# What Does Hotel Junk Fee Compliance Require in 2026?

Cole Henderson · October 17, 2026

> NYC Hidden Fee Ban Basics In 2026, hotel junk fee compliance starts with showing the full price before booking, including mandatory resort, amenity...

## NYC Hidden Fee Ban Basics

In 2026, hotel junk fee compliance starts with showing the full price before booking, including mandatory resort, amenity, cleaning, and service charges. NYC’s ban on hidden hotel fees and unexpected credit card holds means properties must disclose total costs clearly and avoid surprise holds that exceed the expected stay amount. Operators should train staff, update booking engines, and align third-party channels so every rate matches the final charge. Colorado’s HB 25-1090 and broader state enforcement show that transparent pricing is now a national expectation, not just a local rule.

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Hotels should also document fee policies, post clear cancellation and hold terms, and monitor guest complaints. A practical compliance plan includes auditing websites, confirming payment processor settings, and ensuring front-desk teams explain any incidental holds. Because attorneys general continue targeting deceptive pricing, properties that make total costs obvious and avoid surprise charges reduce legal risk while building traveler trust.

## Colorado HB 25-1090 Checklist

In 2026, hotel junk fee compliance means presenting the total price early and clearly, including mandatory fees, taxes, and any unavoidable charges, while avoiding drip pricing that surprises guests at checkout. Colorado HB 25-1090 and similar state and local rules push operators to align advertised rates with what travelers actually pay, especially as enforcement expands beyond one jurisdiction. Properties should audit booking flows, third-party listings, and group contracts so every channel shows the same all-in cost before payment.

Compliance also requires disciplined handling of credit card holds, resort fees, cleaning charges, and cancellation terms, with staff trained to explain each charge in plain language. As attorneys general and city officials intensify scrutiny, hotels should document pricing decisions, monitor vendor displays, and update disclosures when policies change. A practical checklist includes testing mobile and desktop journeys, reviewing ancillary fees for genuine value, and ensuring refunds or hold releases follow stated timelines. The goal is not merely avoiding penalties but building trust through predictable, transparent hospitality pricing.

## State AG Enforcement Trends

In 2026, hotel junk fee compliance means showing the full price early, clearly, and consistently across booking channels, while separating mandatory charges from optional add-ons. State attorneys general increasingly treat hidden resort fees, destination fees, and unexpected credit card holds as deceptive practices, especially when the advertised rate does not match the final checkout total. Properties should audit websites, OTAs, confirmation emails, and front-desk scripts so every mandatory fee is included in the displayed rate. Colorado’s HB 25-1090 and New York City’s recent ban on hidden hotel fees and unexpected holds show local rules can be stricter than federal guidance, so multi-state operators need location-specific checklists.

Compliance also requires staff training, documented pricing policies, and monitoring of third-party partners. Hotels should keep records showing when fees were disclosed, how holds were authorized, and what guests agreed to at check-in. Because enforcement is expected to continue, operators should review cancellation terms, deposit language, and refund processes with counsel. The safest approach is to make total cost obvious, obtain clear consent for any hold, and avoid fees appearing only after booking.

## Resort Fee Disclosure Rules

Hotel junk fee compliance in 2026 requires showing the full bookable price before commitment, including resort, destination, cleaning, and other mandatory fees. Properties must avoid drip pricing, separate optional add-ons, and match advertised rates to checkout totals. NYC rules also restrict unexpected credit card holds and require clearer notice of hold amounts and release timelines. Colorado’s HB 25-1090 adds state-level transparency expectations, while attorneys general continue enforcement against deceptive fee practices. Operators should audit websites, OTAs, call scripts, and contracts so every channel presents one total.

Compliance also depends on staff training, accurate folios, and prompt correction of discrepancies. Hotels should document fee policies, disclose holds at check-in, and issue receipts separating mandatory from optional charges. With enforcement expanding across cities and states, legal review should cover advertising, loyalty rates, packages, and third-party distribution. A consistent total-price strategy reduces chargebacks, complaints, and regulatory risk while giving travelers confidence that the displayed rate is the paid rate.

## AI Booking Advisor Tools

In 2026, hotel junk fee compliance requires upfront total pricing, mandatory charge disclosure, and no surprise credit card holds. New York City’s ban targets hidden hotel fees and unexpected holds, while Colorado’s HB 25-1090 pushes clearer hospitality pricing. Operators must align websites, OTAs, and front-desk scripts so guests see all mandatory costs upfront. State attorneys general are expected to keep enforcing transparent pricing, so vague “plus taxes and fees” language is no longer enough. Hotels should audit rate displays, then train staff to explain optional add-ons without pressure.

Compliance also requires documentation and monitoring. Properties need written policies, updated booking flows, and records showing when and how fees were disclosed. Industry reaction to NYC’s rule shows that unclear charges can create confusion. Multi-state portfolios should compare local rules, because city and state requirements may differ on holds, refunds, and mandatory fees. The safest approach is to make the advertised rate match the final charge and review payment practices regularly. By treating transparency as an operating standard, hotels can reduce disputes and build guest trust throughout 2026.

## Hotel Junk Fee Compliance Comparison

| Jurisdiction / Focus | Key Requirement | 2026 Takeaway |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NYC (Mamdani rules) | Disclose total price upfront; no hidden resort or destination fees; limit unexpected credit-card holds | Hotels must show all-in rates before booking |
| Colorado (HB 25-1090) | Include mandatory fees in advertised price; provide clear fee disclosures; avoid drip pricing | State-level enforcement expands compliance scope |
| State attorneys general | Investigate deceptive fee practices; pursue refunds, penalties, or settlements | Multi-state enforcement risk rises for noncompliant listings |
| Booking platforms | Display total price consistently across direct and third-party channels | Rate transparency becomes an operational priority |

In 2026, hotel junk-fee compliance means advertising the full, bookable price early, explaining every mandatory charge, and avoiding surprise credit-card holds or drip pricing. Properties and booking platforms should align NYC, Colorado, and state attorney general expectations, audit rate displays across direct and OTA channels, train staff, and document fee policies so travelers see transparent totals before payment.

## Quick answers

### What counts as a hotel junk fee?

A hotel junk fee is an unexpected charge that is not clearly included in the advertised room price.

### Does NYC ban hidden hotel fees?

Yes, NYC's rule targets hidden hotel fees and unexpected credit card holds.

### What does Colorado HB 25-1090 address?

It addresses junk fee transparency for hotels, restaurants, and hospitality businesses.

### How can AI help with compliance?

An AI booking advisor can flag undisclosed fees and compare total prices before booking.

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