Hotel Energy Surcharges Spread to East Coast

“Energy surcharges” on hotel rates, imposed earlier this year in California and other Western states, have spread to the East Coast, according to this month’s issue of Consumer Reports Travel Letter. Among chains imposing the charge, usually $1.50 to $5 per night, are Starwood Hotels (which include Sheraton, Westin and W hotels), Wyndham and Marriott International. The report found that most hotels are not including the surcharge in room rates and some may not quote it on the phone. A San Francisco law firm, in five pending class-action lawsuits in California, accuses several chains of deceptive practices in connection with the surcharges. No trial dates have been set.