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If you're running an emergency hotel shelter program, you're probably already watching every dollar. But what about the costs you don’t see coming?
Social service providers across the United States are increasingly using hotels as a flexible shelter solution for clients in crisis. Whether you’re supporting survivors of domestic violence, youth aging out of foster care, or families facing sudden displacement, hotel placements offer a fast, scalable option.
But even the most well-run hotel shelter program can get blindsided by unexpected fees that strain budgets and create operational headaches.
Here are five hidden costs to watch for—and a better way forward.
1. Unexpected Cleaning Fees
It’s common for clients in crisis to leave behind rooms that need more than routine cleaning. Hotels often charge $50 to $300+ for extra cleaning, biohazard services, or odor removal, and those charges usually land on the agency’s lap—sometimes weeks after the stay ends.
Tip: Communicate early with hotel staff and document room conditions. Better yet—look for a hotel partner that understands social service use cases.
2. Smoking or Vaping Penalties
Even if a room is designated non-smoking, some clients—especially those navigating trauma or addiction—may still smoke or vape. Fees can exceed $250, and there’s often no way to contest them.
Tip: Choose trauma-informed partners and train staff on realistic expectations. But don’t stop there—see our recommended solution below.
3. Linen Replacement Charges
Bodily fluids, hygiene accidents, or soiled bedding can result in linens being discarded and charged to your agency—often between $30 to $150 per incident.
Tip: While policies can help, they don’t prevent accidents. Predictability is key here.
4. Hours Lost Disputing Fees
Your housing team likely didn’t expect to spend hours on billing disputes. But that’s the reality for many agencies—chasing invoices, clarifying line items, and trying to reallocate funds mid-grant cycle. It’s a hidden operational burden that drains time and morale.
5. Surprise Fees That Break Your Budget
From mini-bar charges to accidental property damage, surprise line items can derail your program’s financial stability. For agencies on grant-based or time-bound funding, these costs can delay new placements or even end a hotel partnership prematurely.
The Solution: Safe Stays & Safe Stays+
When it comes to placing clients in hotels, Safe Stays is the platform built for you.
Created exclusively for social service providers, Safe Stays allows agencies to book hotel stays nationwide—without requiring a credit card or ID at check-in. It’s trauma-informed, fast, and accessible—exactly what agencies need when time and safety are both on the line.
And now, with the introduction of Safe Stays+, your team can get even more protection from the most common hotel-related charges.
For just $15.79 per night, Safe Stays+ covers:
- 🛏️ Linen damage
- 🚭 Smoking-related fees
- 🧼 Extra cleaning charges
That means you’ll receive one flat, all-inclusive rate—no itemized surprises, no invoice disputes. Just peace of mind and predictable pricing.
Want to Take the Guesswork Out of Hotel Shelter Costs?
Hundreds of agencies across the U.S. are already using Safe Stays to streamline hotel placements. Now, Safe Stays+ is helping them protect their budgets and reduce admin stress—especially for programs with grant-based funding or tight approval timelines.
👉 Join the Safe Stays+ Interest List
Our team will follow up with details on how to get started.
