If you have ever stayed at a resort, you may have noticed an additional charge on your bill labeled “resort fee”. This fee can range anywhere from $10 to $50 per day and covers amenities such as pool access, gym access, and even Wi-Fi. While these fees can be frustrating for travelers who are already paying a premium for their stay, the good news is that they may be negotiable.
What are Resort Fees?
Resort fees are daily charges that hotels and resorts add to your bill on top of the advertised room rate. These fees are intended to cover the cost of amenities such as gym access, pool access, beach chairs, Wi-Fi, and other services offered by the hotel. They are often mandatory and non-negotiable.
Can Resort Fees Be Waived?
The short answer is yes, resort fees can be waived. However, it largely depends on the specific hotel or resort policy.
Some hotels may offer to waive resort fees for guests who book directly with them or for loyalty program members. In some cases, if you have a valid reason for not using any of the amenities covered by the resort fee, you may be able to negotiate with the hotel to waive it.
Tips for Negotiating Resort Fees
If you want to try negotiating your resort fee with a hotel or resort, here are some tips that may help:
- Book directly with the hotel: Hotels may be more willing to waive resort fees if you book directly with them instead of through a third-party booking site.
- Join loyalty programs: Many hotels offer loyalty programs that provide perks such as room upgrades and waived resort fees.
- Explain why you don’t need the amenities: If you don’t plan on using any of the amenities covered by the resort fee (such as pool access or gym access), explain this to the hotel and see if they are willing to waive the fee.
- Be polite: Remember that the hotel staff is just doing their job, so be polite and respectful when negotiating.
Conclusion
Resort fees can be an annoying additional expense when staying at a hotel or resort. However, with some negotiation and strategic booking, it is possible to have them waived. Remember to always check the hotel’s policy before booking and don’t be afraid to ask for a waiver if you have a valid reason.