WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- A lot of people will be staying at a hotel this summer vacation season but staying at a hotel can be expensive.
Consulting firm STR says the average price of a hotel stay is expected to jump 4% this summer. The average room rate is $107 and you can double, triple and even quadruple that rate in expensive cities.
One way to save money on these stays is to cut down on paying extra fees. Like the airline industry -- hotels are looking for ways to raise revenue -- and adding fees and service charges is one way they are doing just that.
Here are some ways to beat the fees:
Educate yourself.
- Before you book ask for a list of things the hotel charges for, such as the rates for self-parking verse valet parking, which can be high. Then, ask to have these fees waived as a condition of booking the room.
Consider staying in an independent hotel or B&B.
- Privately owned properties often compete with the big guys on price so you won't be charged for things like parking.
Find alternatives.
- Website HotelChatter say the average rate for wi-fi is $14 a day. A $2 cup of coffee at a local coffee shop is cheaper for a quick surf of the web.
Look before you tip.
- For example, some hotels already include gratuity for housekeeping services.
Bring your own.
- Website Money Talks News suggests you bring your beach towel because some hotels charge for them. Same goes for snacks to avoid those mini bar fees.