Travel is supposed to be filled with good surprises — unexpected new tastes, sights, and sounds that delight and inspire us.
However, there’s one particular kind of surprise on the rise across the United States that no traveler wants: unexpected ‘resort fees’ at hotels that can range from $25 to $100 or more (£20.29 to £81.15; €22.76 to €91.05). Unfortunately, the nasty surprise often occurs at the check-in counter or, even worse, at the end of a stay when a final bill is presented.
The good news is that awareness of the unpopular resort fee is on the rise. Online booking companies are letting hotel chains know that hidden fees, such as the resort fee, can be potentially deceptive and harmful to travelers. Attorneys General of Nebraska and the District of Columbia have filed suit against major hotel chains for advertising room rates that do not factor in the resort fee. Fortunately, there are several steps every traveler can take to minimize, if not always eliminate, the sting of the fee.
What is a resort fee?
The semi-official definition of a resort fee (sometimes referred to as a ‘destination fee’ or an ‘urban fee’) is an additional charge for amenities that, at least in theory, go above and beyond the basic hotel experience. Under that definition, you might presume that a resort fee would apply to you only if you planned to, say, avail yourself of a property’s golf course, boating equipment, extensive concierge services, airport shuttle, and other ‘extras.’
Moreover, in practice, many hotels claim that the fee goes toward an extensive list of amenities that most travelers might assume are already included in the nightly room rate: access to a swimming pool and pool towels, Wi-Fi, daily newspaper, local telephone calls, access to a fitness center, access to a business center and fax machine, self-parking, lobby snacks such as cookies or afternoon appetizers, and even access to the beach at some seaside properties.
The most frustrating aspect for anyone presented with a resort fee at check-in or check-out is that the fee is often not made clear to travelers when they reserve a hotel room. It is entirely possible for a traveler to book a room at a rate of, say, $150/night (£121.73; €136.58), presuming that with the addition of local sales taxes and possible tourism taxes, their stay could cost around $175 (£142.02; €159.34). However, when that traveler arrives at the check-in counter, she may find that her estimated bill is well over $200 (£162.31; €182.10). Worse, if that traveler doesn’t inquire at check-in, she might discover the resort fee at check-out, or in cases of automated check-out, she may not even notice the fee until she arrives home.
Does your hotel charge a resort fee?
How can you protect yourself from the nasty surprise of an unexpected resort fee? Know before you go: there are several ways travelers can educate themselves prior to booking a room.
Start with ResortFeeChecker.com, which can provide insight into which hotels are known for charging resort fees and what you might expect to pay. Then take a close look at a property’s (or chain’s) website: information about resort fees is often posted, although not always obvious. A hotel chain may post a notice mentioning that there will be a resort fee (or ‘resort charge’), but not specify the amount of the fee.
Perhaps the most reliable method is rather traditional: instead of booking online, call a property directly and discuss exactly what your room rate will include—basic rate, taxes, and any fees you’ll be responsible for. Speaking directly with an actual person at the property also gives you the opportunity to inquire about the lowest possible rate, which can sometimes lead to one of those delightful travel surprises, an unexpected bargain.
How to talk your way out of a resort fee
While there’s no guarantee that this method will always work, a growing number of travelers have successfully avoided paying a resort fee by arguing — ideally before check-in, but sometimes at check-in or even at check-out — that they are simply seeking a basic hotel stay, do not plan to utilize amenities such as the pool, fitness center, business center, etc., and would like the resort fee waived.
If you plan to use this approach, be prepared for pushback: you’ll likely have to engage with an actual person (as opposed to emailing or using an online form), so it pays to be polite and prepared to ask to speak to that person’s manager. You should also be ready to be told ‘no’ regardless of how polite or logical your argument may seem. If the resort fee presents a financial burden, don’t assume that you can effectively negotiate your way out of it.
In some instances, travelers have successfully disputed a resort fee with their credit card company or by taking a hotel to small-claims court. Those considering such a dispute can find resources at KillResortFees.com, which was founded by Lauren Wolfe, an attorney working with the consumer advocacy group Travelers United.
How to avoid resort fees altogether
As with many travel mishaps, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: it’s possible to completely avoid resort fees, but it requires some advance effort.
Just say no. Utilize ResortFeeChecker.com and simply avoid any property with a reputation for charging hidden fees. Additionally, a more specialized, though admittedly limited, resource dedicated to Las Vegas can be particularly useful for travelers wary of Sin City’s reputation for resort fees.
Join hotel rewards programs. Besides the numerous benefits associated with joining the rewards programs of hotel chains you frequently patronize, some programs waive resort fees for members who book using reward points. Notably, Wyndham, Hilton, and Hyatt are recognized for waiving resort fees.
Leverage elite status if possible. The realm of elite-status travel can be intricate and tends to cater to travelers with deeper pockets. However, if you possess elite status with the property where you intend to stay, use it to request a waiver of any resort fees.
Book with Airbnb, but…
A typical stay at an Airbnb property will not include a resort fee. Nonetheless, be aware that if an Airbnb host manages six or more listings, they are permitted to charge resort fees, linen fees, management fees, and community fees.
