When booking a hotel room, you may come across an additional charge called a resort fee. This fee is added to your daily room rate and is meant to cover the cost of amenities and services provided by the resort.
However, many travelers wonder if they can deny paying this fee. Let’s take a closer look at what resort fees are, what they cover, and whether or not you can refuse to pay them.
What are Resort Fees?
Resort fees are additional charges that hotels and resorts add to your daily room rate. They are intended to cover the cost of amenities and services that guests may use during their stay, such as Wi-Fi access, fitness centers, pool towels, and other facilities.
What do Resort Fees Cover?
Resort fees can vary greatly depending on the hotel or resort. Some may cover several amenities such as:
- Parking
- Pool access
- Fitness center access
- Wi-Fi
- Newspapers
- Tennis courts
- Beach chairs/umbrellas
While other resorts may only offer a few amenities for their resort fee.
Can You Refuse to Pay Resort Fees?
Unfortunately, in most cases, you cannot refuse to pay resort fees. These fees are typically included in the terms and conditions of your reservation and cannot be waived upon check-in. In many cases, if you refuse to pay the fee, you may be denied access to certain amenities at the resort.
Exceptions:
There are some instances where you may be able to have the resort fee waived:
- If you have elite status with the hotel’s loyalty program.
- If you book your stay with points or miles.
- If you negotiate with the hotel before making your reservation.
It’s important to note that these exceptions are not guaranteed and vary from hotel to hotel.
Conclusion
Resort fees are additional charges that can add up quickly during your stay. While it may be frustrating to pay for amenities you may not use, in most cases, you cannot refuse to pay these fees. However, it’s always worth checking with the hotel or resort beforehand to see if there are any exceptions or ways to negotiate the fee.