Compare hotels on the all-in total for two, not the room rate. Ask each one to list taxes, service charge and any resort fee. Then your choice rests on the same basis.
This guide is part of our budget topic, where the final price is the one that counts.
What do the line items mean?
| Line | What it is | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Room rate | The base price for the room | Is it per night, per room or per person? |
| Service charge | A percentage-style or fixed charge added by the property | Is it already in the price shown? |
| Government tax | Tax set by law | Which taxes apply to us, and are they shown? |
| Tourism tax | A levy on stays in some places | Does it apply to us, and is it included? |
| Resort fee | A daily charge for facilities | What does it cover, and can we skip it? |
| Extras | Breakfast, transfers, activities | Are they bundled or sold separately? |
Our glossary explains the terms: service charge and resort fee.
Why can two similar hotels end up far apart?
Because they present the price differently. One hotel puts everything into the headline rate. Another shows a low rate and adds fees at the end.
The second can look cheaper on a search page and cost more at the till. Our note on cost per night versus total trip shows why the total is the only fair figure.
How do we compare two hotels in three steps?
- Ask both for the total for two for the same dates, in writing, with taxes, service charge and any fee listed.
- Add what each does not include that you will need, such as transfers or breakfast.
- Compare the final numbers, and then compare what you receive for them.
Write the answers side by side. If one hotel will not list lines, treat that as information.
An example in words
Imagine Hotel A with a lower room rate and a daily facility fee, and Hotel B with a higher room rate that already includes breakfast and taxes. If you add the fee, breakfast and taxes to Hotel A, the gap may close or reverse.
You will not know until you do the sum. Use our package comparer to line them up.
What about privacy-first resorts?
Private villas can add other lines, such as butler service, boat access or a private dinner minimum. These are not wrong, but they should be on the quote.
Ask whether the villa price includes the same taxes as the standard rooms. If you suspect the quote is high, ask us to review it.
What should we do about tips?
If a service charge is already added, extra tipping may be optional. Check tipping and service charges on honeymoon before you decide.
Keep a small amount of local cash for personal thanks, and ask what is customary at the property.
What if a hotel will not list the lines?
Treat it as information and compare it with a hotel that does. A clear total is part of good service.
You can also ask a second time with simple wording: which items are included in the price I see, and which are added later. Keep the answer with your booking.
What should we do next?
- Ask both hotels for a written total for two, with lines.
- Note what each leaves out.
- Put both totals into the package comparer.
- Send us the two quotes, and we will check them on the same basis. Our list of hidden honeymoon costs will help you spot the rest.