Hotels impose fees, restrictions that drive new sources of revenue

New York

THE deal on the website of Hilton Hotels & Resorts seemed like a good one to Jeffrey Buszkiewicz: A 72-hour online sale after Thanksgiving showed a US$129 room at a Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan for Christmas night. Two subsequent nights cost more.

But there was a hitch. After he talked about it with his wife and was ready to book, the rate had increased by US$40 a night when he logged on again the next day.

"I assumed if the sale was on for 72 hours, the rate would be good for 72 hours," said Mr Buszkiewicz, fiscal officer for the Indiana University School of Education.

Making hotel reservations u…