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?