What Does a Resort Fee Per Accommodation Mean?

By Michael Ferguson

When booking a hotel or resort, you may come across an additional charge called a “resort fee per accommodation”. This fee is becoming more common in the hospitality industry and can add up to a significant amount. In this article, we will explain what a resort fee per accommodation means and what it typically covers.

What is a Resort Fee?

A resort fee is an additional charge that hotels and resorts add to your bill, separate from the room rate. It’s sometimes referred to as a “destination fee” or “amenity fee”. The purpose of this fee is to cover the cost of amenities and services that hotels provide beyond the standard room rate.

What Does the Resort Fee Cover?

The amenities covered by the resort fee vary depending on the hotel or resort. However, some common inclusions are:

  • Access to gym/fitness center
  • Parking
  • In-room Wi-Fi
  • Newspaper delivery
  • Pools and hot tubs
  • Towels for pool/beach
  • Concierge services
  • Bottled water in-room
  • Resort activities such as yoga classes or guided tours

It’s important to note that not all hotels provide these amenities for free. Some hotels charge for parking, Wi-Fi, or gym access separately. If these amenities are important to you, it’s worth comparing the total cost of different hotels before booking.

Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?

Hotels claim that resort fees allow them to keep room rates low while still providing guests with added value. The fees also allow them to advertise lower room rates which can make their hotel appear more affordable than competitors. Additionally, resort fees are not subject to the same taxes as room rates which means hotels can keep more of the revenue.

Can You Avoid Paying Resort Fees?

Unfortunately, in most cases, you cannot avoid paying resort fees. These fees are typically mandatory and are charged per night, per room. Even if you don’t plan on using any of the amenities covered by the fee, you will still be charged.

Conclusion

When booking a hotel or resort, it’s important to factor in the resort fee per accommodation when comparing prices. While this fee may seem like an unnecessary expense, it often covers amenities that may have been charged separately otherwise. Additionally, choosing a hotel with a resort fee may still be more cost-effective than one without once all expenses are considered.