New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a crackdown on "junk fees" in hotels across New York City and beyond, banning the practice of sneaking in extra charges often described as "destination fees" or "resort fees."
The new rule, which goes into effect February 21, requires hotel operators to disclose all mandatory fees, including credit card holds and deposits. This move is part of Mamdani's ongoing efforts to crack down on deceptive business practices, targeting hidden or unexplained fees in areas such as gym memberships, concert tickets, and magazine subscriptions.
According to officials, nearly 300 complaints were received last year related to hidden hotel fees or unexpected credit card holds, which this new rule aims to address. California and Massachusetts have similar laws that require hotels to disclose mandatory fees.
The ban applies not only to hotels in New York City but also to businesses located outside the city that advertise prices to New Yorkers. Mamdani cited tourists planning to visit the city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as an example of those who would benefit from this new rule, with an estimated 1 million visitors expected in the tristate area.
The move has been praised by consumer protection officials and hotel workers, including Rich Maroko, the president of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council. Maroko called it a "showdown" against corporate lawbreakers, while also acknowledging the potential for some industry pushback.
Mamdani's stance on economic justice over economic development has raised concerns in the business community. However, he emphasized that his crackdown on deceptive pricing practices is meant to support businesses that operate within the rules, rather than solely punishing those that do not.
The new rule, which goes into effect February 21, requires hotel operators to disclose all mandatory fees, including credit card holds and deposits. This move is part of Mamdani's ongoing efforts to crack down on deceptive business practices, targeting hidden or unexplained fees in areas such as gym memberships, concert tickets, and magazine subscriptions.
According to officials, nearly 300 complaints were received last year related to hidden hotel fees or unexpected credit card holds, which this new rule aims to address. California and Massachusetts have similar laws that require hotels to disclose mandatory fees.
The ban applies not only to hotels in New York City but also to businesses located outside the city that advertise prices to New Yorkers. Mamdani cited tourists planning to visit the city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as an example of those who would benefit from this new rule, with an estimated 1 million visitors expected in the tristate area.
The move has been praised by consumer protection officials and hotel workers, including Rich Maroko, the president of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council. Maroko called it a "showdown" against corporate lawbreakers, while also acknowledging the potential for some industry pushback.
Mamdani's stance on economic justice over economic development has raised concerns in the business community. However, he emphasized that his crackdown on deceptive pricing practices is meant to support businesses that operate within the rules, rather than solely punishing those that do not.
I'm so down for this new rule! I've had my fair share of sneaky hotel fees and credit card holds, and it's like they just pull this stuff out of thin air 
. It's wild how companies can just add extra charges without warning you, right? I mean, who wants to be stuck with a huge bill at the end of their trip because some hotel decided to charge them an "extra" fee 
.
I mean, who knows what hidden fees they're gonna get slapped with when they book a room for the FIFA World Cup in 2026? Not me, that's for sure 
. This rule is like, totally necessary for anyone traveling to NYC.
. Let's hope the business community doesn't get too salty about it 
!
u gotta know what fees ur paying 4 when u check in its basic human right 2 transparency i hope this law sticks n doesn't get watered down 
mamdani's doing good 
! Hotels trying to sneak in extra charges? It's like they're trying to take us for a ride 
. Mamdani's got my back on this one 
. You know what they say, "you pay what you see, not what you don't" 
. This rule is all about transparency and fairness. I mean, who doesn't love a good clear bill? 
. Seriously though, it's awesome to see someone taking on these corporate lawbreakers 
. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go book a hotel room with clear billing... no tricksy fees here! 
That's a lot of money being squeezed out of unsuspecting tourists! 
.