Making phone calls from your hotel room used to be a simple and convenient way to stay connected while traveling. But in today’s mobile era, fewer travelers rely on in-room phones. This leaves many wondering – do hotels still charge guests for phone calls in 2023?
Unfortunately, some surprise fees for in-room calls still exist at certain hotels. The cost and billing methods vary significantly between properties. As a traveler, it’s important to be aware of the potential charges to avoid any bill shock.
Read on to learn how hotel phone charges work in 2023, typical costs, and smart tips to dodge hidden hotel phone fees on your next trip.
Types of Hotel Phone Charges
Hotels that still impose fees for in-room calls typically bill for different types of calls uniquely:
1. Local Calls
Local calls refer to any calls within the same area code as the hotel. These are typically the cheapest calls from a hotel phone.
2. Long Distance Calls
Any call made to an area code different than the hotel’s location is considered long distance. The base rate per minute is higher than local calls.
3. International Calls
Calling another country from your hotel room results in international call rates. These are usually the most expensive hotel phone charges.
4. Directory Assistance
Most hotels charge an extra fee if you dial directory assistance (411) for information or to be connected to a number.
5. Toll-Free Calls
Calling domestic toll-free numbers with 800, 888 and similar area codes are sometimes free but not always – hotels may still charge a fee.
6. Hotel Service Calls
Some hotels levy small surcharges for internal calls to the front desk, restaurant, or other in-house services.
How Hotels Charge for Phone Calls
If your hotel does bill for phone use, here are the most common ways charges get applied:
1. Per-Minute Rates
This is the traditional hotel phone charge model – guests are billed a per-minute rate based on call type (local, long distance, international). Per-minute fees range anywhere from $0.50 to over $10.
2. Flat-Fee or Connection Fee
Some hotels charge a set fee per call instead of billing per minute. These range from $1 to $10 for local and long distance, up to $25+ for international calls.
3. Added Surcharges or Taxes
On top of the base rates, hotels may tack on resort fees, service charges, taxes and other surcharges that significantly bump up the phone call costs.
4. Daily or Weekly Phone Fees
Rather than billing per call, some hotels charge a flat daily or weekly rate for phone access – but this is becoming rarer.
5. Combined With Room Rates
A few smaller hotels and inns build phone usage costs into the overall room rates rather than itemizing it separately.
Example Hotel Phone Charges
To give you an idea of potential in-room call costs, here are some real-world hotel phone charge examples:
- Marriott charges $0.40 per local call, $1.00 per long distance call, and $10 for the first minute internationally plus $5 per additional minute.
- Hilton bills $1.25 per local or long distance call for the first three minutes, then $0.25 per additional minute. International calls start at $5 per minute.
- Budget hotels like Super 8 may charge as little as $0.75 per local call and $1.50 for long distance calls.
- High-end hotels often impose very high fees like $2.00 per minute for local calls and $7.50 for international at Four Seasons.
- Small boutique inns sometimes offer free unlimited local calls, but regular long distance and international rates still apply.
- Calling card or toll-free numbers often cost $1.50 plus tax per call regardless of hotel.
With such huge variability, it really pays to do your homework before booking a hotel.
6 Tips to Avoid Hotel Phone Fee Surprises
To keep unwanted phone charges off your hotel bill, follow these tips:
1. Use Your Cell Phone
Thanks to smartphones, most travelers don’t rely on room phones. Use your cell for any calls to avoid hotel fees completely. Just beware of potential roaming charges abroad.
2. Ask About Fees Upfront
When booking your room, inquire about the hotel’s phone call billing policy. Ask for specifics on local, long distance, international, and directory fees.
3. Use Prepaid Phone Cards
To make affordable calls from hotel phones, use an international calling card instead of direct dialing. Cards allow flat per-minute rates as low as $0.01 or $0.02 a minute.
4. Verify Charges on Arrival
Check the phone for clear cost info, like a sticker or placard. Confirm current rates with the front desk or look for info in your room.
5. Limit Long Distance and International Calls
Stick to quick local calls only when possible. Long distance and overseas calls rack up big fees fast.
6. Opt Out Completely
Many hotels can disable in-room dialing entirely upon request if you never intend to use the room phone. Eliminate the risk of unintended charges.
Know Your Hotel’s Phone Policy Before Booking
While in-room calls are less crucial in the mobile age, hotels continue applying old-school fees in many cases. Avoid bill shock by researching any phone charges before you book and using smart workarounds like prepaid calling cards or your own cell phone.
As hotel phone fees become increasingly outdated, more and more properties are dropping them completely or at least limiting them to long distance and international dialing only. But when budget traveling, it always pays to ask about hidden hotel phone charges before you check-in and get stuck with unexpected fees upon checkout.
