The nightly rate you see first is often not what you pay. Fees and taxes can be added later in the booking process, or collected at the hotel, so two rooms with the same headline rate can end up costing different amounts.
Common extra charges
Look for resort or destination fees (a daily charge some hotels add for facilities), city or tourist taxes, service charges, parking, and cleaning fees for apartments. The names vary by country and by hotel, so read the price breakdown rather than relying on the headline number.
Paid now or paid at the hotel
Some charges are included in the online total and others are collected when you check in. Booking pages usually say "pay at property" or something similar. Add these amounts to your total before you compare, or the cheaper-looking option may not be cheaper.
A quick way to compare
For each option, write down three numbers: the room price for your whole stay, the taxes and fees, and anything you must pay at the hotel. Add them up and compare that total. Also check the currency, since some sites show prices in a different currency from your card.
Check the terms too
The lowest total is not always the best deal. A non-refundable rate can cost more if your plans change. Note the cancellation deadline and whether breakfast is included.
What our site does
We aim to show prices with taxes and fees where our data source provides them, and we label each price as reported by the source. Always confirm the final total on the booking site before you pay.
About the author
The YourHotelPriceCompare editorial team at Time Sensitive Delivery Inc. researches and writes these guides. We do not sell hotel rooms, and we may earn a commission when you book through our links. See how we earn money.