Everyone has had the moment: a cabin at $189 a night turns into $312 a night by the time you reach the payment screen. Nothing dishonest has happened — but it is worth understanding exactly what got added.
What is in a typical checkout total
- Nightly rate — the owner's price for the room.
- Cleaning fee — a real cost, charged once per stay, set by the owner.
- Lodging and sales tax — set by the state and county, not by anyone selling you the stay.
- Platform service fee — a percentage added on top of the nightly rate. Every platform charges one, including this marketplace; what matters is whether you see it before you pay.
What booking direct changes
On this marketplace the nightly rate, cleaning fee, service fee and taxes are all shown before you pay, so the total you see is the total you are charged.
It is not only about money
Booking direct puts you in contact with the person who actually owns the property. Questions about the hot tub, an early check-in, a recommendation for dinner — you are asking someone who knows, and who can say yes.
See the difference
Search Hocking Hills rentals and compare the total you see here with the same stay elsewhere.