Booking a hotel room in New York City is about to get a lot more honest.
Starting February 20, a new city rule will officially ban hidden hotel “junk fees”—those frustrating resort, destination, or hospitality fees that mysteriously appear at checkout, along with surprise credit card holds that weren’t clearly disclosed upfront.
Announced by the Mayor’s Office a few weeks back, the goal is simple: the price you see is the price you pay.
City officials estimate the change will save consumers more than $46 million in 2026 alone, putting real money back into the pockets of New Yorkers and visitors alike—just in time for a packed year of major events, including the World Cup.
🏨 What’s being banned
For years, hotels and booking sites have advertised a low nightly rate, only to tack on mandatory fees at the very last step. Under the new rule, that practice is no longer allowed.
Here’s what’s officially off the table:
- Hidden resort, destination, or hospitality fees added after a room is advertised
- Mandatory charges that aren’t clearly included in the listed price
- Unexpected credit card fees, deposits, or holds that weren’t disclosed upfront
If a fee is required, it must now be clearly and conspicuously included in the advertised total price.
💳 Yes, this also covers credit card holds
This rule goes a step further than similar national regulations by also cracking down on deceptive credit card holds and deposits—a common source of confusion (and complaints) for travelers.
In 2025 alone, the city received 300+ consumer complaints tied to hidden hotel fees and surprise holds.
Under the new rule, hotels must clearly disclose:
- Whether a hold or deposit is required
- How much it is
- When it will be released
No more finding out after you’ve already checked in. 🤷♂️
📍 Who does this apply to?
The rule applies broadly and is designed to protect both locals and visitors:
- Hotels located in NYC
- Booking sites advertising to New Yorkers
- Hotels outside NYC that target NYC residents with ads or listings
💰 How much could this save you?
Economists estimate:
- $46+ million in consumer savings nationally in 2026
- Up to $35 million for NYC residents alone
That’s money that stays with travelers instead of disappearing into fine print—and money that can be spent at restaurants, shops, and small businesses instead.
🛑 Enforcement & penalties
The city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will enforce the rule through:
- Inspections
- Financial penalties and fines
- Legal action against repeat violators
Hotels that already price transparently won’t need to change a thing.
Those that don’t? They’ll have to.
✈️ Why this is happening now
The timing isn’t accidental.
With millions of visitors expected in NYC this year for global events, the city wants to ensure travelers aren’t hit with surprise charges when they arrive—or when they book.
Bottom line: booking a hotel in NYC is about to feel a lot less stressful. No hidden fees, no last-minute surprises, and no mental math at checkout. Just clear prices, upfront.
And honestly? About time.