Are you planning a vacation to a resort or hotel anytime soon? If so, you may have come across resort fees.
These fees are additional charges added on top of the advertised room rate and are meant to cover amenities and services offered by the resort. But can you refuse to pay them? Let’s dive into the details.
Understanding Resort Fees
Resort fees are common in the hospitality industry and can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per night. They often include access to amenities such as Wi-Fi, parking, fitness centers, pools, and more. Some resorts also charge mandatory service fees for things like housekeeping and bellhop services.
Why Do Resorts Charge Resort Fees?
Resorts argue that these fees allow them to offer more amenities and services to guests without raising the room rates. They also claim that resort fees are necessary to cover the costs of maintaining these facilities.
However, critics argue that these fees are misleading and unfair as they make it difficult for travelers to compare prices when booking a hotel room. Additionally, some guests may not even use the amenities included in the resort fee or may prefer to pay for them separately.
Can You Refuse to Pay Resort Fees?
The short answer is no, you cannot refuse to pay resort fees. These fees are typically listed as mandatory in the fine print of your reservation agreement or on the hotel’s website.
If you try to dispute or refuse payment of these fees upon checkout, you may be met with resistance from hotel staff or risk having your credit card charged anyway. In extreme cases, refusing to pay resort fees could result in legal action being taken against you by the hotel.
How Can You Avoid Resort Fees?
While you cannot outright refuse payment of resort fees, there are some ways you can potentially avoid them:
- Look for hotels that do not charge resort fees.
- Join the loyalty program of your preferred hotel chain, as they may waive resort fees for members.
- Book through a travel agent or third-party website that includes resort fees in the total price upfront.
- Negotiate with the hotel at the time of booking to have the resort fee waived or lowered.
The Bottom Line
Resort fees can be frustrating and seem like an unnecessary expense. While you cannot refuse to pay them, you can take steps to potentially avoid them altogether. Ultimately, it’s important to read the fine print carefully before booking your next hotel stay and factor in any additional fees when budgeting for your trip.