22 December 2023
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Hotel Dispute Lawyer: How Pennsylvania Resort Fees Settlements Could Play Out for US Hotel Industry
Hospitality Litigation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
On December 12, 2023, Mark S. Adams, Hotel Dispute Lawyer, was a guest on the Hotel News Now podcast where he discussed the effects of mandatory fee disclosure litigation in Pennsylvania on the hotel industry.
Consumer advocacy groups, law firms and federal and state governments have begun to push back on hidden resort fees, which are often not disclosed until customers near the end of the booking process. Resort fees are charged in addition to hotel room rates and can include things like amenity fees and destination charges.
In Pennsylvania, the state’s attorney general reached settlement agreements with Omni Hotels & Resorts, Choice Hotels International and Marriott International over their fee disclosure practices. According to Adams, the main objective in these cases was to ensure full transparency. If a hotel has a mandatory fee, they will have to let customers know upfront.
“I see the impact as being multifaceted,” explained Adams. “One, it’s good for the consumers because you know what you’re buying. Two, I think it’s actually good for the industry.”
He went on to explain that because some of the biggest hotel brands have become compliant with full disclosure, the smaller brands will get on board. CONTINUE READING →