News Summary
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Hotel Fees Transparency Act with bipartisan support. This legislation requires hotels to disclose all lodging costs, including hidden fees, to protect consumers and enhance pricing clarity. The act mandates that hotels display total prices in their online listings and is expected to bolster the hospitality industry. With backing from lawmakers and industry groups, the act aligns with recent initiatives from the FTC aimed at increasing fee transparency in the lodging sector.
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Hotel Fees Transparency Act aimed at enforcing full disclosure of lodging costs, including hidden resort fees, in an effort to protect consumers and promote clarity in hotel pricing. The bill received bipartisan support and was approved through a voice vote on April 29, 2025. It is now set to be reviewed by the Senate.
The legislation mandates that hotels must display the complete price of stays, incorporating all fees in their online listings and advertisements. This requirement is particularly pertinent, given that resort fees in popular tourist destinations like Las Vegas can range anywhere from $26 to $55 per night. Such fees typically cover amenities such as parking, internet access, and gym privileges, and can often catch travelers off guard, leading to unexpected costs at the time of booking.
The goal of the Hotel Fees Transparency Act is not only to provide clearer pricing for consumers but also to bolster the hospitality industry, which has been heavily impacted by economic challenges in recent years. By ensuring that potential visitors are aware of the total costs upfront, supporters of the legislation believe it will encourage more tourists to travel and stay at hotels.
While similar legislation passed the House during the previous Congressional session, it did not progress in the Senate. The current version of the bill has been reintroduced by two senators, Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), in January, with support from Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), indicating a renewed commitment to enhancing pricing transparency in the lodging sector.
Backing for the legislation is not limited to lawmakers; industry groups such as the American Hotel and Lodging Association and the Travel Technology Association have expressed their support. They advocate for a national standard that emphasizes price disclosure and consumer rights. Virginia Valentine, President of the Nevada Resort Association, also supports the bill, highlighting its potential to create a level playing field among service providers in the hospitality industry.
The momentum for increasing transparency in hotel pricing aligns with recent initiatives from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In December 2024, the FTC proposed a rule aimed at enhancing fee transparency, which is set to take effect on May 10, 2025. The FTC’s initiative also aims to protect consumers from surprise charges and is seen as complementary to the Hotel Fees Transparency Act pending in Congress.
One notable aspect of the FTC’s proposed rule is that it received a dissenting vote from Andrew Ferguson, who is now the FTC chairman under President Trump. During his term, President Trump prioritized consumer advocacy, notably through an executive order focused on price transparency for ticket purchases in the entertainment sector. The House bill seeks to reinforce the FTC’s fee transparency initiative if it becomes law.
As the Hotel Fees Transparency Act moves forward, it reflects a growing acknowledgment of the need for clearer pricing practices in the hospitality industry. By ensuring that customers are fully informed of all fees associated with their hotel stays, the legislation may empower consumers and enhance their travel experiences while promoting recovery in the hospitality sector.
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Additional Resources
- Review Journal: House Passes Hotel Fee Transparency Bill
- Google Search: hotel fee transparency
- Nevada Globe: Congress Cracks Down on Hidden Hotel Fees
- Wikipedia: Hotel
- CDC Gaming: US House Passes Hotel Transparency Bill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hotel
- Nevada Independent: New Biden Admin Rule Targeting Junk Fees
- Google News: hotel transparency bill
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
