Wisconsin § 97.638 - Hotel rates posted; rate charges; special rates.

Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 97.638 — Hotel rates posted; rate charges; special rates., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 97.638. Hotel rates posted; rate charges; special rates.

97.638(1) (1) Every hotelkeeper shall keep posted in a conspicuous place in each sleeping room in his or her hotel, in type not smaller than 12-point, the rates per day for each occupant. Such rates shall not be changed until notice to that effect has been posted, in a similar manner, for 10 days previous to each change. Any hotelkeeper who fails to have the rates so posted or who charges, collects or receives for the use of any room a sum different from the authorized charge shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $100. A hotelkeeper may permit a room to be occupied at the rate of a lower priced room when all of the lower priced rooms are taken and until one of them becomes unoccupied. Special rates may be made for the use of sleeping rooms, either by the week, month or for longer periods or for use by families or other collective groups. The department or its representatives may enforce the posting of rates as provided in this subsection. 97.638(2) (2) 97.638(2)(a) (a) A hotelkeeper shall post, in each sleeping room in the hotel with a telephone, a notice of any fee imposed by the hotelkeeper for using the telephone. 97.638(2)(b) (b) The notice required under par. (a) shall be all of the following: 97.638(2)(b)1. 1. In type not smaller than 12-point. 97.638(2)(b)2. 2. Conspicuously posted on the telephone or within 3 feet of the telephone’s normal location. 97.638(2)(c) (c) The department or its agents may inspect hotels to ensure compliance with pars. (a) and (b) . 97.638(2)(d) (d) A hotelkeeper who fails to post the notice required under par. (a) or who posts an inaccurate notice shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $100. 97.638 History History: 1975 c. 413 s. 15 ; Stats. 1975 s. 50.84; 1989 a. 31 ; 1993 a. 27 s. 89 ; Stats. 1993 s. 254.83; 2015 a. 55 s. 4098 ; 2015 Stats. s. 97.638.

Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 97.638

What does Wisconsin Statutes § 97.638 cover?

Section 97.638 ("Hotel rates posted; rate charges; special rates.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Wisconsin § 97.638?

A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 97.638" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.

How does Wisconsin § 97.638 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.