# That hotel resort fee belongs in the upfront price

The FTC’s pricing rule changes how mandatory fees are shown. It does not make every extra charge disappear.

[Canonical HTML page](https://nosecrets.app/en/stories/us-hotel-ticket-fees-total-price)

Published by: [No Secrets Research](https://nosecrets.app/en/about#methodology)
Added: 2026-10-20
Topic: Consumer

## Scope and context

Applies to: United States · live tickets & short-term lodging
Time context: Rule effective May 12, 2025
Sources checked: 2026-10-20

This federal rule covers two sectors. State rules may add protection; it is not a universal ban on fees or dynamic pricing.

## The actual change

Since May 12, 2025, the FTC rule requires businesses advertising prices for live-event tickets or short-term lodging to disclose the total upfront. It focuses on transparent presentation, not controlling the amount a business charges.

[1: FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/05/ftc-rule-unfair-or-deceptive-fees-take-effect-may-12-2025)

## Mandatory is different from optional

Known, calculable mandatory charges belong in that total, including required resort or cleaning fees. Government charges, shipping and genuinely optional extras may be shown later, but must be disclosed before payment. A preselected add-on is not automatically optional.

[2: FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/rule-unfair-or-deceptive-fees-frequently-asked-questions)

## Compare the same basket

Keep the initial quote and checkout breakdown for the same dates, guests and options. When prices differ, identify the specific charge before treating it as a hidden mandatory fee.

[2: FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/rule-unfair-or-deceptive-fees-frequently-asked-questions)

## Sources

1. [FTC Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees to Take Effect on May 12, 2025](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/05/ftc-rule-unfair-or-deceptive-fees-take-effect-may-12-2025) — FTC. 2025-05. Effective date; the rule does not ban fee amounts or pricing strategies.

2. [The Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees: Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/rule-unfair-or-deceptive-fees-frequently-asked-questions) — FTC. . Scope, mandatory charges, and permitted exclusions.

## Disclosure

AI-assisted research, writing and translation by No Secrets, using the linked public documents. This is a source summary, not firsthand reporting or an independently audited investigation. No affiliate links are used in this article.

The source-check date is not the event date. Original documents control if a summary differs.