Can a hotel charge an additional fee for the use of the fitness center?
December 13, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Alwin Hohenwarter
Dear travel lawyer,
My name is Jürgen Eichenlaub and I recently stayed in a hotel in Italy. Upon my arrival, I was informed that the use of the hotel's fitness center is subject to an additional fee. However, this information was not communicated to me at the time of booking and I was surprised that I had to pay extra to use the fitness center.
I am concerned about the legality of the hotel charging an additional fee for the use of the fitness center, as I believed that the use of fitness facilities in a hotel is usually included in the room rate. I am wondering if this is a hidden cost that was not transparently communicated, or if the hotel actually has the right to charge an additional fee.
Could you please inform me if it is legal for the hotel to charge an additional fee for the use of the fitness center? Are there any laws or regulations that govern this? And if this is not legal, what steps can I take to request a refund of the additional fee?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Jürgen Eichenlaub
Dear Mr. Eichenlaub,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the additional fee for using the fitness center at the hotel in Italy where you recently stayed. It is understandable that you were surprised that this fee was not communicated at the time of booking, and you are now wondering if this is legal.
In general, hotels are required to disclose all additional costs transparently and clearly before booking. This includes the use of fitness facilities such as a gym. If the hotel did not disclose this information upfront, it could be considered a hidden cost, which is not legal.
Regarding the legal situation in Italy, there are no specific laws or regulations governing the additional fee for using the fitness center. However, the principle of transparency and fairness in contracts generally applies. If the hotel did not communicate the fee transparently, you may have the right as a consumer to request a refund.
To request a refund of the additional fee, I recommend contacting the hotel in writing first and pointing out the lack of information provided at the time of booking. Request the hotel to refund the fee or provide an explanation for the additional costs. If the hotel does not respond to your request or refund the fee, you may consider taking legal action.
In such cases, it may be advisable to consult a travel law attorney who can assist you in enforcing your rights. An attorney can help you defend your consumer rights and, if necessary, take legal action against the hotel.
I hope this information helps you, and I am available if you have any further questions or need legal assistance.
Sincerely,
Alwin Hohenwarter
Travel Law Attorney
