The secret surcharges turning dream staycations into financial nightmares
Key Points:
- Holiday rental expert warns staycationers about the hidden fees that can unexpectedly double the cost of UK breaks in 2025
- Richard Edwards shares how to spot and avoid common extra charges including cleaning fees, parking costs, and pet surcharges before booking
- Expert advises booking directly with property owners and asking specific questions upfront to save hundreds on your next UK getaway
The appeal of a UK staycation is undeniable – no airport chaos, no currency exchange, and the chance to discover hidden gems right on your doorstep. But while many Brits may be choosing to holiday closer to home this summer, one travel expert warns that the advertised price tag can be just the tip of the iceberg.
“What looks like a bargain break can quickly turn into a budget-buster when the hidden fees start piling up,” says Richard Edwards, owner of White House Hideaway, which offers luxury log cabins in Herefordshire’s stunning Wye Valley. “Holidaymakers usually only discover these extra charges after they’ve committed to booking, or worse – when they arrive.”
The Hidden Fees That Could Drain Your Holiday Budget
1. The Cleaning Fee Sting
Properties may tack on a hefty cleaning fee that isn’t included in the headline price. “Some places advertise at £120 per night, then hit you with a £150 cleaning fee at checkout,” Edwards explains. “That’s an extra night’s stay in cleaning costs alone!”
2. Service Charges That Serve Nobody
Third-party booking platforms often add service charges that can increase your total bill. “These fees often come with vague descriptions like ‘platform fee’ or ‘service charge’, but they’re really just padding the booking site’s profits,” says Edwards.
3. Parking Predicaments
“I’ve heard from guests who booked a beach cottage only to discover on arrival that parking wasn’t included – costing them an extra £15 per day,” Edwards notes. In popular tourist spots, parking can quickly add to a week’s stay.
4. The Wi-Fi Highway Robbery
In 2025, you’d think free Wi-Fi would be standard, but some properties still charge extra. “I know of places charging £5-10 per day for internet access,” Edwards reveals.
5. Pet Fee Pandemonium
“Pet-friendly” doesn’t always mean fee-friendly. Some properties charge a fee per pet per stay, while others tack on daily pet fees.
“At White House Hideaway, we welcome pets at no extra charge because they’re family members,” Edwards says. “But I’ve seen places charging more for a dog than for an extra person!”
6. Seasonal Price Surges
That £100-per-night cottage you spotted in January might cost £250 in August. “Seasonal pricing is expected, but some places triple their rates during peak periods without making it clear when you’re initially browsing,” Edwards warns.
7. Energy and Heating Supplements
“Some of the most shocking stories I hear are from guests who’ve been charged extra for using electricity or heating,” says Edwards. “One family told me they stayed at a cottage in winter where the owner charged £1 per hour to use the heating!”
How To Avoid Hidden Fee Surprises
1. Read The Fine Print
Edwards stresses the importance of thoroughly reviewing the entire listing before booking. “Scroll all the way down and click on any tabs labelled ‘fees’, ‘additional charges’, or ‘house rules’’ That’s where the nasty surprises are often buried.”
2. Book Direct Where Possible
“Booking directly with owners often means better rates and fewer fees,” Edwards explains. “We don’t have to cover platform commissions, so we can offer better value.”
3. Ask These Specific Questions
Before booking, Edwards recommends asking:
- “What is the total amount I’ll pay, including ALL fees and charges?”
- “Are there any charges not included in the total price I should know about?”
- “Are electricity, heating, Wi-Fi, and parking included?”
4. Compare The True Total Price
When comparing properties, always look at the final checkout price, not the headline rate. “A £90 per night cottage with £200 in extra fees is more expensive than a £120 per night place with no hidden charges,” Edwards points out.
5. Check Recent Reviews
Always read recent reviews, specifically looking for mentions of unexpected charges. “Past guests often highlight fee surprises in their reviews,” Edwards says.
Richard Edwards, Owner of White House Hideaway, commented:
“The staycation market has become a minefield of hidden charges that can blindside even the savviest travellers. I’ve seen how these surprise fees can ruin what should be a relaxing break. When guests arrive at their accommodation, the only surprise should be how stunning the view is, not an unexpected bill.
“The worst part is that these fees are entirely legal as long as they’re mentioned somewhere in the listing, no matter how deeply buried. That puts the burden on holidaymakers to become detectives before they can relax. My advice is simple: assume nothing, question everything, and remember that the property owner or host who’s hesitant to give you clear answers about costs probably has something to hide.”
