If you’re planning a vacation, you may have come across resort fees. These are fees that hotels and resorts charge on top of their regular room rates.
They can range from a few dollars to over $50 per night, depending on the property. But, can you refuse to pay these resort fees? Let’s dive in and find out.
What are resort fees?
Resort fees are extra charges that hotels and resorts add to their daily room rates. They cover a variety of amenities and services that the property offers, such as Wi-Fi access, gym access, pool towels, and more. Some hotels also include mandatory gratuities in their resort fees.
Why do hotels charge resort fees?
Hotels charge resort fees for several reasons. One reason is to make up for the commissions they have to pay to online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia or Booking.com. These commissions can be as high as 25%, so hotels try to recoup some of those costs by charging resort fees.
Another reason is that hotels want to show lower room rates on online booking sites like TripAdvisor or Kayak. By separating out the cost of amenities into a separate fee, the hotel can advertise a lower room rate than its competitors.
Can you refuse to pay resort fees?
Technically, you can refuse to pay resort fees. However, most hotels will not let you check into your room unless you agree to pay them. Resort fees are usually listed in the fine print when you book your hotel room, so it’s essential to read all the terms and conditions before making your reservation.
Some travelers have tried disputing resort fee charges with their credit card companies or withholding payment until they check out. However, these tactics rarely work since most hotels require payment upfront before checking in.
What should I do if I don’t want to pay resort fees?
If you don’t want to pay resort fees, there are a few things you can do. First, try booking with hotels that don’t charge resort fees. These properties are becoming more common, so it’s worth doing some research before booking your next vacation.
Another option is to negotiate with the hotel when you check-in. Politely explain that you were not aware of the resort fee when you made your reservation and ask if they can waive it. Some hotels may be willing to work with you, especially if you’re a loyal customer or have a special circumstance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, resort fees are an extra expense that travelers should be aware of when booking their hotel rooms. While it’s technically possible to refuse to pay them, it’s not recommended since most hotels won’t let you check into your room without paying them.
Instead, consider booking with hotels that don’t charge resort fees or negotiating with the hotel when you check-in. Remember to read all terms and conditions carefully before making your reservation so that there are no surprises when it comes time to pay your bill.