance they add $5,00 to all guests w/no mention!
Most Marriott abs other motels are owned by asian Indians, and Indians avs Chinese people are very very greedy.
I already pay taxes, high room charge no extra fees should be charged
In Baton Rouge all the hotels now charge a parking fee from $5-10 dollars. Meanwhile there is still a sign up that says park at your own risk. When I asked why I had to pay a parking fee all they said was well the others do it. I also work for the state of Louisiana and have to pay that fee out of pocket. Makes no sense.
In most states, if a entity charges for parking or provides valet service they are responsible for your vehicle until you take possession back.
The townplace in Tempe, Arizona waited 2 days before back charging me for parking. I booked through southwest and this charge was not part of the signed contract for the reservation
Nearly all hotels are charging resort fees parking fees although they have plenty of parking & even parking garages. Florida, South Carolina & Charlotte are charging $15 to $25 to park at their hotel and it’s a forced fee even if you unload & park across the street. It’s highway robbery. Definitely sounds like a class action I’ve a lot receipts on all this type of greed, the saddest part is it’s not revealed until checkout.
A Towneplace in Minneapolis is charging for parking also. Started doing so this year even though the area wouldn't call for such measures.
Marriott is the most corrupt hotel chain.
J W Marriott would be sick about the way his beloved company is run today.
Marriotts only loyalty is to profit at all cost, guest be damned. They are no longer in the hospitality business!
This is a grap scheme, like the author said most people don't look at the bill not right away if they do this is cheap of the company to get money from the costumer, it is greedy and immoral, I cannot believe this, m.k.
I’m not so sure with this one… I’ve been to several properties where they charge a nominal fee, like $2, or something for parking. But they have to because the city has a ramp or lot as part of the development and the development agreement says the hotel will pay the city $2 per room stay, period. Whether a car is used or not. And thus is this a parking fee or a city fee? Really it is both but since it’s required regardless of a car, it’s really a city imposed fee.
I've been frustrated by parking fees at suburban hotels and generally avoid staying at these places if there are other options. The Madison Marriott West with four football fields worth of parking charges $10 per night. As a titanium guest I always make a comment at check-in and usually the fee is waived, but most of the time I just avoid the hassle and stay at a nearby Residence Inn. A year ago I made...
I've been frustrated by parking fees at suburban hotels and generally avoid staying at these places if there are other options. The Madison Marriott West with four football fields worth of parking charges $10 per night. As a titanium guest I always make a comment at check-in and usually the fee is waived, but most of the time I just avoid the hassle and stay at a nearby Residence Inn. A year ago I made reservations for a couple of rooms att the Residence Inn Appleton (another suburban hotel next to a big mall). At check-in this August the agent said, "We have a $3 parking fee per night. Is that OK?" I replied, "No, it's not!" But got charged the $3 anyway. This kind of nonsense is irritating, especially to a titanium member.
Mr. Marriott would not be pleased. Charge $25 a day for Internet, it's egregious but at least it's honest.
It's embezzlement.
It is just wrong!
I stayed in a Fairfield in Washington and I was really confused when I got charged $15 per night to park. This on claimed it's because it's gated however the gates were just in front of the entrance, the entire perimeter was open. How is that a secured parking spot? Anyhow there wasn't a lot I could do about it as it was not known until after the stay because it was a business trip.
It's not fraud if it's not greed.
What I mean is, if this allows the hotel to pay all it's employees an above-average wage with respect to Industry-relative numbers. Housekeepers put in more work than you'd think. There's always some room with puke and or poop all over the walls and floor beer bottles everywhere etc.
If the revenue from this fee went almost entirely and directly to the workers... then the only crime here...
It's not fraud if it's not greed.
What I mean is, if this allows the hotel to pay all it's employees an above-average wage with respect to Industry-relative numbers. Housekeepers put in more work than you'd think. There's always some room with puke and or poop all over the walls and floor beer bottles everywhere etc.
If the revenue from this fee went almost entirely and directly to the workers... then the only crime here is, trying to keep it a secret when the hotel should just named it Staff's Paycheck Helper or something like that lol and then be patting itself on the back and bragging about it on social media etc. Use it in recruitment Ads as a draw etc. Highly actionable position imo
The Marriott Courtyard in Truckee, California is charging $10 per night for a suburban parking lot. It’s fucking ridiculous and egregious.
I recently stayed at a Hampton Inn in Lawrenceville GA and they started charging a $4.67 parking fee. I told them this will be the last time I stay with them. There is another Hampton Inn i am now staying at is about 7 miles from them with free parking. Staying there next time we visit grandkids.
Absolutely positively not staying at this hotel no matter where.
Sounds like a great opportunity to file a class action lawsuit.
I wonder if the parking spaces matches the number of rooms? Class action suit sounds great.
I had a similar experience with a Marriott property in Quin̈cy, Illinois. The hotel manager falsely stated it was a city tax. The hotel was about 20% occupied, so it was clearly a money grab.
American greed is one of my favorite TV shows on CNBC
Happened to me in a Miami airport Marriott and airport Regency. It's a con to offer lower rates which they recover with a parking lot fee..
The Fairfield is not that nice a hotel! There are plenty of other places to stay
Shame on you Marriott. So deceitful. Boycott!!
The hotels in Seattle have a "destination fee" so everyone pays. We are being nickeled and dimed to death.
Marriot as a brand and franchise is failing... There is little consistency... whether it's upgrades, breakfast benefit, check out time, parking, etc. corporate lets these properties do whatever they want, and when you show up, its endless excuses why that benefit is not available here. what the point, when corporate does no read them the riot act - If you are a member of the corporate brand, there are certain ends of a bargain.... Its...
Marriot as a brand and franchise is failing... There is little consistency... whether it's upgrades, breakfast benefit, check out time, parking, etc. corporate lets these properties do whatever they want, and when you show up, its endless excuses why that benefit is not available here. what the point, when corporate does no read them the riot act - If you are a member of the corporate brand, there are certain ends of a bargain.... Its like going to McDonalds somewhere and they say, oh, we don't have Big Macs here.....
Had the same charge at the Matriott in Asheville North Carolina. Was told it was the city fee for the parking.
Well said. Agree 100%. So inconsistent across properties and they’re allowing way too many cheap proprietors cut corners. I’ve noticed a significant degradation of quality and it all started during the “due to the coronavirus” excuse era and it’s gotten worse since then!
My thought is if I pay for parking than take down the guest parks at own risk sign and guarantee my car will be safe. If you can promise no one will ding my door, break in, try to steak something, than a few bucks a day is fair. But if that money just gets me a few square foot of park at your own risk asphalt that's when I take issue.
I was just about to book a 2 night stay at Marriott in LA it's was 75 dollars per day to park, so I would have paid 3-days of parking fees..I can park at the airport and shuttle to the hotel pay airport fees and save money. I ended up booking something else, it's Ludacris
Im interested to know if they are so greedy maybe they did take off the parking fee and have a city fee as well...greedy bastards
Had the same thing happen at a courtyard by Marriott in the suburbs of Philly except it was $10 per night. disputed the change with my CC company and it was reversed. They were sneaky about it also. How did they know I had a vehicle. I could have been dropped off from a ride share. Ridiculous charge
This is ridiculous Avoid make servation on this hotels. They want make money on parking.
The Hotels are greedy. Thank you for calling them out.
I have been a marriott rewards member for many many years and I am embarrassed and angry at this sneaky procedure.
They are charging $5 a night at fairfield metarie just outside new orleans. Same set up. Plenty of parking. Wish they just charge more for room. Might ask for it to be waived as currently titanium with bonvoy
I just stayed at two different Marriotts in Florida (not new york and not on the beach) - both charged for parking - $50 and $35 - its becoming ridiculous bc I cant expense that but if they would just add it into the price i could pay the additional $$
So youre upset bcuz you cant 'expense' the sneaky fee??? SMH
That's a valid reason to be upset about it. Including it in the price of the room is the right way to go about it, the same way restaurants factor in the cost of things like straws, napkins sauces, and whatnot when you buy food instead of charging you a napkin fee
@Aaron
The difference is that people typically need napkins, and the cost of napkins is basically nil to the business. The same is not true for parking because even in the suburban hellscape that is most of Florida, lots of people traveling for work use rideshare or cabs instead of driving. So in that case it makes no sense to charge everybody staying at the hotel for an expensive amenity only used by a...
@Aaron
The difference is that people typically need napkins, and the cost of napkins is basically nil to the business. The same is not true for parking because even in the suburban hellscape that is most of Florida, lots of people traveling for work use rideshare or cabs instead of driving. So in that case it makes no sense to charge everybody staying at the hotel for an expensive amenity only used by a portion of the guests. Not to mention that including it in the room rate would necessarily make the hotel look less competitive on the OTAs to begin with. Parking is limited by physical space, and if you want to add more parking in the form of a deck or underground garage, that's really expensive, and people should be faced with the cost of providing that amenity.
They need to pay me for the gas stolen from my vehicle!! They laughed and said no camera in that area!! I was handicapped parking... will not be staying their again!!
I can't imagine the crazy hotel charges in Hawaii.
I agree this is total deception. I just had something similar with another famous name hotel organization and I am fighting it now with my credit card company because these additional fees were not disclosed at the time of booking. It's your hotel/property to charge as you will but be honest upfront and transparent and not underhanded and snicky. Bad business practice!
Will never stay there again.
They will always try to get you. Instead of making people mad with some weird fee, just raise the nightly rate.
This is fraud. We have many hotel choices my list is sadly now one shorter. Makes for an easy decision.
As a Marriott honors member, I would be very upset if I saw that and I would be on the phone with corporate headquarters to find out where this came from and I would not use this hotel any longer. I would check out already and found somebody reasonable.
Not to mention the damaged that this has caused the Marriott brand. Does
Marriott not police those utilizing their flags.
One simple idea could make America a better place: "Just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD."
And what is the other fee, the "State Cost Recovery Fee" which is much higher?!
Ok, just bring it up when u go to check out. Yhey will kindly remove it. But u need to ask.
As you stated, just on principle, I would not stay there.
Most of these "fees" charged by hotel are ridiculous. Tourism fee/tax...garbage. Paying for parking at an off-airport hotel (like 5 miles away (DIA)) is BS!!
You are right but unless you find other accommodations these guys will put the screws to you any way they can.
I presume since this is a reader story, she's reading the article and the comments? If so, can you please report this practice to the Texas' attorney general's office? This is fraud, plain and simple.
The Texas AG is a FELON himself!
You just made my day...cracking up this early. No where to report! Sometimes the the ridiculousness of businesses are unimaginable. Have a good day.
Doesn't matter. Ken Paxton isn't going to drive out to the property and start asking questions. You report it to the AG's office because it's their job to investigate. And there are people there who do the day to day work of investigating this stuff, who aren't felons themselves and who do want to serve the public and prosecute any wrongdoing.
It's a very unattractive property, with all the visual appeal of a supermax prison.
I'm guessing you've never seen a prison
As a Marriott Titanium member who traveled weekly for 35 years Marriott was my GO TO HOTEL and I am appalled at these fees. Many of the Fairfields are franchises owned by a hospitality corporation. I would be very surprised if the company owned hotels charged these fees. In fact I stayed at the Airport Fairfield in Warwick, RI last weekend and there were no parking fees.
And, why is the fee $2.87, not, say, $3? Maybe, because that number looks more like a tax? Also, would a $2.87 parking fee be subject to sales tax? Did they pay sales tax on the $2.87 (in all states I know of, the business is responsible to pay sales tax on items subject to sales tax even if they did collect it from the customer.)
Of course they required to pass over the sales tax for the government. They don't just pocket it
We stayed at a Marriott in downtown New Orleans. The hotel charged $40 per night for parking at an off site lot ($59 if you used valet). When you pulled in at the off site lot, the posted rate was $20 per night. The hotel is completely dishonest.
I was an AGM for Hyatt Place/House hotels for over 10 years. Charging this "fee" is ridiculous in and of itself. But to also lie about it? To the owners- whoever came up with the scheme, they should be fired. If the owners came up with it, I would be giving them my notice. If they lack the integrity to be upfront about what they are charging for, I wouldn't be surprised if they had...
I was an AGM for Hyatt Place/House hotels for over 10 years. Charging this "fee" is ridiculous in and of itself. But to also lie about it? To the owners- whoever came up with the scheme, they should be fired. If the owners came up with it, I would be giving them my notice. If they lack the integrity to be upfront about what they are charging for, I wouldn't be surprised if they had other schemes up their sleeves. Another question...if you do have a vehicle parking there, is there a parking fee AND city fee (doubling up on the dishonesty)?
Fired? This is fraud. Should be reported to the state attorney general.
Marriott International should do a deep audit of the owner-operator because they are probably cheating Marriott out of a lot of money in franchise fees across all their properties.
I stayed at a hotel recently (Rosen Inn Orlando Lake Buena Vista) that introduced a $10/night parking fee. So far, so disappointing (even though the chain was always very against parking fees and used that as a differentiator).
Except the twist is that the parking fee is capped at $50 regardless of the length of your stay. I'd never seen that before. Don't expect it to last either but as a result I would definitely keep that hotel in mind for longer trips.
If hotels are going to charge a parking fee, no matter what they call it, then the hotels should protect your vehicles from theft(something they do not do).
And they should have enough parking spots ...
American voted for deregulation (and the consequencial grifting).
Now live with the consequences of your voting and stop whining about it.
Hotels abusing "resort fees" isn't a problem exclusive to the US, is it? And shall we talk about the UrCove Globalist scandal?
@Gray
Yes these scam fees are generally speaking only happening in US hotels. Maybe places like Cancun and other highly US visitor focused destinations.
UrCove is entirely different, it has nothing to do with hotels charging guests dubious fees. It was about hotels effectively selling Globalist status on the cheap in violation of the program terms and conditions.
When have hotel charges ever been regulated?
We didn't vote for fraud
This could actually be a really clever move by the hotels: it's making the conversation more about what it's labelled as/potential fraud, and perhaps away from the loss of free parking.
There has never been free parking in any hotel ever. You pay for it when you pay for the room. Do they just let you park there and go somewhere else without buying a hotel room? Presumably they would tell you if they found out
I live in Dallas and thought I would just call the hotel to ask about the "parking fee". I just got off the phone with the front desk who responded that the charge still applies which she described as a "city fee". When asked what statute or ordinance the hotel is relying on to support the "city fee", the agent had no response. Marriott needs to step up and control this type of behavior. Its...
I live in Dallas and thought I would just call the hotel to ask about the "parking fee". I just got off the phone with the front desk who responded that the charge still applies which she described as a "city fee". When asked what statute or ordinance the hotel is relying on to support the "city fee", the agent had no response. Marriott needs to step up and control this type of behavior. Its outright fraud to being calling it a "city fee" when the city has no such fee structure in place.
Please also call the City of Plano and let them know that the hotel might not be remitting to them the "city fees" being collected in their name.
I've emailed the Texas attorney general; the Plano city attorney, mayor and management; and the county tax collector. It's at least $171,798 a year the owner is pocketing with scam tax collection. The owner is probably doing it at every other hotel they own too. Chase Hospitality: https://www.chasehospitality.com/
Google Chase Hospitality CEO and you will see exactly who owns and runs this company.
These "people" are running hotels straight into the ground and are redefining hospitality as nothing short of a nightmare.
I avoid hotels owned by these people and yes, I'm prepared for the comments telling me how terrible I am.
When I went to Ocean City MD this Spring, when we checked in we were told there is a $10 a day parking charge. We were at the Hilton Garden Inn. That was an additional $70. I have been looking for a hotel in Hilton Head, SC and many of them have an additional charge for parking! From $5. Per day to $20. Per day!
Why would you call the hotel? Why not call Marriott corporate offices? Cost of the call is the same. I think the problem is that Marriott has Mormon roots, and they're so honest they're the only people Howard Hughes trusted to run his Las Vegas casinos. Marriott's honesty has faded but they still disapprove of foul language, so they told the franchisee that they couldn't put "shitty fee" on their bills.
Marriott is not an honest company at all.
Probably time for the city to come collect the taxes paid to them.
If this report is accurate, labeling a private parking charge as a “City Fee” is not just misleading marketing — it borders on a violation of basic accounting and disclosure principles. Any charge that implies a public tax or municipal fee, when in reality it’s an internal revenue item, misrepresents the nature of the transaction.
From a compliance and financial reporting standpoint, this raises serious red flags. Under U.S. GAAP, IFRS, and even basic consumer...
If this report is accurate, labeling a private parking charge as a “City Fee” is not just misleading marketing — it borders on a violation of basic accounting and disclosure principles. Any charge that implies a public tax or municipal fee, when in reality it’s an internal revenue item, misrepresents the nature of the transaction.
From a compliance and financial reporting standpoint, this raises serious red flags. Under U.S. GAAP, IFRS, and even basic consumer protection laws, transparency and truth in billing are non-negotiable. Misstating an internal fee as a government tax could be construed as deceptive, potentially breaching both local tax regulations and corporate integrity standards.
Forget that. It allows the property to cheat Marriott on revenue. It has 99 rooms. The average hotel occupancy in Dallas is 65%. So, that's at least $171,798 a year in revenue the owner is making. Marriott operates based on a franchisee fee and a fixed percent of revenue. Revenue disguised as taxes goes right into the owner's pocket.
And yet again, Marriott corporate will do nothing...
Marriott will if they’re the ones getting bent over the barrel
If their franchise fee is being circumvented that’s the only way they will care
Marriott will if they’re the ones getting bent over the barrel
If their franchise fee is being circumvented that’s the only way they will care
How is this not fraud? Seriously. I'm sure by passing it off as a "fee" they don't have to give Marriott a slice of the revenue. So they're not only cheating customers but they're cheating Marriott.
It is.
Sure it’s fraudulent. Think Marriott cares?
The late economist Donald Shoup explained “free” parking is actually quite expensive. https://www.economist.com/obituary/2025/02/13/donald-shoup-knew-how-to-get-cities-going
I agree that parking should have an up-front cost, but that's very different from a hotel passing off parking as a "tax" that every customer has to pay regardless of whether they're parking a car, as is happening here.
Economists don't die. Just on day, supply fails to meet demand.
A class action lawsuit is needed. The lawyers would get a $5 fee and every would get a 1 cent coupon that expires in 90 days. Don't laugh. Once I got a check for 2 cents.
I didn't even get money once from a parking charges litigation. I got a discount code for a future $1 off parking fees. Can be used up to 5 times though. Score.
I think all too often, liars and cheaters don't go to prison. When individuals lie and cheat others, they get charged with felonies. When big businesses do it and get caught, it might or might not result in some bad attention or maybe a lawsuit (which may get sent to arbitration). As soon as we start holding actual people responsible for all the cheating lying scoundrel company actions out there, they'll shape up. Hey, how...
I think all too often, liars and cheaters don't go to prison. When individuals lie and cheat others, they get charged with felonies. When big businesses do it and get caught, it might or might not result in some bad attention or maybe a lawsuit (which may get sent to arbitration). As soon as we start holding actual people responsible for all the cheating lying scoundrel company actions out there, they'll shape up. Hey, how about start with this hotel? A prosecutor should make an example out of em to deter others.
Feels like this calls for a class action.
At this point, Hotels are terrible. All of them. Scams, the whole lot of them.
That's why I refuse to pay more than $90 per night, no matter where I go. If they're going to rake me over the coals, then at least they won't get $1000+ per night out of me.
The Holiday Inn Express Charlotte Airport is doing the same thing. They are in a suburban area with a large surface lot close to a huge shopping area, and not close to the airport (3 miles). But they're charging every guest $10/night to park.
That's fine. If they call it a parking charge and if you park there, they can charge whatever they want to park. But they can't call it a city tax which every guest has to pay regardless of parking if there really is no such city tax. That's how it becomes fraud.
Stay at Laquinta Hotels.