Hotels and Airbnbs in California will look more pricey starting on July 1.
With the passage of a new California law eliminating hidden fees, guests booking through hotels and Airbnbs will have to disclose the complete cost. The goal of the law is to do away with resort fees, services costs, cleaning fees, and host fees that drive up the whole price beyond what was originally offered.
The cost of a hotel room or vacation rental might go up by $20 to $50 each night. Additionally, as long as the reservation was made in advance, customers will be able to cancel most reservations for free within 24 hours.
Customers of Airbnbs will instantly see the “total before taxes” price, the Los Angeles Times reports. This implies that when California customers look for a vacation rental on the website, service and cleaning costs will be automatically included in the price.
Image – Audacy
Beginning July 1, guests and tourists in California may anticipate a more open booking process as hidden surcharges at hotels and Airbnbs around the state will be removed. Many customers will be relieved to see this adjustment, as they were frequently taken aback by extra costs that were added to their final bills.
The California State Legislature passed the new regulations, which mandate that all accommodation establishments—including traditional hotels and short-term rentals like Airbnbs—include all mandatory fees in the pricing they advertise.
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This implies that beginning of July 1st, all fees, including resort fees, cleaning fees, and other obligatory expenses related to the stay, must be included in the rates that are shown to clients.
By giving customers clear, up-front pricing information, the shift toward transparency hopes to empower them to make more informed travel and lodging selections. Additionally, it aims to remove the uncertainty and aggravation brought on by unforeseen charges, which can greatly raise the overall cost of a stay.
Consumer activists claim that hidden costs have long been a problem in the travel and hotel sectors, frequently leading to customers feeling duped or mislead. The new California laws are a part of larger initiatives to defend consumer rights and guarantee equitable pricing policies.
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Hotel owners and Airbnb hosts are adapting their booking platforms and pricing policies to meet the new regulations in anticipation of the impending changes. Numerous restaurants have initiated the update of their web platforms and reservation procedures to align with the legally mandated inclusive pricing strategy.
Experts in the field predict that the shift to transparent pricing will help customers as well as foster a more equitable and competitive market. California wants to build confidence between housing providers and guests by standardizing pricing procedures, which will benefit everyone.
Travelers who intend to visit California after July 1 should carefully check their booking information to make sure they are aware of the full cost of their stay before departing. This entails looking for any potential additional fees, such as those for extra services or facilities not covered by the base tariff.
Stakeholders in the hospitality sector are hopeful that this big shift toward transparency will boost customer satisfaction in the end and enhance California’s standing as a travel destination recognized for its adherence to fair business practices and consumer rights.