Marriott will now display resort fees as part of the prices it shows for future bookings on its website, going along with Texas’ rules Tuesday.
Marriott’s moves to comply with state resort fee requirements also fulfill the terms of a settlement made in April with Pennsylvania. The company had to pay Pennsylvania $225,000 for not meeting the deadlines to make resort fee display changes set by earlier agreements.
As part of the agreements, the total price will be the most visually prominent number, resort fees will be separated from other taxes and fees, search results will be displayed by total price, and the list of what is covered under a resort fee will be disclosed clearly.
“We expect to be the first hospitality company to change its display, leading the industry on this important issue,” Marriott told consumer finance site NerdWallet.
Previously, users had to toggle a filter while searching to see the total price, including the resort fee.
“Marriott will take additional steps to guarantee that the advertised cost of rooms is representative of what consumers will be charged … In contrast, other major hotel chains have defended their deceptive practices, and they will be facing the full force of the law for their actions,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said.
Mr. Paxton is already taking action against other hotels, specifically Hyatt; he filed a suit against the chain Tuesday.
“Hyatt’s lack of transparency regarding hotel room prices has misled consumers and violated Texas law. These deceptive practices enabled Hyatt to advertise lodging at artificially low rates, and it must end immediately,” Mr. Paxton said.
Hyatt is paying attention to what went on with Marriott and other companies, “actively exploring ways to provide even more transparency for our guests on rates, fees and inclusions,” the company told NerdWallet.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
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