Fighting extra hotel fees

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Hotels are leaving more than chocolates on your pillow - increasingly, guests are facing surcharges for optional services, but extra fees at check-out can leave a bitter taste in your mouth. We'll tell you what to look out for, and how to battle these rising costs.

Consumers will spend about $1.75 billion on hotel fees and surcharges this summer according to a recent study. That's $175 million more than last year, and nearly double the $1 billion they spent in 2003.

You may think that some amenities the hotel offers are covered by the cost of your stay, but you should make completely sure.

If your hotel has a number of impressive amenities - a fitness center, a pool, a golf course or a hiking trail - you could be charged anywhere from $12 to $40 a day, even if you never use the services. It's called a resort amenities fee, says Bjorn Hanson of Pricewaterhousecoopers.

Some hotels even have what's called an "energy surcharge" fee. It can range anywhere from $3 to $6 a day. And don't forget about that mini bar restocking fee.

You generally know you'll have to pay for any items you take out of the mini bar. But some hotels are now charging restocking fees of $2.50 on the first item the guest removes. So that $2.50 can of soda can become a $5 charge.

Cancellation fees are rising fast. It used to be that if you didn't cancel your room by 6 p.m. of the day you were checking in, you would be charged for the first night. But today, if you don't cancel 24, 48 or even 72 hours in advance, you could be on the hook for the entire length of your stay.

Early departure fees are also rising according to Hanson. If you check out a day early, especially at hotels in urban areas, you can be charged $50, or you'll have to pay for the night you didn't stay.

Business center services are also on the rise. It used to be $1 per page if you used the fax. Now it can be $5 for the first page and $1 per page after that.

The best way to combat these fees is to nip them in the bud. When making your reservation, ask if there are any fees and surcharges that will be automatically applied to your bill.

Get the name of the person you're talking to. This is going to help if you need to dispute a charge. You can also ask about the fees at check-in, but you won't have as much leverage. You can also dispute fees you see on your bill, but it's not going to be easy.

"Hotels know which fees are most unpopular. Employees are trained how to respond," says Hanson.

But as always, keep your cool and explain your position.