Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Russell Fry (SC-07), and Kevin Mullin (CA-15) are introducing a bipartisan bill to improve cost transparency for stays in short-term lodging, such as hotels, motels, and inns.
The Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 prohibits unfair or misleading price advertising for places of short-term lodging and requires accurate price listings that include all mandatory and resort fees.
Reps. Kim and Castor introduced this bill in the 118th Congress, which passed the House in June 2024.
“Deceiving fees add up and create more pain for families already struggling to make ends meet due to rising living costs. The last thing Americans need when planning a trip are costly, unexpected fees,” said Rep. Young Kim. “The Hotel Fees Transparency Act makes costs transparent so families can better budget. I’ll keep fighting to make life more affordable.”
“Families shouldn’t have to play a guessing game when planning a trip. Sneaky hidden fees are a burden. They drive up costs and leave families frustrated at checkout,” said Rep. Castor. “Our bipartisan Hotel Fees Transparency Act will rein in out-of-control junk fees and lower costs, ensuring that the price you see for hotel stays is the price you pay—no hidden fees, no surprises. It’s about fairness, transparency and saving hardworking families both time and money so they can focus on making memories together, not worrying about unexpected charges.”
“The tourism industry is the backbone of our local economy, and millions of families visit our shores each year expecting a fair experience,” said Congressman Russell Fry. “The Hotel Fees Transparency Act brings much-needed transparency by ensuring that consumers know the true cost of their lodging upfront. This is a win for both visitors and local businesses in the Grand Strand and reinforces our coastline’s reputation as a top-tier, family-friendly destination. I’m proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation and support efforts to protect hardworking Americans from misleading pricing tactics.”
“Many families have to budget carefully for travel, and they deserve to know how much resort fees and taxes will add up before booking accommodations,” said Rep. Kevin Mullin, CA-15. “I am pleased to join my colleagues in co-leading the Hotel Fees Transparency Act, because consumers have a right to know what they’ll be paying for upfront and not get caught off guard with hidden fees.”
Read the bill here.
