Can You Dispute Resort Fees?

By Michael Ferguson

Have you ever checked into a hotel and noticed an additional daily fee on your bill called a “resort fee”? This is a common occurrence in many hotels and resorts, especially in popular vacation destinations. The resort fee is a mandatory fee that covers amenities such as the use of the pool, gym, Wi-Fi access, and other services that the hotel offers.

However, many guests are unaware of this additional charge until they check out and are presented with their final bill. This raises the question: Can you dispute resort fees?

The short answer is yes. You have every right to dispute resort fees if you believe that they were not properly disclosed or if you did not use any of the amenities covered by the resort fee. However, it’s important to understand that disputing resort fees can be a complicated process.

Firstly, when booking your hotel stay, make sure to read through all of the fine print and reviews carefully. Look for any mention of resort fees and what they cover. Some hotels may have language buried in their terms and conditions that could catch guests off-guard.

Secondly, if you notice a resort fee has been added to your bill upon check-in or during your stay, speak directly with the front desk staff. Ask them to explain what services are included in the fee and why it was added to your bill. If you haven’t used any of these services during your stay or feel like they weren’t properly disclosed when you booked your room, politely request that the fee be removed from your bill.

It’s important to remain calm and respectful throughout this process as hotel staff members are often just following company policy when charging these fees.

If speaking with hotel staff doesn’t result in a resolution, consider escalating the issue to management or contacting customer service after your stay has ended. Be prepared to provide evidence of any misrepresentation or lack of disclosure related to the resort fee.

In some cases, disputing a resort fee may not be successful, especially if the language in the hotel’s terms and conditions is clear about the fee. However, it’s always worth a try to avoid any unexpected charges on your bill.

In conclusion, resort fees are a common additional charge that can catch guests off-guard. While it is possible to dispute them, it’s important to read all of the fine print before booking your hotel stay and speak directly with hotel staff if you have any questions or concerns. By being proactive and respectful in your approach, you may be able to successfully have resort fees removed from your bill.