Hotels Charging “Package Handling Fees”: Fair?

By: Ben Schlappig

Updated: February 8, 2023
Published: February 8, 2023

44 comments

A reader emailed me a question about a hotel fee that’s becoming increasingly common, which I wanted to address in this post. I’ll share what I think, and then I’m curious to hear what the OMAAT community thinks.

In this post:

Hotels charging fees to accept packages

There are all kinds of situations where it can be useful to have a package shipped to your hotel, either prior to your arrival or during your stay. Maybe you want to send some luggage ahead of time, or maybe you just need to order something from Amazon.

Almost across the board, having something shipped to a hotel you’re staying at shouldn’t be an issue. However, back in the day this consistently wouldn’t cost anything, while nowadays we’re seeing some hotels (especially large properties in major cities) monetize this service.

For example, an OMAAT reader shares that he’s going to stay at a Hyatt in Miami in the near future, and he emailed the hotel to inform them about having packages sent there. The hotel responded with a price list of how much this service costs, based on the weight of the package:

Under 1lb is free
1-5lbs costs $5
6-20lbs costs $10
21-35lbs costs $20
36-50lbs costs $40
51lbs+ costs $40
A pallet costs $150

I haven’t heard of a tiered pricing model like this before, but rather there’s typically just a flat fee for accepting a package, for those hotels that do charge. So I guess to look at the bright side, you could have an envelope or letter shipped to the hotel for free… yay?

Some hotels are charging to accept packages

Is a package acceptance fee unreasonable?

As far as I know, no major hotel group has a policy against individual hotels charging fees to accept packages. Is it fair, though?

Well, it’s certainly not terribly hospitable, it leaves a bad impression with a guest before they even arrive, and it feels like nickel-and-diming.

However, this becoming an increasingly common trend shouldn’t be a surprise. We’ve seen owners of hotel investment companies urge the major hotel groups to stop giving things away, and to seek inspiration from ultra low cost carriers. From housekeeping and room service being reduced, to limited hours for restaurants, to club lounges remaining closed, this is all trying to accomplish the same thing — minimize costs and maximize revenue.

I can’t help but wonder if this policy was initially introduced because some people were really taking advantage of it, and having huge numbers of packages sent to hotels.

In fairness to hotels, accepting packages does take a bit of effort, in terms of accepting the package, storing it, and bringing it to the room, and on top of that there’s potential liability. Personally I find a package handling fee less offensive than just a blanket destination fee, though that’s not exactly an endorsement of the practice.

Is it reasonable for hotels to charge package delivery fees?

Bottom line

While I wouldn’t say it’s widespread (yet), it’s not uncommon nowadays to see hotels charge fees for accepting packages. This used to constantly be free, but unfortunately many hotels are now looking to Spirit Airlines rather than Singapore Airlines for inspiration on how to run their business.

What do you make of hotels charging package handling fees? Have you encountered this?

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Maggi Guest

October 30, 2025, 11:10 am

Recently staying at a luxury hotel for a week long Conference. Weather shifts created the need for appropriate clothing. Ordered from Amazon and Walmart. Had 4 small package delivered. Upon pickup, the desk attendant made me sign a form for package fees $5.00/package. So Amazon fees are charged at purchase. Walmart has same policy. This was ridiculous ! The package was less than a 1/2 # per package. This luxury hotel has a $350/night fee. We are here 5 nights for 5 team members. 350x5=1990 for my room alone. 2000x5 =$10,000 for hotel alone!! $5.00 Per package ridiculous!! Thanks! Maggi from Alabama

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Mike M. Guest

April 22, 2024, 10:09 am

Was recently charged this at a hotel and conference center when we were a vendor at the conference and was a little taken aback. If you're organizing conferences you have to assume materials are going to be sent in ahead of time (and often are requested to be there in advance for setup) and the fees should be waived or not apply in those circumstances. If it's just someone on vacation trying to bypass TSA liquid rules then that's another story.

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Adrian Guest

March 23, 2024, 7:39 am

I think it's reasonable to charge for the service but not per package. The option to receive that service should be offered and as one time fee with tiered rates depending on expected package sizes.

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Michelle Guest

March 31, 2023, 9:46 pm

Just was charged $7 by Embassy Suites Airport location in Miami to get an envelope less than a pound. Came with a nasty attitude that was complimentary from the desk receptionist. Well, another case of stepping over $100 bill to pick up a penny. We belong to the Hilton Honors reward ‘club’, so being charged for an envelope, that I was originally denied her effort to acknowledge its custody, leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. I could understand if it was being delivered to my room, large, or otherwise a burden, having a charge, but at least be consistent and put it in writing somewhere. We have traveled through the pandemic and the current employee scarcity, so we are very understanding and patient when things happen, but this was over the top for us. I’m expecting an overnight fed ex envelope tomorrow morning, so I hope there isn’t a charge for waiting in the lobby and accepting my own letter.

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Ricardo Guest

February 9, 2023, 8:33 am

It is a fair fee in my opinion. You are removing an employee from FOH duties, to receive, store, and retrieve a package, not to mention, a potential for assumed liability for that package. While I would love for it to be free, this is a fee I would gladly pay if I needed something delivered to my hotel.

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