What Are Resort Fees? A Beginner's How-To Guide

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Summary hide

Key Highlights
Introduction
Understanding Resort Fees in the Hospitality Industry
The Concept and Origin of Resort Fees
How Resort Fees Differ From Room Rates
The Rationale Behind Resort Fees
Covering Hidden Costs: What Your Fee Pays For
Navigating Resort Fees as a Beginner
Identifying Common Services and Amenities Included
Spotting Resort Fees Before Booking
Strategies to Avoid or Reduce Resort Fees
- Booking Through Specific Travel Platforms
- Choosing Accommodations Without Resort Fees
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Reads

Key Highlights

Resort fees are daily charges added to hotel bills to cover the cost of amenities, but they often include services like Wi-Fi, which are typically free at other hotels.
These fees are often hidden in the fine print during the booking process, making the room appear cheaper than it is.
While many hotels and resorts, especially in Las Vegas, charge resort fees, some chains like Drury Hotels and Ovolo do not.
You can try asking to have the resort fee waived, but your best bet is to book with points from a hotel loyalty program that doesn’t charge resort fees on rewards stays, such as Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt.
Several travel credit cards offer statement credits that can cover resort fees, essentially erasing the expense.

Introduction

Resort fees are common in the hospitality industry. They can make travelers feel annoyed and misled by hidden fees. These extra costs are added to the advertised room rate. They cover various services and amenities at hotels and resorts. While it may sound simple, guests often feel confused due to the unclear booking process and the questionable value of what is included. This can lead to a bad experience for many people.

Understanding Resort Fees in the Hospitality Industry

Navigating resort fees can be confusing, especially for newcomers. Resort fees are daily charges added to your hotel bill. These fees are separate from the room rate and taxes. Hotels say these fees cover amenities and services like Wi-Fi, fitness center access, pool towels, and local phone calls.

Still, there is no standard rule in the hospitality industry about what a “resort fee” really means. This can cause a lack of transparency. Consumer groups and even government officials say these fees can hide the true cost of the room. This makes it hard for customers to know what they are really paying.

The Concept and Origin of Resort Fees

The practice of charging extra fees began in the late 1990s, especially in tourist destinations like Las Vegas, where hotels compete heavily. These added fees are often called “destination fees.” They were meant to help cover high-end services and amenities that make certain hotels special.

Over the years, resort fees grew beyond just luxury hotels. Now, they appear in mid-range hotels too. What started as a way to pay for nice features, like golf courses or fancy pools, has turned into a means for hotels to boost profits without raising room rates significantly.

How Resort Fees Differ From Room Rates

Knowing the difference between room rates and resort fees is very important for travelers. The room rate is the main price you pay for your stay and is usually displayed clearly when searching for accommodations.

Resort fees are extra costs added to the advertised room rate. These fees often appear separately, either during booking or when you check in. Unlike taxes, which go to the government, resort fees go directly to the hotel. They typically cover specific services and amenities, but what is included can vary.

The Rationale Behind Resort Fees

Hotels argue that resort fees benefit both the business and guests. They claim these fees highlight what is included in the price, allowing guests to see the value. Hotels believe these fees let them keep room rates low while still making enough money to improve their services and facilities.

Critics, however, say that resort fees can be misleading and obscure the true cost of a stay. Instead of being transparent, these extra fees can make the advertised price seem cheaper than it really is. This “drip pricing” method reveals additional fees later in the booking process, making price comparisons difficult.

Covering Hidden Costs: What Your Fee Pays For

The daily resort fee can cover different amenities and services, depending on the hotel. You might get access to fitness centers, pools, spas, and other recreational activities. Internet access, local and toll-free calls, newspapers, and sometimes bottled water are also common inclusions.

Many guests feel it’s unfair when hotels charge for services that are typically standard in the industry. For example, charging for internet access seems unreasonable to many travelers today.

Navigating Resort Fees as a Beginner

For travelers unfamiliar with resort fees, it can be confusing and frustrating. It’s important to know that resort fees vary at each property, so checking what is included is essential.

Be sure to read the fine print when booking your stay. Look for terms like “resort fee” or “destination fee.” Knowing about these extra costs ahead of time will help you make informed choices and avoid surprises.

Identifying Common Services and Amenities Included

Resort charges can cover several services that hotels offer. These often include access to pools, fitness centers, and spas. Additionally, the fee might pay for in-room items like Wi-Fi, bottled water, and local phone calls. In some cases, it can also include shuttle services, business center access, and daily newspapers.

Spotting Resort Fees Before Booking

Finding resort fees before finalizing a booking can be tricky. When looking at hotels online, scroll to the bottom of the page and check sections like “fees,” “hotel policies,” or “terms and conditions.” Hotels often list details about resort fees in small print there.

During the booking process, watch the price breakdown carefully before entering payment details. Some websites might hide resort fees initially, revealing them only at the end of the booking. If unsure, contacting the hotel directly can clarify any extra costs.

Strategies to Avoid or Reduce Resort Fees

Booking Through Specific Travel Platforms

Some travel agents or booking websites can help travelers deal with resort fees. Travel agents may have access to special deals that reduce or eliminate resort fees. Certain online travel sites also allow users to filter for hotels that do not charge resort fees.

Choosing Accommodations Without Resort Fees

One of the simplest ways to avoid resort fees is to choose hotels that do not charge them. Many budget and mid-range hotel chains have clear pricing with no hidden charges.

Additionally, vacation rentals often do not include resort fees, making them a more cost-effective option for travelers.

Conclusion

Resort fees are often part of the hotel experience. These fees cover services that may enhance a guest’s stay, but they can also add unexpected costs. To manage resort fees effectively, research hotels in advance, compare fees, and ask questions before booking. Loyalty programs and negotiation tactics can also help reduce these expenses.

By staying informed, travelers can make smarter decisions and avoid unnecessary charges while enjoying their trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can resort fees be waived?

Resort fees are usually mandatory, but some hotels may waive them if you ask politely or have elite status in a loyalty program.

What amenities are typically covered by resort fees?

Resort fees often cover Wi-Fi, fitness center access, pool use, and local calls. Some hotels include additional perks like newspapers, bottled water, or shuttle services.

How can I find out about resort fees before booking a hotel?

Carefully read the fine print on hotel websites and booking platforms. If resort fee details are unclear, contact the hotel directly for clarification.

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