Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?

When booking a hotel, you might notice an additional charge called a “resort fee” that can sometimes increase your total bill by a significant amount. Resort fees are becoming increasingly common in the hotel industry, but what exactly are they and why do hotels charge them?

What are resort fees?

Resort fees are daily charges that hotels add to the room rate to cover the cost of amenities and services that are not included in the base price of the room. These fees can range from a few dollars to over $50 per night and can cover a variety of amenities such as Wi-Fi, gym access, pool towels, and even bottled water in the room.

Why do hotels charge resort fees?

Hotels charge resort fees for a variety of reasons. One reason is to offset the cost of providing amenities and services that are not included in the room rate. This can include the cost of maintaining and staffing the hotel’s pool, gym, and other facilities. Resort fees can also help hotels to increase their revenue and profits, as guests are more likely to book a room with a lower base rate and pay additional fees for amenities they want.

Do all hotels charge resort fees?

No, not all hotels charge resort fees, but they are becoming increasingly common. According to hotel revenue management expert Robert Mandelbaum of CBRE, 50.8 percent of the resort hotels in the CBRE sample charged a resort fee, versus 2.8 percent for all other hotel types.

Are resort fees mandatory?

Yes, resort fees are mandatory and cannot be waived. When you book a hotel room, the resort fee will be disclosed in the rate details, and you will be required to pay it in addition to the room rate. However, some hotels may offer packages that include the resort fee in the room rate, so be sure to check the details carefully when booking.

Are resort fees legal?

Yes, resort fees are legal, but they have received criticism from consumer advocates and government agencies. According to National Consumers League, resort fees can be deceptive if they are not disclosed clearly and prominently to consumers. In response, some states have passed legislation that requires hotels to include all mandatory fees in the advertised room rate.

How can I avoid paying resort fees?

Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid paying resort fees if you want to stay at a hotel that charges them. However, you can compare rates at different hotels to find the best overall value, taking into account the base room rate and the resort fee. You can also join hotel loyalty programs, as some programs offer benefits such as waived resort fees for members.

Conclusion

Resort fees are a common practice in the hotel industry, and they can help hotels to cover the cost of providing amenities and services that are not included in the base room rate. While resort fees may be frustrating for travelers, they are legal and mandatory. When booking a hotel room, be sure to check the rate details to see if a resort fee is included and compare rates at different hotels to find the best overall value.

People Also Asked

1. What are resort fees and why do hotels charge them?

Resort fees are additional charges that hotels add to the nightly rate for amenities and services that are not included in the room rate. These fees can range from a few dollars to over $50 per night and are becoming increasingly common in the hotel industry.

Resort fees are charged to cover the cost of amenities and services that are not included in the room rate.
These fees can range from a few dollars to over $50 per night.
Resort fees are becoming increasingly common in the hotel industry.

2. What amenities are typically covered by resort fees?

Resort fees can cover a wide range of amenities and services, depending on the hotel. Some of the most common amenities that are covered by resort fees include:

Access to fitness centers and pools
Wi-Fi and internet access
Newspapers and magazines
In-room coffee and tea
Local phone calls

3. Do all hotels charge resort fees?

No, not all hotels charge resort fees. However, many hotels in popular tourist destinations and resort areas do charge these fees. Some of the most well-known hotel chains that charge resort fees include Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental, Hyatt Hotels, and Best Western Hotels.

Not all hotels charge resort fees.
Many hotels in popular tourist destinations and resort areas do charge these fees.
Some well-known hotel chains that charge resort fees include Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental, Hyatt Hotels, and Best Western Hotels.

4. Can resort fees be waived?

In some cases, resort fees can be waived. For example, if you are a member of the hotel’s loyalty program or if you book your room directly through the hotel’s website, you may be able to avoid paying resort fees. However, it is important to check the hotel’s policies and terms and conditions before booking to see if resort fees can be waived.

Resort fees can sometimes be waived for members of the hotel’s loyalty program or if you book directly through the hotel’s website.
It is important to check the hotel’s policies and terms and conditions before booking to see if resort fees can be waived.

5. Are resort fees the same as other fees, such as taxes and service charges?

No, resort fees are not the same as other fees, such as taxes and service charges. Resort fees are charged specifically for the amenities and services that are provided by the hotel, while taxes and service charges are government-mandated fees that are added to the bill.

Resort fees are not the same as other fees, such as taxes and service charges.
Resort fees are charged specifically for the amenities and services that are provided by the hotel.
Taxes and service charges are government-mandated fees that are added to the bill.