This Senate version of the Hotel Fees Transparency Act requires hotels, short-term rentals, and booking platforms to display total prices including all service fees upfront. Providers must show complete prices in advertisements and throughout booking, with government taxes disclosed before final purchase. FTC and state attorneys general enforce compliance.
Latest Action
Star Print ordered on the reported bill.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This Senate version of the Hotel Fees Transparency Act requires hotels, short-term rentals, and booking platforms to display total prices including all service fees upfront. Providers must show complete prices in advertisements and throughout booking, with government taxes disclosed before final purchase. FTC and state attorneys general enforce compliance.
Last updated: 1/4/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This bill requires providers of short-term lodging (e.g., hotels, short-term rentals, and third-party online sellers) to include certain price information when displaying, advertising, or marketing reservations for lodging.</p><p>Specifically, such providers must (1) display the total services price, including the base price and any service fees, if a price is displayed in an advertisement. marketing material, or a price list; (2) disclose the total services price at the time the services are first displayed to an individual seeking to purchase such services and anytime thereafter during the purchasing process; and (3) disclose, prior to the final purchase, any tax, fee, or assessment imposed by any government entity (or quasi-government entity) on the sale of such services.</p><p>The bill provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general (or other authorized state officials).</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Requires upfront total price disclosure
Applies to hotels and short-term rentals
Third-party booking sites covered
Government taxes disclosed before purchase
FTC and state AG enforcement
Eliminates hidden resort and service fees
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This Senate companion to House legislation addresses deceptive hotel pricing practices where advertised rates exclude mandatory fees revealed only at checkout. Consumers would see true costs immediately, enabling informed comparison shopping. The bill creates a level playing field where hotels competing on price must show actual prices. Implementation would require changes to booking systems and advertising but provides clearer consumer information.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Commerce
Related Subjects
Civil actions and liability
Consumer affairs
Inflation and prices
Internet, web applications, social media
Landlord and tenant
Marketing and advertising
Service industries
User charges and fees
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
314, 119th Congress (2025). "Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-314