Welcome to the fascinating world of hotel resort fees! These additional resort charges have become a hot topic in the travel industry, igniting passionate debates among travelers and hotel owners.
In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the concept of resort fees, addressing their prevalence, controversy and the crucial question of whether they truly offer value for your hard-earned money. Whether you’re planning a glamorous getaway to Las Vegas, a relaxing stay in Hawaii or an adventurous exploration of New York City, understanding resort fees is essential to making informed decisions that will enhance your overall hotel experience.
The landscape of resort fees
Resort fees vary significantly based on location, hotel brand, the amenities and services. It’s important to note that the inclusions covered by a resort fee can differ between hotels.
Some common amenities and services covered by resort fees include access to fitness centers, swimming pools, Wi-Fi or internet access, business centers, and complimentary newspapers or magazines.
Major hotel chains
When it comes to major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Wyndham the approach to resort fees changes with each chain. These fees have sparked controversies and even lawsuits against hotel chains.
Frustration stems from the fact that guests must pay mandatory resort fees, regardless of whether they actually use the additional services and amenities. However, we’ll provide you with strategies to navigate these fees effectively.
Geographic variations
Geographic variations significantly affect the resort fees you can expect to encounter. Different destinations, such as Las Vegas, Hawaii, New York City and Florida have their own unique fee structures and average resort fees.
In Las Vegas, known for its lavish resorts and entertainment, resort fees on the Strip cost up to $46 per night. These fees are associated with the extensive amenities and services the resorts provide in this bustling city, including access to pools, fitness centers and other on-site attractions.
Hawaii, renowned for its stunning beaches and tropical paradise, has over 100 hotels that charge resort fees of $10 to $45 per night according to a study by Travel Hawaii.
Other popular destinations like New York City and Florida also have resort fees. In New York City, where city hotels offer a unique blend of urban luxury, you may encounter resort fees that include perks like Wi-Fi, fitness center access and complimentary breakfast options.
Florida, with its diverse range of resort properties, has varying resort fees depending on the location and the amenities offered. Whether you’re staying at a beachfront resort or a family-friendly hotel, it’s essential to be aware of the specific fees charged and evaluate whether the amenities and services provided align with your preferences and justify the cost.
Room rates & pricing transparency
Resort fees often impact room rates and pricing transparency since they’re often not included in the initial room price. This lack of transparency can make it challenging to compare prices between different hotel booking websites. It’s important to consider the total price, including the room rate and resort fee when comparing prices and budgeting for your hotel stay.
Mandatory vs. optional
When it comes to resort fees, it’s important to distinguish between mandatory and optional fees.
Mandatory resort fees are charges that all hotel guests are obligated to pay as part of their overall hotel bill. These fees are bundled together and cover a range of amenities and services provided by the hotel such as Wi-Fi, fitness center access, or pool usage. The reasoning behind mandatory resort fees is to streamline the billing process and provide guests with a comprehensive package of amenities.
On the other hand, optional service fees are additional charges you can choose to incur based on your specific needs or preferences. These fees are typically associated with specific services or products you can opt to use during your stay. For example, late check-out, in-room movies or mini-bar items may incur optional service fees.
By being aware of these differences, you can make more informed decisions during the booking process and make sure you’re paying for services and facilities that align with your needs and enhance your overall hotel experience.
Unraveling mandatory resort fees: What’s included and what’s not
While resort fees can cover a range of amenities and services, not all services are included in mandatory resort fees. Some items that may be included are beach chairs and umbrellas, access to fitness centers, enhanced internet access and pool activities.
However, some amenities that guests may expect to be complimentary such as local calls or in-room safes, are sometimes excluded from mandatory resort fees and require an extra fee for that service. Overall, it’s essential to evaluate whether the inclusions justify the overall cost.
Here’s a breakdown of what you might typically find included in mandatory resort fees:
What’s often included:
- Beach chairs and umbrellas
- Access to fitness centers or gyms
- Enhanced internet access or Wi-Fi
- Pool activities and amenities
- Complimentary newspapers or magazines
- Access to business centers or meeting rooms
- Towels for the pool or beach
- Concierge services
- In-room bottled water
- Free shuttle service to nearby attractions or airports
- Access to recreational facilities like tennis courts or golf courses
What’s typically not included:
- Local phone calls or in-room phone charges
- In-room safes (may require an additional fee)
- Mini-bar items or snacks
- Room service or dining charges
- Spa or wellness treatments
- Parking fees (separate charges may apply)
- Resort-specific activities or excursions
- Golf green fees or equipment rentals
- Access to exclusive lounges or club rooms (may require additional fees)
- Pet fees or charges for bringing a pet
- Laundry or dry cleaning services
Remember that the inclusions and exclusions may vary from hotel to hotel. Review the specific details of each property’s resort fee to determine whether the included amenities meet your needs and allow you to justify the overall cost of your stay.
Resort fees & loyalty programs
Loyalty programs can play a role in minimizing or even waiving resort fees. Some hotel loyalty programs like Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt offer benefits such as waiving resort fees on award stays made purely with points. Having elite status within these programs can also provide additional perks and privileges, potentially helping you avoid resort fees and maximizing the value of your loyalty.
The controversy and legal aspects
The controversy surrounding resort fees has caught the attention of both travelers and government authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and attorney generals like Attorney General Michelle Henry of Pennsylvania and Attorney General Ken Paxton of Texas. In 2012, the FTC issued guidance emphasizing the importance of upfront disclosure of resort fees to consumers during the booking process. The goal was to ensure transparency and enable travelers to make informed decisions.
However, the issue of resort fees remains contentious. Critics argue that some hotels still fail to fully disclose these fees, resulting in surprise charges for guests. This lack of transparency has led to legal actions against hotel chains like Caesars and MGM, as travelers feel deceived by the hidden fees.
The battle to “kill resort fees” has gained momentum with advocates like Lauren Wolfe leading the charge. Supporters believe these fees should be eliminated entirely, arguing they often do not reflect the value of the amenities and services provided.
Understanding the legal aspects and advocating for transparency can empower consumers to make informed choices. It is important to be aware of any additional charges such as surcharges or facility fees, and to carefully evaluate the bottom line before booking. Loyalty programs such as those offering bonus points or benefits for elite status, can also play a role in mitigating the impact of resort fees.
Navigating resort fees during booking
When booking your hotel stay, it’s essential to navigate resort fees effectively. Drip pricing (where fees and taxes are bundled) can make understanding the breakdown of costs challenging.
Using resources like resortfeechecker.com can help you identify and compare resort fees across different hotels. Additionally, being aware of junk fees (nickel-and-diming fees) and additional charges, as well as considering alternative accommodations like Airbnb or city hotels, can provide alternatives to traditional resorts.
Weighing the worth: Are resort fees justified?
Determining the worth of resort fees ultimately depends on personal preferences and priorities. Evaluating the value of included amenities, comparing the total price versus the room price with fees, and considering your specific needs and expectations can help you decide if the cost is justified for you.
By being informed and making informed choices, you can maximize the value of your hotel stay while minimizing the impact of resort fees.
Tips for minimizing resort fee impact
Here are some practical tips to help you minimize resort fees:
1. Hotel rewards. Use your loyalty points and leverage your elite status within loyalty programs to avoid or reduce resort fees.
2. Negotiate. Talk with the front desk upon check-in about not paying the resort fee, especially if you won’t be taking advantage of the included amenities.
3. Use credit card benefits. Your credit card perks and benefits like those offered by American Express, could help offset or mitigate resort fees.
4. Know about coverage. Understand your credit card company’s annual fees and policies to determine if any coverage is provided for resort fees.
5. Avoid resort fees altogether. Explore alternative accommodation options like Airbnb or city hotels with different fee structures.
The future of resort fees
While resort fees face criticism and legal scrutiny, they remain prevalent in the hospitality industry. Efforts to increase transparency and eliminate these fees continue, but change may take time. By staying informed, advocating for transparency, and making informed choices as a traveler and hotel guest, you can contribute to shaping the future of resort fees.
Looking to book your next hotel stay? Visit Skyscanner for the best deals on accommodations, flights, and car rentals!
Remember to consider the total price of your stay, including the room rate and resort fee, and explore alternative accommodations if resort fees don’t align with your preferences. Happy travels!
