Why Am I Being Charged a Resort Fee?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a vacation or a business trip and noticed that your hotel bill includes an additional charge for resort fees? You are not alone.

Many people wonder why they are being charged a resort fee and what it covers. In this article, we will explore what resort fees are, why hotels charge them, and what you can do to avoid them.

What is a Resort Fee?

A resort fee is an additional charge that hotels add to your bill for the use of amenities and services such as Wi-Fi, pools, fitness centers, beach chairs, and more. These fees are usually charged per night and can range from a few dollars to over $50 per night.

Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?

Hotels charge resort fees to cover the cost of providing amenities and services to guests. The amenities provided by hotels require maintenance, staffing, and other expenses that need to be covered. By charging a resort fee, hotels can offset some of these costs.

Another reason why hotels charge resort fees is to keep their room rates competitive. Instead of raising their room rates to cover the cost of amenities, they add a separate fee so that their base room rate appears lower than competitors without sacrificing the quality of their services.

What Does a Resort Fee Cover?

The amenities covered by the resort fee vary from hotel to hotel. However, some common amenities included in most resorts include:

  • Access to fitness centers
  • Wi-Fi access
  • Pools
  • Parking
  • Beach chairs
  • Newspapers
  • Coffee makers in rooms

It’s essential to check with your hotel before booking to find out what specific amenities are included in their resort fee.

Can You Avoid Paying Resort Fees?

It is possible to avoid paying resort fees, but it requires some research and effort. Here are some ways to avoid resort fees:

  • Book a hotel that doesn’t charge resort fees
  • Join the hotel loyalty program and book directly with the hotel
  • Negotiate with the hotel before booking
  • Use travel rewards points to cover the cost of the resort fee

The Bottom Line

Resort fees are a common practice in the hotel industry, and hotels charge them to cover the cost of providing amenities and services to guests. While they may seem like an unnecessary expense, they can be avoided by doing your research and planning ahead. By understanding what resort fees are and how they work, you can make an informed decision about where to stay on your next trip.