A hotel resort fee is an additional daily charge that many hotels and resorts add to your bill. It’s typically not included in the base room rate you see when booking, which can make it a surprise expense for many travelers. These fees are also sometimes called “facility fees,” “amenity fees,” or “destination fees.”
Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?
Resort fees cover the cost of various amenities and services that the hotel provides. These might include:
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Pool and Spa Access – Use of the hotel’s pool, hot tub, or spa facilities.
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Fitness Center Access – Use of the on-site gym or fitness facilities.
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Wi-Fi and Internet – Access to high-speed internet or premium Wi-Fi.
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Beach or Pool Towels – Complimentary towel service for pools or beach areas.
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Parking – In some cases, the resort fee covers self-parking or discounted valet service.
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Shuttle Services – Transportation to nearby attractions or airports.
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Entertainment and Activities – Access to live shows, yoga classes, or game rooms.
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In-Room Amenities – Items like coffee makers, bottled water, or newspapers.
For example, a resort in Las Vegas might charge a $40 daily resort fee, which covers access to the pool, gym, Wi-Fi, and other facilities, regardless of whether you use them or not.
How Much Are Resort Fees?
The cost of resort fees can vary widely depending on the hotel and its location. They can range from as little as $10 per night to over $50 per night in luxury resorts or popular tourist destinations like Las Vegas, New York City, or Hawaii.
Example: A beachfront resort in Hawaii might charge a $45 daily resort fee that covers beach chair rentals, pool access, and Wi-Fi.
Are Resort Fees Mandatory?
In most cases, resort fees are mandatory, meaning you have to pay them whether you use the included services or not. They are usually added to your final bill at checkout, which can be an unwelcome surprise if you weren’t aware of them when booking.
How to Avoid Resort Fees
While resort fees are often unavoidable, there are a few ways you might be able to reduce or avoid them:
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Look for Hotels Without Resort Fees – Some hotels proudly advertise “no resort fees” as a perk.
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Use Loyalty Points – Some hotel loyalty programs waive resort fees for elite members.
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Book Directly with the Hotel – In some cases, booking directly can help you avoid these fees.
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Ask for a Waiver – If you don’t plan to use the amenities, it doesn’t hurt to politely ask for the fee to be removed.
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Choose Business Hotels – Business-oriented hotels are less likely to charge resort fees than vacation resorts.
Why Are Resort Fees Controversial?
Resort fees have become a point of frustration for many travelers because they are often not included in the advertised room rate, making it harder to compare prices. Some consumer advocacy groups have even pushed for more transparency, arguing that these fees should be included in the advertised room price to avoid misleading guests.
Conclusion
Understanding resort fees before you book your hotel can help you avoid surprises when you check out. Always read the fine print and ask about these fees before confirming your reservation to make sure you know what you’re paying for. If you’re trying to save money, consider staying at hotels that don’t charge resort fees or offer packages that include these costs.
