I found this news article on the front page of MSN Money, and figured y'all might want to read it, since many of our conventions happen at these higher end hotels. Doing this is a practice we might want to change if we can find some convention-ready lower-end lodging, given how dishonest many of these practices are:

http://money.msn.com/business-trave.....6-9436341bfff3

There are ways to mitigate these fees but you have to be diligent. In past cons I've surprised people by telling them not to even open the mini-fridge; they have door sensors and charge you for stuff inside even if you just open the fridge. Also before you check in, ask for a comprehensive list of fees associated with the room and see if you can make arrangements to avoid services you aren't factoring into your hotel budget; for example, you can probably get away without a change of sheets or fresh towels if you are only staying for a quiet weekend. Make sure you aren't paying for things you aren't using if you can help it, and if you are staying at a tourist trap, assume there will be extra taxes and "resort fees".