How to avoid hotel booking fees in South Africa
Surprise fees and inflated "from" prices are the worst part of booking a hotel. Here is how they work in South Africa and how to pay the real price, in Rands.
Surprise fees and inflated "from" prices are the worst part of booking a hotel. Here is how they work in South Africa and how to pay the real price, in Rands.
Booking-site service fees, currency-conversion markups when you pay in dollars instead of Rands, resort or facility fees added at the property, and inflated reference prices designed to make a discount look bigger.
Book direct so there is no booking-site commission layer, insist on prices shown in Rands with taxes included up front, and compare the direct rate against the hotel’s typical selling price rather than a made-up "was" number.
Search live rates across South Africa and book direct, direct rate shown next to the typical price.
Yes, but under the Consumer Protection Act prices must not be misleading, and unavoidable fees should be clear up front. Prefer providers that show the all-in Rand total before you pay.
Book and pay in Rands (ZAR). StaysAfrica prices in Rands, so there is no surprise conversion markup.
Often, once the booking-site commission and fees are stripped out. The key is seeing the direct rate next to the typical price so you can judge.