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Types of Fees and Their Functions

Written by Rodolfo

Below are the main types of fees you can configure in the Hostay system or in another channel manager for vacation rentals or hotels.


1. Cleaning Fee

Purpose: Covers the cost of cleaning after check-out.
Charge: Fixed amount per stay.
Visibility: Shown to guests on most channels.
Recommendation: Do not embed in the nightly rate. Better to display it as a separate fee.


2. Pet Fee

Purpose: Covers additional cleaning costs or potential damage caused by pets.
Charge: Per night or per stay.
Visibility: Some channels allow it (such as Airbnb).
Recommendation: Enable only if pets are accepted.


3. Administration Fee

Purpose: Covers management, reception, check-in/out, and customer support costs.
Charge: Fixed amount per stay.
Visibility: Depends on the channel; may be included in the rate.
Recommendation: Use if working with a property management company or concierge service.


4. Bedding / Towels Fee

Purpose: Covers laundry and maintenance of linens and towels.
Charge: Per guest or per stay.
Visibility: Few channels allow it separately.
Recommendation: Consider including it in the nightly rate if not allowed separately.


5. Utilities Fee (Water/Electricity)

Purpose: Covers utilities usage such as water and energy.
Charge: Per night or based on consumption.
Visibility: Usually cannot be highlighted separately and must be included in the rate.
Recommendation: More suitable for longer stays.


6. VAT / ISS (Service Tax) — Booking Only

Purpose: Compliance with tax legislation (ISS in Brazil, VAT in Europe).
Charge: Percentage of the total booking amount.
Visibility: May be displayed or included, depending on the channel.
Recommendation: Always consult local tax laws or an accountant.


7. Municipal Tax — Booking Only

Purpose: Mandatory charge required by some local governments.
Charge: Per night or per guest.
Visibility: On channels like Booking, can be added as a separate fee.
Recommendation: Apply only when legally required.


8. Tourism Fee

Purpose: Charged by tourist destinations to support local infrastructure.
Charge: Per guest, per night.
Visibility: On channels like Booking, yes. On Airbnb, usually included in the price.
Recommendation: Clearly mention it in the listing description.


9. Resort Fee

Purpose: Covers the use of shared amenities (pool, spa, gym).
Charge: Per guest or per stay.
Visibility: May be displayed as an extra fee.
Recommendation: Apply only if the property has resort-style facilities.


10. Parking Fee

Purpose: Covers the use of a private parking space.
Charge: Per night or per stay.
Visibility: Varies by channel.
Recommendation: Specify whether it is optional or mandatory.


11. Security Deposit

Purpose: Guarantee against damages caused by the guest.
Charge: Pre-authorized, not immediately collected.
Visibility: Displayed on channels like Airbnb and VRBO.
Recommendation: Have clear rules for its use and refund.


Practical Summary

Fee

Type of Charge

Example Value

Visible to Guest?

Cleaning

Fixed per stay

R$ 150

Yes

Pet

Per night or stay

R$ 50 per night

Yes (in some channels)

Administration

Fixed per stay

R$ 30

Yes (in some channels)

Bedding/Towels

Per guest/stay

R$ 20 per guest

Not always

Utilities

Per night

R$ 10 per night

Usually included

VAT / ISS

Percentage

5% of total booking

Depends on the channel

Municipal Tax

Per night

R$ 3

Yes (e.g., Booking)

Tourism

Per guest/night

R$ 2

Yes

Resort

Per guest/stay

R$ 50

Yes

Parking

Per night

R$ 20

Yes

Security Deposit

Fixed amount

R$ 500 (pre-author.)

Yes (Airbnb, VRBO)


Practical Exercise

Set up your property’s fee structure considering:

  • Location: Is there a legal requirement (e.g., municipal or tourism tax)?

  • Target audience: Do you accept pets? Is it a luxury/tourism market?

  • Facilities: Do you provide linens/towels? Is parking available?

  • Pricing model: Do you prefer an all-inclusive price or itemized fees?

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